Kansas City Royals: Jason Adam traded to the Blue Jays

The Kansas City Royals have announced via Twitter that they traded Jason Adam to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash.

Jason Adam was a fifth round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals back in 2010. He was traded away earlier in his career, but things came full circle as he re-joined the organization during the 2017 season, and debuted in the majors in 2018.

The Royals have now shrunk their camp down by another player as Opening Day nears. Adam pitched quite a bit out of the bullpen last season, but the improvements to the bullpen this off-season left him without a true role, or potential role, on the pitching staff.

Multi-Trade Player

This is the second time that Adam has been dealt in his career, both times by the Kansas City Royals. He reached Triple A in 2014 as a starting pitcher, but things changed quickly after the trade occurred.

He was dealt in that 2014 season to the Minnesota Twins in return for Josh Willingham. Adam appeared twice for his new organization during that season, making one start where he allowed four hits and no runs over four innings of work. That would be his last start, at least so far.

Adam ultimately elected free agency after the 2016 season and signed with the San Diego Padres. He pitched there until his release in August of 2017, when he signed on once again with the Royals.

MLB Time

It was last year when the 26 year old Adam made his MLB debut. He actually wound up debuting with the team that drafted him, it just was not a direct route to make the Kansas City Royals roster.

Adam was worth a -0.3 bWAR last year in 31 appearances with the Royals. He pitched 32.1 innings with an ERA over six and a 37/15 K/BB ratio.

Role With The Blue Jays

He wound up being a non-roster invite for the Kansas City Royals, which means he does not fall onto the Blue Jays 40-man roster. That means a likely start in the minors for the righty. However, there is a lot that can happen.

For example, another former Royal is taking up a 40-man roster spot but might not for long. Elvis Luciano was a Rule 5 pick who is posting an ERA over 10 at Spring Training. Should Toronto want to part with him, then a spot opens. And Kansas City gets a pitcher with a bright future back. File that under doubtful, but possible.

Hopefully there is opportunity for Adam in his new organization. The Kansas City Royals dealt him for cash because he really had no immediate future with the club. New team, new chance. Best of luck to Jason Adam!