Kansas City Royals: Making the case, Tigers free agents

The Kansas City Royals could use some good arms in the rotation and bullpen while they work their group of young studs through the upper minors and eventually big league roster.

Tyson Ross, P

2014 and 2015 were good years for Tyson Ross as he made an All-Star game appearance and posted FIPs of 3.24 and 2.98 for the San Diego Padres. Injuries befell the starter in 2016 as his only start came on Opening Day.  He did not rebound quickly only appearing in 12 games for 2017 and was a shell of his former self.  ’18 was somewhat of a comeback year in that he did manage to start 23 games and produce back of the rotation numbers.

Trying to revive his career in Detroit last seven starts and a woeful 6.11 ERA with another injury.  Although only 32 years old and probably available for a small salary, Ross does not appear to be a piece the Kansas City Royals should add.

Verdict: Pass

Matt Moore, P

I know Kansas City fans are excited to see the name Matt Moore, but from a baseball perspective is he a good addition?  This Matt Moore made a name for himself in Tampa Bay stringing together a couple of nice seasons before suffering from the injury bug.  He then spent time with the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers putting up unfriendly numbers.

A nice rebound seemed to be in order as during his first two starts Moore gave up zero runs, struck out nine and only allowed one walk and three hits.  However, he left the second start with a torn meniscus and that cost him the rest of the season.  He signed a very club-friendly one year deal at $2.5 million but teams must still give pause to his recent history and injuries.

For a Kansas City Royals club struggling to find any consistency in the bullpen and starters, Moore could fill one of those voids.  And if it worked for the Chiefs, maybe the addition will work for the Royals.

Verdict: Pursue

Edwin Jackson, P

Edwin Jackson has been firing baseballs in the major leagues since 2003 playing for an unbelievable 14 teams and over half of those he lasted one season or less.  He had a decent year with the Oakland A’s in 2018 going 6-3 with a 3.33 ERA over 17 starts.

That success did not carry over to 2019 as a 1-5, 11.12 ERA was earned with the Toronto Blue Jays and only slightly improved to 2-5, 8.47 ERA in Motown.  Jackson will be heading into his year 36 season in 2020 and as desperate as the Kansas City Royals may be for hurlers, this would not turn out well.

Verdict: Pass