3 players in the World Series that the KC Royals should target in free agency this offseason

Sean M. Haffey/GettyImages
3 of 3

LAD Walker Buehler, LHP

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler throws a pitch against the New York Mets.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Granted, things haven't gone well for Walker Buehler since he returned from his second Tommy John surgery this season, but that doesn't mean an offseason throwing program won't have him returning to his once-dominant form.

Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo sit atop the Royals' rotation, but beyond that, there are questions. Will Michael Wacha resign, will Brady Singer be traded, and is Alec Marsh ready to take on an entire season as part of the rotation?

Buehler is 1-6 through 16 starts, averaging 4.2 innings per start. He did post a 2.3 strikeout to walk ratio, but had an ERA of 5.38.

However, Buehler is a ground ball pitcher with a high strikeout rate and low walk percentage. While his strikeout rate was down to 18.6% and walk percentage up to 8.1%, his career rates are still among baseball's best. It could be a high-risk, high-reward gamble, but the Royals should consider it.

Schedule