6 times the KC Royals fleeced MLB teams in cash consideration trades

Mike Armstrong
Traded by San Diego Padres on April 4, 1982

Keeping with the relievers, Mike Armstrong was another workhorse out of the bullpen. The Royals brought the New York native to the Midwest in 1982, where he had a good two-year run.

During his time with the Royals, Armstrong was known as a very dependable reliever. In 1982, he recorded five wins and five losses with a respectable 3.20 ERA and 75 strikeouts across a career-high 112⅔ innings. The following year, he improved his performance, achieving ten wins and seven losses in 58 appearances, marking career highs in wins and games. His overall statistics with the Royals were impressive, with a 15-12 win-loss record and a 3.51 ERA in 110 games.

Armstrong has a strong connection to one of the most notorious Royals games ever. He was the winning pitcher against the New York Yankees in the infamous Pine Tar Game. He pitched two innings in relief, setting up Dan Quisenberry for the eventual save.

Armstrong's career with the Kansas City Royals is remembered for his reliability and effectiveness as a reliever. His ability to log significant innings and maintain a solid ERA contributed to the team's bullpen strength during his tenure. He gave his best and most to Kansas City, logging 64% of his career innings in a Royals uniform.