KC Royals: 4 realistic targets for an innings-eating starter

Mike Clevenger is a familiar foe, but could help the Royals rotation.

Mike Clevenger has been a pitcher for three teams since 2020, but he is well-traveled for his ability to be a reliable veteran at worst and a top-half starter at best. The Royals signing him is far from splashy, but it gives the team a contributor at least.

Clevinger, like Putko, spent several years with Cleveland and pitched last season for the Chicago White Sox. He declined a $12 million mutual option with Chicago, making him a free agent this offseason. It is good timing for Clevinger, who will be 33 on Opening Day. He is a prime candidate for a two- or three-year deal after a resurgent season in Chicago.

Clevinger made 24 starts for the White Sox, pitching 131 1/3 innings with a 3.77 ERA and 1.226 WHIP. He likely would have been moved at the trade deadline, if not for biceps inflammation landing him on the IL on June 16. The White Sox even placed Clevinger on waivers after he returned; that is how much they were in lose-now mode.

Clevinger pitched two complete games last season, one fewer than Lyles. His strikeout ability is not what it once was, but he limits walks and averages 5 2/3 innings per start. It is hard to believe he pitched in 200 1/3 innings back in 2018, but his 2023 total was his highest since then. Clevinger will likely want an annual salary comparable to his declined option. The Royals shouldn't make Clevinger their splashy move, but they could do far worse than add Clevinger as a mid-rotation pitcher.

Lucas Giolito is the high-ceiling move that Kansas City could flip at the trade deadline.

Lucas Giolito appeared to be a top-tier talent in the free-agent market last year. However, following a disappointing 2023 season, the right-handed pitcher is currently struggling and needs to turn things around. Is it possible that a low-pressure, high-paying situation in Kansas City could help him get back on track?

Giolito is another former AL Central foe, spending seven seasons with the White Sox and part of 2023 with the Guardians. His journey from Chicago to Cleveland was windy, one that saw him fall from a top trade target to the waivers. He was a solid second to ace Dylan Cease in Chicago, but the team was far from contending this summer. They offloaded the pending free agent to the Los Angeles Angels, where CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson called Giolito "the best player who will be dealt this deadline." Giolito had a 3.79 ERA at that point, with 21 starts and a 3.12 K/BB ratio.

The Angels signaled they were all-in before Shohei Ohtani hit free agency, but Giolito went down in flames. He made six starts for the Angels, sporting a 6.89 ERA and 1.469 WHIP in that span. With Los Angeles out of the playoff picture, they placed Giolito on waivers. The Guardians picked him up, and Giolito made six more starts for Cleveland. His time there was even worse, as he posted a 7.04 ERA and 1.5 WHIP for the Guardians.

At 29 years old, Giolito is at an interesting career juncture. He can either settle for a diminished contract, but with multiple years of commitment, or opt for a one-year "prove it" deal to regain value. He still has value, averaging 31 starts and 175 innings pitched in the past three seasons. Surrendering home runs is his Achilles heel, so joining a team with a pitcher-friendly home park makes sense. Could Kauffman be that haven for Giolito to regain value?

Another factor is does Giolito wants to hitch his wagon to a single contender. The Royals are likely to be sellers once again next summer, where they could send Giolito to any team. That flexibility could benefit Giolito if the Royals want to work with him and his representation. Just a thought.

Martín Pérez needs a new home. Could it be Kauffman?

After winning a World Series with the Texas Rangers, Martín Pérez may be looking to cash in on one more multi-year deal. After some regression in 2023, the Royals should at least inquire about the starter.

Pérez was an All-Star in 2022 but did not return to that form in 2023. He was the odd man out once the Rangers traded for Jordan Montgomery and Max Scherzer at the trade deadline. He was very good in relief down the stretch, making 15 appearances out of the bullpen with a 2.70 ERA and a 3 K/BB ratio. But the real money is in the rotation. That is where Pérez is a cheap rotational piece with much to work on.

Pérez made 20 starts for the Rangers last year, with a 4.98 ERA and 69 strikeouts to 41 walks. Those numbers reflect more of a fourth or fifth starter than an upper-half option, but the Royals need to look far and wide for pitching help. He also offers the innings-eating help Kansas City needs, averaging 151 innings pitched in the past three seasons. Pérez could be a double-edged addition, as Kansas City lacks long-relief options out of the bullpen. Most of his bullpen appearances this season were multiple innings, so there is that dynamic.

SportsDFW's Tyler Maher linked Pérez to the Detroit Tigers, citing the team's need for a left-handed starter. The same applies to the Royals, with Daniel Lynch IV missing most of last season and Kris Bubic still recovering from Tommy John surgery. This is a low-ceiling signing, but it would improve the pitching staff nonetheless.