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

As MLB's Winter Meetings begin this week, KC Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said they are focused on "addressing the pitching" issues remaining. The team can take many different routes to fix inarguably their biggest weaknesses ahead of Opening Day. Many options remain, but MLB.com's Anne Rogers gave more insight into how the Royals will attack their pitching woes.

The priority for the Royals is starting pitching, and they are willing to trade for a controllable starter or commit dollars in free agency for one. They’re looking for not only a pitcher who can give them innings, but also a No. 1 or No. 2 who can help solidify the rotation.

Free agency still boasts some elite starting pitching options, such as Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell. There is a free-agency tier that feels laughable to put the Royals in contention for any top talent. This fanbase is very pessimistic about Kansas City making a splash move, and rightfully so. The most communication the fanbase has heard regarding the Royals is connected back to the stadium saga, rather than improving the on-field product.

The KC Royals need to rejuvenate their team and fanbase this offseason.

Back to the matter at hand. The Royals signed Jordan Lyles last offseason with hopes of him being a veteran innings eater, landing in the middle of the rotation. That did not go to plan, but Lyles still led the team in innings pitched and his 177 2/3 innings ranked 30th among MLB pitchers. His 1.244 WHIP was respectable, but everyone will remember his 6-17 record and 6.28 ERA.

The Royals should protect their bullpen and younger starters by targeting a veteran. If the Royals prioritize a player's track record of going deep into games, here are some names that come to mind.

Adam Plutko is abroad, but the Royals could bring him back stateside.

Let's get this one out of the way. If fans recognize the name Adam Plutko, it is likely from his five-year run with the Cleveland Guardians and Baltimore Orioles. He left MLB after the 2021 season but has had two great seasons with the LG Twins. He made 21 starts this past season for the KBO champions with an 11-3 record, 2.41 ERA, and 1.184 WHIP.

The KBO is hardly equal to MLB competition, but he still averaged nearly six innings per start. He also averaged a 2.3 BB/9 and nearly stuck out (101) as many batters as hits he allowed (115). He was hardly dominant in the bullpen or as a starter, but Pluko is stretched out as a starter coming from a winning team. These players coming back from the KBO are usually available on the cheap, which is right up the Royals' alley.

NY Post columnist Jon Heyman reported that Plutko is eyeing an MLB return. That report also coincides with a soured relationship between Plutko and LG fans following the 2023 season. He has proven himself abroad. The Royals have a need and frugalness to consider a player like Plutko.

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.