Ranking free agent relief pitchers for KC Royals to target heading into 2025

With the recent re-signing of Michael Wacha, the Kansas City Royals appear to have locked in their starting rotation for 2025 — but that doesn't mean the team is finished signing pitchers. The Royals' bullpen still needs some rather urgent attention before next season, and there are multiple free agent relievers that should be considered.

In 2024, the Royals bullpen ranked 20th in MLB with a combined ERA of 4.13, 23rd in WHIP at 1.33, and 30th — dead last — in strikeouts with 463. The acquisition of Lucas Erceg on July 30 provided a bright spot in the otherwise shaky relief corps, and now, the team needs to prioritize bolstering the bullpen around their new star closer.

Let's look at the top free agent relievers for the Royals to target this winter, ranking them from fourth to first.

4. Kirby Yates, RHP

After stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Atlanta Braves, Kirby Yates signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers before the 2024 season. He became a free agent on October 31, and Sportrac projects he'll secure a one-year, $6 million deal this winter, which would make the right-hander a very budget-friendly option for the Royals.

In 2024, Yates posted a 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 33 saves, and 85 strikeouts in 61 innings of work. His ERA and WHIP were the best of his 10-season career in the majors, and according to Baseball Savant, he ranked in the 98% percentile of all MLB pitchers in strikeout rate.

Yates will turn 38 before Opening Day, but his 2024 stats prove that he's a long way from falling off. He could slot into the Royals' bullpen as a set-up man for Erceg, or a high-leverage reliever for other late-inning situations.