- Thu Jan 23, 2025 8:55 am
#4578
As we gear up for the 2025 season, the Kansas City Royals' bullpen is shaping up to be a hot topic of discussion. After a tumultuous couple of years, the front office has made strides to bolster this critical area of the team. With several intriguing candidates vying for spots, it begs the question: what will the Royals' bullpen look like come Opening Day?
Lucas Erceg has emerged as a standout after his mid-season trade, boasting impressive stats that suggest he could be the best relief arm the Royals have seen since Wade Davis. But can he maintain this level of performance? Is he the real deal, or are we looking at a potential regression?
Then we have the locks: Hunter Harvey, John Schreiber, and Chris Stratton. Each brings a unique skill set, but can they be relied upon in high-leverage situations? Stratton's struggles last season raise concerns—will he bounce back, or is it time for the Royals to cut ties if he falters again?
And what about the probable returners like Sam Long and Angel Zerpa? Both had solid seasons, but can they replicate that success? With Long out of options, the pressure is on him to prove he belongs in the big leagues.
The potential starters—Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, Michael Lorenzen, Alec Marsh, and Kyle Wright—add another layer of complexity. Should the Royals consider moving some of these arms to the bullpen to maximize their effectiveness? Bubic's transition back from injury is particularly fascinating; should he remain a reliever or return to starting duties?
Let’s not forget the minor leaguers and non-roster invitees who are looking to make their mark. Who among them has the potential to surprise us and earn a spot in the bullpen?
As we dive into this discussion, I want to hear your thoughts. How would you line up the Royals' bullpen to start the season? Who do you think will emerge as the key players, and what bold predictions do you have for their performance? Will the Royals finally have a reliable bullpen, or are we in for another rollercoaster ride? Let's get the conversation rolling!
Lucas Erceg has emerged as a standout after his mid-season trade, boasting impressive stats that suggest he could be the best relief arm the Royals have seen since Wade Davis. But can he maintain this level of performance? Is he the real deal, or are we looking at a potential regression?
Then we have the locks: Hunter Harvey, John Schreiber, and Chris Stratton. Each brings a unique skill set, but can they be relied upon in high-leverage situations? Stratton's struggles last season raise concerns—will he bounce back, or is it time for the Royals to cut ties if he falters again?
And what about the probable returners like Sam Long and Angel Zerpa? Both had solid seasons, but can they replicate that success? With Long out of options, the pressure is on him to prove he belongs in the big leagues.
The potential starters—Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, Michael Lorenzen, Alec Marsh, and Kyle Wright—add another layer of complexity. Should the Royals consider moving some of these arms to the bullpen to maximize their effectiveness? Bubic's transition back from injury is particularly fascinating; should he remain a reliever or return to starting duties?
Let’s not forget the minor leaguers and non-roster invitees who are looking to make their mark. Who among them has the potential to surprise us and earn a spot in the bullpen?
As we dive into this discussion, I want to hear your thoughts. How would you line up the Royals' bullpen to start the season? Who do you think will emerge as the key players, and what bold predictions do you have for their performance? Will the Royals finally have a reliable bullpen, or are we in for another rollercoaster ride? Let's get the conversation rolling!
- By Anonymous