The Kansas City Royals have made some big moves this offseason, strengthening their starting rotation with the additions of Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. Currently, their rotation is solidified, with Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, and Jordan Lyles completing the starting five. However, one must consider whether Jordan Lyles truly is the best choice for the Royals’ fifth starter or if there are other potential options worth exploring.
The Royals’ rotation has some promising arms, but the competition for the 5th starter position is ongoing. Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo are anticipated to take charge of the rotation, with a group of talented young pitchers like Cole Ragans and Brady Singer following closely behind. Other potential candidates could also be considered to fill the fifth spot, despite Jordan Lyles being a reliable choice.
Based on the 2024 projections from Fangraphs, Jordan Lyles is expected to have 26 appearances in the upcoming season. He is predicted to have six wins and 13 losses, pitching a total of 144.3 innings. According to Lyles’ projected statistics, he is expected to have a strikeout rate of 6.49 per nine innings, a walk rate of 2.99 per nine innings, and a home run rate of 1.62 per nine innings. According to the projections, he is expected to have a batting average against him of .300 and a ground ball rate of 65.1%. It’s worth mentioning that the FIP is projected to be 5.61, the ERA is 5.26, and the WAR is 0.6. In the 2024 season, we can gain valuable insights into Jordan Lyles’ potential contributions to the Royals’ pitching staff through these projections, which could be better.
The Royals have impressive pitching depth, boasting promising prospects such as Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa, and Alec Marsh, who are all eager to showcase their skills. The competition is intense, and a standout performance in spring training could earn them a spot in the starting rotation or secure a place in the bullpen. Given the current roster configuration, the Royals are open to considering options in the free agent market or potential trades to acquire a seasoned 5th starter. Some notable names are still available in the market, such as Mike Clevinger, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Michael Lorenzen, Johnny Cueto, and Brandon Woodruff.
These players could be attractive alternatives to Jordan Lyles. The Royals also handle their bullpen, as Will Smith, Chris Stratton, and Nick Anderson make up the back end. The competition for middle-inning roles brings an additional dimension to the decision-making process. The success and well-being of pitchers in both the rotation and bullpen will significantly impact determining the final roster.
As the Royals approach the upcoming season, the fifth starter position remains a topic of interest. The intense competition within the organization and the presence of seasoned pitchers in the market indicate that the Royals may have yet to fully commit to Jordan Lyles as the ultimate answer. Over the next six weeks, during spring training, we’ll glimpse how the team handles this crucial decision-making process. The Royals’ pitching strategy is one to watch as they decide whether to stick with Lyles or explore other options before the season opener.
