Kansas City Royals: Danny Duffy Has Arrived
By David Hill
Danny Duffy has arguably been the Kansas City Royals best pitcher this season. In his stellar outing last night, he officially arrived as the team’s top starter.
Over the past few years, the Kansas City Royals have been searching for a staff ace. Since trading Zack Greinke, they had high hopes for various young arms, none of whom ever became that top of the rotation starter. James Shields was brought in to be that ace, and while he was solid for both years he was in Kansas City, he was more of a glorified second starter. Yordano Ventura just has not developed as hoped. What are the Royals to do?
Well, that quest to find a top of the rotation starter may be over. Danny Duffy, the enigmatic southpaw who has bounced between the bullpen and the rotation over the past three years, may have established himself as that desperately needed ace that the Royals could potentially build their rotation around.
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Last night, Duffy may have added the exclamation point to his claim to being the Royals newest ace. In tying Clayton Kershaw for the highest game score of the season at 95, he dominated the Rays, allowing only one hit and one walk, striking out a Royals record 16 batters in eight innings. This comes after a six start run where he was 4-0 with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.024 WHiP, striking out 39 batters against six walks in 42 innings of work.
Perhaps more important than the individual statistics is the fact that the Royals have won each of those starts. Given their struggles this season, having that pitcher who can stop the bleeding and potential help begin a winning streak can make a huge difference. Duffy, at least in the past month, has been exactly that.
Eligible for free agency after the 2018 season, Duffy may be a target for an extension. In striking now, they would certainly carry a bit of risk, especially given his bouts of inconsistency in his career. Yet, when he attacks the zone and trusts his stuff, Duffy has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the American League. Could it be that, in this latest run, he has finally put everything together and is on the cusp of being that starter the Royals have been seeking?
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Depending on the cost, the Kansas City Royals could have a prime extension candidate in Danny Duffy. Considering that he appears to be on the way to being the top of the rotation starter they need, the Royals may want to act quickly.