Kansas City Royals Begin Extension Discussions with Danny Duffy
By David Hill
The Kansas City Royals have been searching for an ace to front their rotation since the days of Zack Greinke. They may have found it with Danny Duffy.
Danny Duffy has been an important part of the Kansas City Royals success over the past three seasons. Bouncing between the starting rotation and the bullpen, Duffy has gone from being an enigmatic pitcher with a great deal of talent, but questionable ability to control his emotions, to the possible ace of the Royals. That transformation has been impressive to watch.
While the Royals have been looking for an ace to front their rotation, the solution may have been right there before them. Given his impressive start to the 2016 campaign, where Duffy was 11-1 with a 2.66 ERA and a 1.010 WHiP, striking out 147 batters in 138.2 innings before he tired, the lefty would certainly fit the profile.
The Royals appear to be in agreement. According to Jeffrey Flanagan, the Royals and Duffy have begun talks on a contract extension. While nothing appears to be eminent, and the talks have yet to progress beyond the preliminary stage, there is mutual interest in the extension on both sides.
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Such a move could provide the Royals with some badly needed financial flexibility. With ten players eligible for arbitration, including Duffy, the Royals will see their payroll increase. Even though both Kendrys Morales and Edinson Volquez declined their mutual options, raises for players like Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer, along with the options on Wade Davis and Alcides Escobar being picked up, could put the Royals right near their spending limit.
In signing Duffy to a long term deal, they have the option to backload the contract. This way, the Royals could have the ability to supplement the 2017 roster, while absorbing the majority of Duffy’s salary when their more expensive players would be off the books.
This would be a move that makes sense for both sides. The Royals could, conceivably, get their ace at a reasonable price without having to dip into free agency. Duffy, meanwhile, would have the financial security of knowing that he has a guaranteed contract, even if the worst was to happen. Likewise, given his statements of how he wants to stay with the Royals long term, an extension would make that happen.
Next: The Phillies bullpen rebuild begins
The Kansas City Royals need an ace to build around. By starting extension talks with Danny Duffy, they may feel that they have located that front of the rotation starter.