Kansas City Royals have intriguing option with Clay Buchholz
By David Hill
The Kansas City Royals have added an interesting option for the starting rotation, provided he can remain healthy.
It had been a quiet offseason for the Kansas City Royals. As they waited for Eric Hosmer to make his decision, the Royals were in a holding pattern, moving some salary off the books, but otherwise doing nothing. However, that has changed in the past few weeks, with Lucas Duda, Jon Jay, and Mike Moustakas all being added to the roster.
Those additions have continued. Yesterday, the Royals added to their rotation, signing Clay Buchholz to a minor league contract. If he makes the majors, he can earn $1.5 million, with up to $250,000 in incentives. Buchholz also has an opt-out for May 1, should be not be added to the major league roster.
Clay Buchholz will earn $1.5 million if on #Royals big league roster with $250,000 in incentives
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 19, 2018
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Buchholz is certainly an intriguing option in Kansas City. He has had moments of brilliance, making two All Star Games. In 2013, he posted a 12-1 record with a 1.74 ERA and a 1.025 WHiP, as he was easily one of the better pitchers in the league when on the mound. However, that caveat is important, as Buchholz made only 16 starts that season.
Health has always been a struggle for the talented starter. During the 11 years that he has been in the majors, Buchholz has never started 30 games in a season. In fact, he has only made more than 25 starts in a season three times. Those injury woes ruined his 2017 campaign, as he allowed ten runs and 19 baserunners in his 7.1 innings with the Phillies.
If healthy, Buchholz could find his way into the fifth starter conversation. Obviously, as he has signed this late, he would need to work his way back into game shape, likely starting the season in the minors. Even then, should he have a strong performance in Ohama, Buchholz could supplant the potential fifth starter in Kansas City, be it Eric Skoglund, Trevor Oaks, or Scott Barlow.
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The Kansas City Royals have made another low risk signing by bringing in Clay Buchholz. If he can stay healthy, he could be a nice addition for the coming year.