Kansas City Royals add perfect piece with Brad Boxberger

The Kansas City Royals made the perfect signing to shore up their bullpen while getting their young core ready.

To say that the Kansas City Royals bullpen was a disaster in 2018 would be a bit of an understatement. Thanks to the likes of Brandon Maurer, Blaine Boyer, and Justin Grimm, amongst other culprits, Kansas City had the second worst bullpen ERA in the majors, better than only the Marlins. So far, their solution to the bullpen this offseason has been to let Grimm and Maurer go, while signing lottery tickets like Michael Ynoa. Those are not the types of moves that would lead anyone to think that bullpen Cerberus of 2014 is about to make a return.

On Wednesday, the Royals made the type of move that could help the bullpen, both this year and over the long term. They have agreed to terms with Brad Boxberger on a one year deal worth $2.2 million, with the potential for another $1 million in incentives.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Boxberger brings a wealth of experience in various roles to the Royals. While he has primarily functioned as a setup man throughout his career, Boxberger has two years as a closer to his credit. His first stint in the role, with the Rays, led to an All Star berth and an AL leading 41 saves. Last year, back in that role with the Diamondbacks, was not quite as successful. Nonetheless, he posted 32 saves, despite a 4.39 ERA and a 1.425 WHiP, inflated by his 32 walks in 52.1 innings.

If he can overcome those control issues, Boxberger is well worth the contract for the Royals. Over his seven years in the majors, he has posted a career 3.42 ERA and a 1.280 WHiP, striking out 368 batters against 145 walks in 289.1 innings. If he can get back to his career norms, the Royals have a steal.

Adding Boxberger also has other benefits. Wily Peralta, the closer at the end of 2018, is back, but is hardly a given in the ninth inning. Youngsters like Richard Lovelady and Kyle Zimmer could be vying for roles in the bullpen this year. Having Boxberger on the staff, not just as an option for the ninth inning, but as a veteran mentor, can go a long way towards the Royals building the type of bullpen they had become known for once again.

The Kansas City Royals have made a shrewd signing with Brad Boxberger. Even though it is a one year deal, his presence may be felt for the long term.