Kansas City Royals taking a flier on Homer Bailey

When it comes to signing players in hope that they can revitalize their careers, there are lottery tickets, long shots, and dartboard throws. The Kansas City Royals have gone beyond that framework in signing Homer Bailey.

There had been a time when Homer Bailey looked like a potential top of the rotation arm for the Cincinnati Reds, The former top prospect appeared to have developed into the pitcher that he had been projected to become, a workhorse that had fired two no hitters over the previous season and was about to fulfill his potential. The Reds signed him to a six year extension worth $105 million prior to the start of the 2014 campaign, hoping that they had their ace locked in for the rest of the decade.

While 2014 began with promise, the Reds soon came to regret that contract. Bailey was ravaged with injuries, undergoing Tommy John surgery and becoming a shell of the pitcher he once was. From the start of 2015, Bailey posted a 9-27 record, with a 6.25 ERA and a 1.683 WHiP, one of the worst pitchers in the game.

However, the Reds were able to rid themselves of his contract, sending Bailey, along with prospects Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray, as part of a salary dump to the Dodgers. THe Reds got better, adding Alex Wood, Matt Kemp, and Yasiel Puig, while Bailey was released approximately a hour after the trade was official.

His stature as a former top prospect will still lead to teams giving him a shot, in the hope that he can rediscover that form that had made him a potential top of the rotation starter. The Kansas City Royals have done just that, signing Bailey to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

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

Chances are, this signing will amount to nothing. Bailey will end up as a depth option, potentially in AAA, as he looks to rebuild his career. If he has a strong showing in Spring Training, it is possible that the pitching starved Royals will give Bailey the opportunity to break camp with the major league club.

These are the types of longshots that a team like the Royals can make. They are not expected to contend this season, and instead, will be focusing on building up their core for the future. But, if a player like Bailey can somehow pan out and find some semblance of competence once again, then he could net a return at the trade deadline.

Otherwise, if Bailey does prove to be the dumpster fire that he has been over the past four seasons with the Reds, it is easy enough for the Royals to move on. Bailey has already made $30 million this season without throwing a pitch, as he Dodgers paid him his $25 million salary, and a $5 million buyout for next year, to make the aforementioned trio of Kemp, Puig, and Wood go away. The Royals, should Bailey make the major league roster, would only be on the hook for the league minimum.

The Kansas City Royals have the perfect longshot in Homer Bailey. Even if he never returns to his previous form, they really are not risking much.