Brad Boxberger was not going to be Always Royal. On Wednesday, his disappointing tenure with the Kansas City Royals came to an end.
When the Kansas City Royals signed Brad Boxberger to a one year contract, the expectation was that he would be flipped at the trade deadline. He had been a solid reliever throughout most of his career, serving well as a setup option or a closer. Instead, Boxberger struggled almost from the moment he put on a Royals uniform, dashing the hopes that he could bring back a respectable prospect at the deadline.
Boxberger’s time in Kansas City has come to an end before anyone would have expected. On Wednesday, Boxberger was designated for assignment, with Tim Hill being brought back up to attempt to stabilize the bullpen.
Also, Royals DFA Brad Boxberger and recall Tim Hill.
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) June 26, 2019
An Opening Day save, Boxberger’s only one of the season, proved to be one of his few highlights on the year. In his 26.2 innings, he posted a 5.40 ERA and a 1.575 WHiP, striking out 27 batters and issuing 17 walks.
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When healthy, there was a time when Boxberger was one of the better relievers in the game. During his tenure with the Rays, the former All Star posted a 3.33 ERA and a 1.191 WHiP in 181.1 innings, striking out 240 batters with 84 walks. He led the AL with 41 saves in 2015, while typically providing the type of dominance one looks for from a late inning arm.
That former level of success could make Boxberger an intriguing free agent. While he may not be the player that he had been just two seasons ago, that track record could be enough to entice several teams. Given how many teams are looking for bullpen help, Boxberger could be worth a look.
By designating Boxberger for assignment, the Royals have cut loose a second player that they had inked to a one year deal this offseason, presumably with the hopes that they would be able to flip them at the deadline. Instead, Boxberger joins Chris Owings as another disappointment from this offseason.
The Kansas City Royals are moving on from Brad Boxberger. Their mediocre offseason has gotten worse in retrospect.