Kansas City Royals interest in Adam Wainwright is misguided

The Kansas City Royals may not be done with their offseason shopping list, as they are reportedly interested in signing Adam Wainwright.

The Kansas City Royals have been a bright spot in a slow moving offseason. They have been active in free agency, upgrading their pitching staff and improving their lineup. Despite that flurry of activity, the Royals have stated that they are still looking for upgrades, especially as they intend on competing in 2021.

To that end, the Royals reportedly have their eyes on another arm for the rotation. According to Jon Morosi, Kansas City is looking to bring Adam Wainwright west.

Although Wainwright has spent his entire major league career in St. Louis, he does have a degree of familiarity with the Royals. Mike Matheny was his manager for over six years with the Cardinals. General manager Dayton Moore was a part of the Braves front office when Wainwright was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2000 MLB Draft.

At 39 years old, Wainwright would not be a piece for the future in Kansas City. The Royals would hope that he could replicate his 2020 campaign, where he posted a 3.15 ERA and a 1.051 WHiP, striking out 54 batters against 15 walks in his 65.2 innings.

Based on his recent performance, last season appears to be an aberration. Wainwright had produced a 4.58 ERA and a 1.438 WHiP in his 534 innings, posting an ERA+ of 90. The 2020 campaign has to be taken with a degree of skepticism anyway due to the shorter season, but that is particularly the case with Wainwright.

In theory, Wainwright would have his uses for the Royals. He would be another veteran mentor for a young pitching staff, someone that has been through the postseason battles and knows how to win. The question is whether or not there is enough left in the tank to help the Royals win in 2021.

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly interested in Adam Wainwright. They should not place much stock in his 2020 performance and consider other options.