Kansas City Royals: What’s on their 2022 post-lockout to-do list
By Eric Treuden
The Kansas City Royals should sign Carlos Martinez
Carlos Martinez, 30, is entering his first career trip to free agency. The longtime St. Louis Cardinal is a two-time All Star and is still a capable starting pitcher who would become one of the Royals’ top starters immediately.
“C-Mart” debuted with the Cardinals back in 2013 and has functioned in a multitude of roles over the years. Primarily a starting pitcher, various injuries in 2018 and 2019 forced Martinez to the bullpen to lighten the load on his arm. Earning a shot as the club’s closer, Martinez put up a total of 5 saves in ’18 and 24 in ’19 and a 1.47 ERA in 2018 and 3.17 ERA in the next season.
After struggling in the COVID-shortened 2020 and in the 2021 campaign, Carlos Martinez’s value is at an all time low and the Royals should pounce. In 2021, Martinez pitched in 80+ innings over 16 starts, putting up a 6.23 ERA while striking out 57 against 36 walks.
While the Royals’ current starting rotation is not terrible, the club got subpar performances from mainstays Mike Minor, Brad Keller, and Brady Singer while getting some encouraging results from newcomers Kris Bubic and Carlos Hernandez. Carlos Martinez has a lengthy track record and should be available for a relatively low cost, high reward type of contract.