The Kansas City Royals should sign relief pitcher Alex Colome
Speaking of pitchers coming off of down seasons who can be had for cheap, the Royals should take a look at free agent reliever Alex Colome.
Colome, 32, spent 2021 with the Minnesota Twins. The former All Star and AL saves leader is primarily a two-pitch pitcher, relying heavily on both a cutter and a four seam fastball. The cut fastball that Colome throws is his top pitch, thrown about 70% of the time in 2021 with the remaining 30% going to his four-seamer. While the velocity on his cutter has dipped over the years, it still moves well but last season hitters seemed to be picking up on the offering a bit more.
Across 67 games last season, Alex Colome had a 4.15 ERA, earning 17 saves while striking out 58 over 65 innings. His hard hit-percentage, barrel-percentage and exit velocity against were all up, leading one to believe that his decent results were mixed with a bit of luck.
A known work-horse who is good for 60+ appearances and brings closing experience to the table, Alex Colome could be a decent bargain-bin addition for the Royals. With Scott Blewett and Josh Staumont both capable of closing games as well, Colome could share time as setup man and closer with them.