Cal Eldred serves zero purpose with Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals‘ future is entirely predicated on the success of their young pitchers. Top prospects such as Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and Brady Singer were supposed to form the backbone of the Royals’ rotation for years to come, a dominant young group that would lead the team back to contention. Based on their minor league performance, that plan appeared as though it might work.

Then they arrived at the majors. None of the Royals’ young arms have developed as hoped for at the major league level; in fact, one can safely say that they have regressed. That lack of development, their regression, and their struggles can all be pointed to pitching coach Cal Eldred.

What, exactly, does Cal Eldred do for the Kansas City Royals?

The problems with the pitching staff extend beyond their top prospects. As a team, the Royals have walked 242 batters, the most in the majors. Conversely, they have struck out 416 batters, the fewest in the majors. Their 4.70 FIP is better than only the Nationals, who have allowed 15 more homers than the Royals.

Those issues could be seen last night. Singer walked four consecutive batters after allowing a two out double, forcing in two runs. As a whole, the Royals issued nine walks with just six strikeouts on Monday, with four of those walks coming around to score. As the Royals lost 6-2, those walks were vital.

It is especially galling that, when Singer walked four consecutive batters, that two of them came after Eldred went to the mound. His visits typically accomplish nothing, compounding issues that are already there. At this point, it is fair to ask what, exactly, Eldred does here and why he still has a job.

The Royals will probably blame these issues on young pitchers and/or a lack of talent. However, it is the job of the pitching coach to get the most out of these arms, especially the younger ones, and help them develop. Eldred is clearly failing in his role. Yet, as the Royals are overly loyal to their people, and Eldred has been with the coaching staff since 2018, nothing is likely to change.

The Kansas City Royals’ pitching has not developed as expected. That falls right on Cal Eldred’s shoulders. As rex Hudler says, “He’s got to go.”