Kansas City Royals still eyeing additions to rotation

The Kansas City Royals have been clear that they want to upgrade their pitching staff. To this point, that quest has led to Ryan Yarbrough and Jordan Lyles being brought on board. Considering that Lyles has been one of the worst pitchers in baseball since he broke into the majors and Yarbrough has been mediocre at best over the past two years, it is fair to wonder if either move would constitute an upgrade.

This seems to be something that the Royals are also aware of. According to Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star, general manager J.J. Picollo said that he “thinks [the Royals] have to still explore” adding pieces to the rotation.

Kansas City Royals need actual major league talent for pitching staff

The fact that the Royals are looking for starters this offseason is a bit of a disappointment. The quartet of Brady Singer, Jackson, Kowar, Daniel Lynch, and Kris Bubic were supposed to be the next wave for Kansas City, leading the team back into contention.

That has not happened to this point. Singer has lived up to expectations and could be a top of the rotation arm, but Bubic, Kowar, and Lynch have all struggled during their time in the majors. Those issues have been a major part in the Royals inability to pull themselves out of the bottom of the AL Central.

The question is who the Royals would consider bringing in. There has been mutual interest in a reunion with Zack Greinke but the Royals have reportedly been concerned about the cost of such a deal. While his effectiveness has diminished over the years, Greinke is a brilliant baseball mind and could help in the development of those younger arms. Otherwise, the Royals could be looking at lottery tickets such as Danny Duffy in an attempt to find something that can get major league hitters out.

The Kansas City Royals are still looking to add pieces to their starting rotation. Finding a major league caliber arm or two would certainly help.