The Royals' gamble on a former star pitcher has come to an abrupt end. Kyle Wright, once a 21-game winner, has been waived. But here's the twist: he never even threw a pitch for the team! This decision raises questions about the team's strategy and the player's future.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Royals have placed Wright on outright waivers. This move comes after a series of unfortunate events for the pitcher. Acquired from the Braves in 2023, Wright was expected to miss the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, but the Royals hoped for a strong comeback in 2025. And this is where it gets tricky: Wright's recovery didn't go as planned.
A hamstring strain during spring training and persistent shoulder problems over the summer hindered his progress. Despite making eight minor league starts, he never took the mound in a major league game for the Royals. With a projected arbitration salary of $1.8 million for the upcoming season, one can't help but wonder if the Royals felt it was a financial risk to keep him.
But here's where it gets controversial: if Wright goes unclaimed, he could be sent to the minors. However, with five years of service time, he has the right to refuse. It's a complex situation, leaving fans and analysts divided over what's fair and what's best for the team's future.
Meanwhile, the Royals activated three pitchers from the 60-day Injured List: Kris Bubic, Alec Marsh, and James McArthur. Marsh, recovering from labrum surgery, is unlikely to play a significant role in the 2026 season.
This series of moves leaves the Royals with 36 players on their 40-man roster, raising questions about their strategy and the future of their pitching staff. Was waiving Wright a necessary move, or could the team have found a way to support his recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
