The Kansas City Royals have been connected with several bullpen options both in free agency and on the trade market so far this offseason, including a recent report that the World Series champs have kicked the tires on setup man extraordinaire Darren O'Day. The latest name connected to the Royals is free agent righty Blaine Boyer.
Several other teams have reportedly contacted Boyer, but he may be pretty hard to pry away from the Minnesota Twins.
“I think I showed this year, and really my whole career, that I can step in for the eighth inning or the seventh inning,” Boyer said, via Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press. “I can also go long. I pride myself on being a multi-role bullpen piece. I think they know that, and I conveyed that to [Twins manager Paul Molitor].”
One thing which could work in Kansas City's favor is Boyer's familiarity with his current division rival and the fact that he's seen firsthand just how much pitching in the Royals' vaunted bullpen can up a reliever's profile and overall stock. If the Twins aren't willing to play hardball as Boyer's price gets driven up, don't be surprised if Kansas City swoops in with an offer Boyer can't refuse.
Boyer posted a 2.49 ERA and 2.6 BB/9 over 65 innings pitched in 2015. He was shifted in and out of a setup role by Twins manager Paul Molitor, and would likely be tabbed for a bridge role by the Royals.
Follow our Kansas City Royals team page for the latest Royals rumors!
Back to the Kansas City Royals Newsfeed