Should the Royals take a chance on a former first round draft pick? The Royals are showing this off-season that they are ready to compete. The Royals have answered many questions this off-season by adding a starting pitcher and an outfielder. The team still must add a bullpen arm or two. Under the new ownership group the Royals are showing that they are willing to spend more money on free agents. However, I believe the Royals could find a gem in the non-tender group. I believe the Royals should take a chance on former White Sox first round draft pick Carlos Rondon. As a starter, Rondon struggled mightily with a 8.22 ERA in two games in 2020. Despite his down year in 2020, I believe he could fit in the back end of the Royals bullpen. As a starter, Rondon’s top speed was 93 mph with his fastball. As a reliever, I think he could bump his velocity up to at least 95, maybe even 96 mph. The Royals have shown over the years that they love hard throwers. Not only can Rondon throw his fastball in the upper 90s, but he is a left handed pitcher the Royals could use in many different ways like a starter or as a reliever. I don’t believe they would ever have to use Rondon as a starter unless an injury occurs in the rotation; but the Royals already have pitchers that could make a start or two using either Jakob Junis or Jesse Hahn. I believe if the Royals signed Rondon, they should use him as a middle reliever for the seventh or eighth innings. I believe the Royals could get him to sign a minor league deal with an invite to spring training after his bad season in 2020 with the White Sox. Even if Rondon doesn’t make the big league roster during spring training, I believe he would make a great farm hand for the Royals. I believe he could possibly find himself back in the big leagues if he has a good showing in Triple A.
