The Royals recently signed pitcher Ervin Santana to a minor league deal. Santana played for the Royals in 2013. During his first stint with the Royals, he posted a 3.24 ERA. After his time in Kansas City, he played for the Braves, Twins, and most recently, the White Sox. Beginning in 2018, he struggled badly with a 8.03 ERA with the Twins. His stats got worse in 2019. During his time with the White Sox, he posted a 9.45 ERA. Those stats are probably an eye opener for Royals fans. Why would the Royals sign a 38-year old who hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2019, and are looking to compete in 2021? If you have been following the Royals since the beginning of the Dayton Moore era, you know he looks to bring in a bounce back candidate to revive their careers; although Santana looks to be getting towards the end of his career. I believe this signing could have something to do with a veteran presence for young pitchers. I also believe he could be a good long reliever out of the bullpen for the Royals. If the Royals use him as a long reliever during the season, I think he would come in the middle of games during the sixth or seventh inning. I believe Santana will be a good piece in 2021 for the Royals, if they want to rest a young starter from time to time and give Santana the opportunity to start a few games this upcoming season. The Royals can’t lose with this singing one way or another with it being a minor league deal. The 2021 season will be an interesting season for the Royals as they are looking to be competitive. Although I would like Santana to make the team, I believe it is a long shot that he will make it out of camp. I believe if they decide to keep him around, he will have to put on a good showing in Omaha to return to the big leagues with the Royals in 2021.
