What Kansas City Royals liked in trading for new pitchers Kyle Wright & Nick Anderson

If the 2023 Winter Meetings have taught us anything, there is a premium on free-agent pitchers.

The Kansas City Royals are actively working the open market. Rumors have circulated about available options this offseason. Several teams need starting pitching and bullpen help ahead of the 2024 campaign.

However, free agency is moving at a slow pace. All eyes are centered on American League MVP Shohei Othani. He is expected to garner a high-value contract that’ll likely create a domino effect once signed.

The Royals plan to address multiple needs this offseason. General manager J.J. Picollo outlined seven spots he would like to fill on the roster. While free agency lags, Picollo has fared much better via the trade market.

KC acquired pitchers Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright from the Atlanta Braves earlier this offseason. The total cost was former first-round pick Jackson Kowar and cash considerations in separate deals.

Both players are low-risk, high-reward acquisitions.

Anderson is expected to add a veteran presence in the bullpen. He posted a 3.06 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings while primarily mixing three pitches — fastball, curveball and sinker — in his repertoire.

Opponents batted .161 against his curveball. The pitch generated a 40.4 whiff percentage last season.

“When we knew Nick was available, I knew he was somebody we had really good reports on, and the data is good on him,” Picollo said. “It was the first step; we were thinking of adding up to three relievers. So that was one where we were opportunistic at the time, so he was available and we just jumped on it.”

Wright is more of a long-term option for the starting rotation. He will likely miss next season due to shoulder surgery but the Royals envision Wright having a key role during the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.

When healthy, Wright has produced at a high level. In 2022, Wright won 21 games and had a 3.19 ERA in 30 starts.

“We’re optimistic in not only his work ethic — and a guy like (Royals scouting director) Brian Bridges had history with him,” Picollo said. “We knew more about his makeup than we would’ve (with) some others.”

So how will the Royals utilize both guys?

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Anderson will get a chance to pitch in high-leverage situations. He referenced Anderson’s strike-throwing ability as a big bonus to add to a young bullpen.

“He’s a very neutral pitcher against righties and lefties,” Quatraro said. “If he’s healthy, he is going to be a difference-maker for us. He throws a lot of strikes. He pitched in high leverage before and somebody you can trust to go out there and know what you are going to get.”

The Royals posted a 5.23 bullpen ERA last season.

Anderson is trustworthy on the mound, and that could earn him a key role in the late innings. The Royals would also benefit from his veteran leadership in the clubhouse.

Quatraro also sees Wright as a key offseason pickup. He hopes Wright can return to form after recovering from surgery. The Royals have found recent success in helping pitchers rediscover their mechanics following an injury.

Royals pitching coaches Brian Sweeney and Zach Bove were instrumental in helping Cole Ragans return to form. The Texas Rangers should also receive a lot of credit regarding Ragans, but the Royals played a key part in his resurgence last season.

KC hopes Wright can rebound in a similar manner.

Wright has showcased a five-pitch arsenal in his career, including two dynamic off-speed pitches. Wright had 174 strikeouts and just 53 walks during the 2022 season.

“That’s a really advantageous pickup for us going forward,” Quatraro said. “Obviously, what he’s done in the past is exciting, and hopefully he bounces back and can be that same guy.”

The Royals are likely not done making moves. However, both trades could have a long-term effect in the club’s rebuilding process.