Right-hander Kyle Zimmer, designated for assignment by the Royals last Friday, has cleared release waivers and is now a free agent, per a team announcement.
A former No. 5 overall draft pick and highly touted prospect, Zimmer was beset by injuries throughout his minor league ascent. He landed a spot in the Kansas City bullpen in 2020 and looked well on his way to cementing himself as a long-term piece when he posted a 1.57 ERA and a 28.6% strikeout rate in 23 innings. The 2021 season started well, as Zimmer carried a 2.45 ERA into early July, but he pitched to an 8.57 ERA with more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) over his final 21 frames of the season from that point forth.
Zimmer’s development hasn’t panned out as hoped, but he still has a ground-ball rate north of 50%, a fastball that averages 94.3 mph, a demonstrated ability to miss bats and a minor league option remaining. He’ll need to refine his command and right the ship after a rocky finish to the 2021 season, but Zimmer could make for a decent bullpen depth option for another club.
Another royals first round bust
I remember when a team full of Royals first round busts had no problem with your avatars namesake.
You mean the one game they lost that series?
They had a little bit of a back and forth with him after the game too. Seems like it might have lit a fire under their butts as well.
Whatever, the point is we did ok. Also it’s not like Thor was dominant. That was probably the 2nd worst start for the Mets in the series, he just got the win because the offense touched up Ace (RIP)
I would have thought he would have least alittle trade value.sure someone picks him up quick…..mets?
I’VE GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO !
Sounds like the kind of pitcher Dodgers would pick up.
Nice. Will be in the As starting rotation soon.
I feel like he’s worth a roster spot. Surprised nobody claimed him.
Kind of surprised the Angels didn’t take a shot here. Would’ve had to DFA the esteemed Sam Selman to make room.
I’d rather hang onto Selman (who has more value just by being left-handed) and release Jimmy Herget to give Kyle Zimmer a shot.
Hegert is definitely the one to go. Must’ve released his name from my memory ha ha.
I mean. He’s a free agent, so the angels havnt passed yet.
Just the guy to cap the Mets’ glorious off-season. Go get him, Stevie. You need a #2 starter.
Stevie is too busy crying on twitter about the brand new concept of sports agents using teams for leverage.
Minor league deal with Boston with an invite to Spring Training. Sounds like he caught a case of the Matt Barnes in the 2nd half of the season.
Still say the Orioles will sign Kyle.
Bloom’s next Glasnow
He looked great at the start of this season then fell off a cliff. There were whispers about his decline coinciding with MLB’s enforcement of foreign substances but who knows. I wish him well. He’s a good guy who never whined or complained and always tried his best to overcome his injuries and produce for KC.
Someone will surely take him but in the event they don’t, I’m betting KC would take him back and give him another shot in Omaha. They needed roster spots last week.
Mets need depth in the bullpen. He’s a talent.
The Baltimore Wavier Claims passed?
It’d be cool if he were Don Zimmer’s grandson
Phils still need bullpen guys
He’ll sign with the Rays and become one of the best relievers in the AL.