The Royals announced Monday that they’ve designated right-handed reliever Collin Snider for assignment. His spot on the 40-man roster will go to veteran lefty reliever Will Smith, whose previously reported one-year deal with Kansas City is now official.
Snider, 28, has appeared in each of the past two seasons with the Royals — his first two years of big league experience. In 54 2/3 innings spread over the life of 60 appearances, he’s pitched to a 5.93 ERA with a 13.4% strikeout rate against an 11.4% walk rate. He walked more hitters (13) than he struck out (11) in 20 1/3 innings this past season.
It’s been a tough first look in the majors for Snider, who’s also scuffled in parts of three Triple-A seasons. He averages 95.7 mph on his sinker, however, and has racked up ground-balls at an impressive 51.9% clip in the big leagues. That hasn’t helped him to keep runs off the board, but Snider is a hard-throwing 28-year-old with strong ground-ball tendencies and a minor league option remaining — and his slider also received strong reviews later during his prospect days in the Royals’ system.
The Royals will have a week to either find a trade partner for Snider or attempt to pass him through outright waivers. His velocity, ground-ball rate, slider and remaining option might be interesting enough for another club with more 40-man space to take a look. If not, he’ll very likely be assigned outright to Triple-A Omaha and remain with the organization as a non-40-man player.
Chuck from Uniontown
Good project for a good defensive team in a pitchers park. See if you can get something out of that ground ball rate.
Central Valley
The Royals are seemingly very active, where’s Farhan?
spudchukar
I am suffering from Trade Rumors addiction. Does anyone know if there is an online TR anonymous site. If so could you enlighten me!
TrumboRedux
Crawl to your front door, and force yourself to open it…Then breathe the fresh air…For at least 3 or 4 mins…Start there.