The Kansas City Royals have made an interesting move to strengthen their pitching depth for the upcoming season. With an eye on both immediate contributions and long-term development, the Royals have secured a veteran arm that has seen both the highs and lows of Major League Baseball. As Spring Training approaches, all eyes are on how this new addition could impact the Royals’ pitching staff.
As the team looks to enhance its rotation, they’ve turned to a pitcher with a proven track record in the big leagues. While the name may not be new to fans of the game, the real question is whether he can rediscover his form and help the Royals rise in the competitive AL Central.
And now, for the key addition:
Ross Stripling, a right-handed pitcher, brings a decade of experience to the Royals’ mound. At 35 years old, Stripling is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024 campaign, where he struggled to maintain his usual form, posting a 6.01 ERA with the Oakland Athletics over 22 games (14 starts). But despite his tough year, Stripling’s resume shows much more. He was an All-Star in 2022 and has consistently been a reliable presence on the mound for several teams throughout his career.
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“I spoke with the Royals through my agent earlier in the offseason, and they were the first team to reach out and show interest,” said Stripling. “Now, full circle, it feels like a pretty good spot to be in.”
Having spent time with various teams in his career, including the Dodgers and the Blue Jays, Stripling is looking to rediscover his rhythm and reclaim his spot as a reliable starter. His connection with Michael Wacha, a fellow Texas A&M alum, makes this addition even more intriguing, as both pitchers bring leadership and experience to a young and evolving Royals staff.
A Fresh Start and High Expectations
“2024 was frustrating,” Stripling admitted. “When you look at my baseball-card stats, there’s not much to be proud of, but I’m looking forward to getting back to my best form and helping this team.”
With Spring Training on the horizon, Stripling’s focus is clear—compete for a spot in the Royals’ rotation and show that he still has plenty to offer. With his All-Star pedigree and an itch to prove himself, the Royals are hopeful that this veteran pitcher will make a major impact.
Will Ross Stripling make the final roster? The competition will be fierce, but if he can recapture his form, he could be the stabilizing force the Royals need in their pitching staff as they aim for a successful 2025 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he fares in the coming weeks.