The Royals continue to search for pitching, claiming young left-hander Luke Little off waivers from the Cubs today. Little has appeared in 40 games over parts of the last four seasons with the Cubs with a 2.97 ERA, showing great velocity, but poor control.
Little was a fourth round pick in the 2020 draft out of San Jacinto College after going viral for some videos that exhibited some elite velocity. He stands at 6’8” and has a fastball that averages 96 mph. He made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Cubs,
strikihng out 12 of the 30 batters he faced, and made 30 appearances for them in 2024. He had a 3.46 ERA that year with 28 strikeout and 18 walks in 26 innings.
Little appeared in just one game with the Cubs this year, and has struggled with his control in the minors. He has 34 walks in 39.1 innings to go with 44 strikeout and a 5.03 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A. The Cubs designated him for assignment this week after the trade deadline and the 26-year old is in his final year of options.
To make room for Little on the 40-man roster, the Royals transferred Luinder Avila to the 60-day Injured List. Avila is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery yesterday.
