The Royals have impressive depth in the starting rotation, and that’s by design. J.J. Picollo has talked before about the need to have eight, nine, or even ten starting pitchers to get through a season, recognizing the high attrition rate among pitchers. The Royals have three recent All-Stars in Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Kris Bubic, as well as veteran (and former All-Star Michael Wacha).
Noah Cameron finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting, which you would think would lock up a rotation spot
for him. But pitcher Ryan Bergert has been so impressive you have to wonder if there is a rotation spot up for grabs. Or perhaps both make the rotation and Bubic moves back to the bullpen? And oh, by the way, Stephen Kolek isn’t too shabby either. And Bailey Falter has had a solid season as a starter before, and is out of options. And Matt Quatraro thinks Luinder Avila has the chance to become a frontline starter. Perhaps the Royals even go to a six-man rotation?
It really is an embarrassment of riches, but who would you have in the rotation to start the year?
