Royals Consider Kyle Wright’s Comeback as a Future Pitching Ace
The Kansas City Royals are facing an uphill battle as their playoff aspirations continue to dwindle. Following a tough loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, the team finds itself slipping below the .500 mark and now sits seven games out of the American League Wild Card race. With the postseason slipping further from reach, discussions are beginning to shift towards 2026 and the potential for a brighter future.
Injury Woes and Fading Stars
This season has been particularly brutal for the Royals, with injuries taking a toll on key players. Both Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo are currently sidelined, leaving the pitching staff thin. Meanwhile, some players have fallen off the radar entirely, including right-hander Kyle Wright. Once celebrated as a World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, Wright is now laboring in the minor leagues after struggling through a challenging 2023 season.
Mike Gillespie of Kings of Kauffman has been vocal about the need to reconsider Wright’s role within the organization. He argues that the Royals should give him another opportunity in 2026, emphasizing the right-hander’s untapped potential.
Wright’s Struggles and Potential
Despite his recent setbacks, Wright’s past performance speaks volumes. Gillespie notes that while the notion of pitching wins being less significant has gained traction, Wright’s impressive 21 victories in 2022 cannot be overlooked. He had a stellar breakout season that year, posting a commendable 3.19 ERA over 30 starts, amassing 180 1/3 innings. However, the shoulder issues that plagued him this year led to a disappointing record of 1-3 with a 6.97 ERA.
Wright’s overall career stats include a 2.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a record of 24-16, and a 4.45 ERA across 51 starts and nine relief appearances. He has also tallied 267 strikeouts over 281 1/3 innings, while maintaining a 1.365 WHIP. At just under 30 years old, there is still ample time for him to reclaim his status as a frontline starter, should he find his footing again.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the Royals contemplate the future, the possibility of Wright making a significant contribution to their pitching rotation in 2026 could be a game-changer. If he can return to form and remain healthy, he may well provide the stability that the Royals desperately need. The organization’s willingness to invest in his potential could be a critical step towards rejuvenating their roster in the coming years.
With several lost seasons behind him, the question remains: will the Royals seize the opportunity to revive Kyle Wright’s career? Only time will tell if this once-promising ace can once again take the mound in Kansas City, ready to help lead the team back into contention.
