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4w ago

Royals Strengthen Pitching Depth and Add Veteran Outfielder in Deadline Deals

General manager J.J. Picollo added four club-controlled pitchers alongside veteran Mike Yastrzemski to bolster Kansas City’s playoff push.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 29: Bailey Falter #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on July 29, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
Jul 29, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (6) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images/File Photo
Jul 29, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (6) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Royals completed four deadline trades, acquiring left-hander Bailey Falter from the Pirates, right-handers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek from the Padres and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the Giants in exchange for backup catcher Freddy Fermin and minor-league prospects.
  • Bailey Falter posted a 3.73 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 70 strikeouts over 113⅓ innings this season and arrives under club control through at least 2028.
  • Mike Yastrzemski joins the bench as a veteran outfielder known for his effectiveness against right-handed pitching and provides lineup versatility down the stretch.
  • The deadline additions shore up a rotation depleted by All-Star Kris Bubic’s season-ending injury and move the Royals to within three games of a wild-card berth.
  • J.J. Picollo balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term roster control by trading lower-tier prospects and preserving the core of Kansas City’s young roster.