Former Royals First-Round Pick Poised to Be a Captivating Free Agent

Former Kansas City Royals first-round pick Foster Griffin is now on the verge of becoming an intriguing free agent in Major League Baseball. After a disappointing start to his MLB career, Griffin spent the last three seasons excelling in Japan’s NPB with the Yomiuri Giants.

Griffin’s MLB Draft and Career Journey

Selected 28th overall in the 2014 MLB draft, Griffin’s time with the Royals was brief. He made only six appearances before being designated for assignment. Subsequently, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he managed just one additional game.

Success in Japan

After his struggles in the MLB, Griffin found a new opportunity in Japan. He played three dominant seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, where he showcased his skills:

• Appearances: 54
• Innings Pitched: 315 and 2/3
• ERA: 2.57
• Strikeouts: 318
• WHIP: 1.03

Now at 30 years old, Griffin is looking to re-enter the MLB. Recently, New York Post insider Jon Heyman reported that Griffin aims to pitch in the league next season.

Potential Impact and Future Prospects

While Griffin’s stats in Japan are impressive, it’s essential to consider that pitching metrics can differ significantly between NPB and MLB. Teams may have varying expectations of his performance upon return, especially regarding immediate dominance.

Despite this, Griffin could serve as a valuable No. 3 or No. 4 starter for a franchise, with the prospect of doing so at a moderate salary. The Kansas City Royals, however, may not pursue him, given their current pitching depth.

Royal’s Pitching Depth

Heading into the upcoming season, the Royals’ rotation is full of options. This abundance may lead them to focus on trading surplus pitchers to enhance their offense rather than signing Griffin. Nevertheless, if Griffin returns to the majors, the Royals could face him at some point, making his free agency significant to monitor from a Kansas City perspective.