The Kansas City Royals are pursuing free agent starting pitcher Phil Hughes, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Royals pursuing Phil Hughes
Kansas City is looking to add at least one starter during the offseason.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Spo
Hughes is coming off an extremely disappointing 2013 campaign, going 4-14 with a 5.19 ERA. The right-hander, however, might be an interesting buy-low gamble for some team. Hughes will leave the homer-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium, is only 27 years old and did not receive a qualifying offer.
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Kansas City pitching coach Dave Eiland is familiar with Hughes. Eiland worked as a pitching coach in the Yankees minor-leagues from 2003-2007, then served as the Yankees pitching coach from 2008-2010. He joined the Royals coaching staff before the 2012 season.
The Royals, who have also been linked to Tim Hudson, will be searching for at least one starter this offseason to replace Ervin Santana, who is not expected to re-sign with Kansas City. James Shields and Jeremy Guthrie appear to be the only locks for the 2014 rotation, with Wade Davis, Danny Duffy, Yordano Ventura, Felipe Paulino and Will Smith possibly competing for a starting spot next spring.
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