The Kansas City Royals have been a team in transition this offseason.
After firing manager Mike Matheny at the end of the season, former Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro was brought on board as the new manager.
The Royals have also made a few interesting moves as of late.
The team signed veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $3.75 million contract at the end of last week.
On Tuesday, they sent veteran utility infielder Adalberto Mondesi to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for left-hander Josh Taylor and a player to be named later.
They also shipped outfielder Michael A. Taylor to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for two pitching prospects in lefty Evan Sisk and right-hander Steven Cruz.
Late on Wednesday, Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo stopped by MLB Network to discuss the team’s offseason.
A busy week in Kansas City!
Royals GM J.J. Picollo discussed the moves made as the roster continues to round out for 2023.#HighHeat | @alannarizzo pic.twitter.com/lBZvSMAUFT
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 26, 2023
Picollo talked about the high strikeout rates of both Sisk and Cruz and expressed excitement for having the two of them in the organization, as well as confidence that they are nearly ready for big-league action.
In terms of the Taylor-Mondesi trade, Picollo felt like the deal made sense for both them and the Red Sox.
Taylor missed all of 2022 with a back injury, but the Royals GM stated that the team had been interested in the young left-hander for quite some time and believe that he is ready to return.
Picollo also talked about what the role for Chapman will be.
He preached confidence in current closer Scott Barlow, but also stated that Chapman will have the opportunity to prove himself, and if he does, he could help form a deadly one-two punch at the back end of their bullpen.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals More Royals Moves Are Coming
