April 5: Zimmer has cleared unconditional release waivers and is now a free agent, the Royals announced.
April 3: The Royals have placed former top prospect Kyle Zimmer on release waivers, as Maria Torres of the Kansas City Star was among those to report (Twitter links). He had been designated for assignment recently.
It is not entirely clear why Zimmer was placed on release rather than outright waivers, but the Royals evidently do not plan to bid adieu if he does clear. Rather, Torres notes that the hope would be to plug Zimmer back in the system — presumably, on a new minors deal — if another club does not elect to put him on its 40-man roster or otherwise woo him with a more appealing offer.
The 26-year-old Zimmer has not yet had a chance at making good on his promise owing to a litany of injuries. He has already undergone elbow, shoulder, and thoracic outlet procedures since being taken fifth overall in the 2012 draft.
Shoulder troubles again limited Zimmer last year, when he worked to a 5.40 ERA in 36 2/3 innings in the upper minors. But he was long rated as one of the game’s hundred best prospects and has recorded 310 strikeouts in his 259 career minor-league frames.
And yet Bubba Starling is still on the 40 man
True. Even bubba starling has had injuries yet they decide not to dfa or release him.
Bubba is capable of being a 4th outfielder in the majors right now, they just (rightly) expect more out of him. Kyle Zimmer hasn’t even been able to suit up for most of his career. Also one is a pitcher and one is a position player, so it’s not really a “pick one” situation.
At AAA, Bubba has hit .223/.270/.338/.608 …in an extreme hitters league
So sure, he -could- be a 4th OFer right now. Of course, I could too. And realistically, I’d probably stand a pretty good chance of hitting better than Starling if we were both doing it.
I’m aware of his stats, he’s major league ready defensively and as a base runner, he could be a reserve right now. Kyle Zimmer can’t throw a baseball. This is why Bubba is more deserving of a 40-man spot than Zimmer.
You act as tho Bubba is capable of staying on a field. Reality is, he isnt that great at that either. Infact he’s even on the DL right now
But the main difference comes in the fact that Zimmer is actually pretty good when pitching; while Bubba is horrific when he’s able to stay on the field. Sure, he can field okay – but so can countless guys who can also at least bat their weight doing it.
And you keep talking about his speed. You do realize he’s attempted only 10 steals at the AAA level, and been caught 4 times, right? He hasn’t really been a baserunner since 2014 in the low minors – also known as where everyone runs pretty freely because the catchers can’t throw them out. In the last 3 seasons he’s just 22-11 in SB attempts. Hosmer, playing in the actual MLs, went 18-7 over the same time frame.
Whoa lots of Johnny Superscouts in here today. Maybe we have the next Gabe Kapler
Dang you could be a 4th outfielder? Why haven’t you signed yet?
can’t sign with a team if you’re only 12.
I don’t see anyone giving Zimmer a 40-man spot, so they’ll stash him in Omaha and hope he can keep himself healthy as a reliever.
Think he would benefit to Pittsburgh to pick him up and work with Ray Searage for a year
Work with team surgeon for a year or 2 or 3…
I don’t think a new pitching coach is Kyle’ Zimmers problem. He has never been healthy, not in college and not in all the years the Royals have been paying him. It’s one thing after another with Kyle, look how many innings he’s pietched since he’s been a royal. It’s not very many, the thing with him is he’s got everything wrong with him. Bad elbow, bad shoulder, bad arm…It never ended with him and I think the Royals got tired of it. I think Bubba Starling could be the next to be shown the door if he doesn’t get healthy and show real progress real soon.
I understand what your saying about the injuries. I was just wondering if his mechanics might be causing stress on body parts which could be a benefiting factor just being curious
My guess is his mechanics are fine. He had health issues in college and health issues his entire professional career. Dave Eiland was the royals pitching coach for all the years Zimmer was a royal. Eiland has a pretty good reputation so I’m thinking the kid just has a really bad body
Thank you for the explanation for I’m not able to always know what the specific details of some orginzation. I appreciate the clarification
Ya Zimmers numbers have been great when he can play. It’s possible it’s mechanical, but I think it’s more likely just bad luck.
He has to be healthy to be coached, and Ray onky works with mlb talent.
What harm is it to have him on the 40 man? If he’s a future asset, which he should be, keep him on the 40 man with this rebuilding season.
Preller should grab him and let Balsley work his magic! Add him to that young crop of arms, could be worth the gamble.
He doesn’t need a new pitching coach. He needs a new arm.