Left-hander Austin Cox opted out of a minor league contract with the Royals, as first reported by MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes (X link). He returns to free agency after K.C. decided not to select him onto the 40-man roster.
Cox was a fifth-round pick by the Royals out of Mercer in 2018. He had spent all but one day of his professional career in the organization. The 27-year-old southpaw reached the majors last season and pitched in 24 games. He turned in a 4.54 ERA across 35 2/3 innings, striking out 22.1% of opponents against an elevated 11.4% walk percentage. His debut season came to an unfortunate end in September. Cox tore the ACL in his left knee as he tried to cover first base on a ground-ball. He underwent surgery not long thereafter.
That perhaps contributed to the Royals’ decision to take Cox off the 40-man roster. K.C. non-tendered him on November 17. That briefly sent him to free agency, though he returned to the organization on a minor league deal the following day. Cox wasn’t able to participate in Spring Training as he finished his injury rehab, but he made it back to the mound with Triple-A Omaha a couple weeks into the season.
Cox made 19 appearances with the Storm Chasers, working mostly in long relief. He worked to a 3.90 ERA with a decent 23.3% strikeout rate. Yet he also walked almost 14% of opponents, an issue he’s battled throughout his career. Cox is likely looking at another minor league deal on a team seeking multi-inning relief depth.
sounds like a brewers project to me
I’m thinking eventually every single player in MLB will be named Austin. We’re running at about 40% right now.
true! and if you narrow it to back-up catchers and relief pitchers it must be pushing 80%
The Josh’s and Justin’s will give him a run for his money, and the Spanish names, oh my God! Be interesting to see some actual numbers. Probably have a whole page of Luis Garcia’s.
I’m not surprised that Cox pulled out. There should be a decent market for his services.
This is the kind of deal Boston likes to make. Maybe Andrew Bailey can help him cut his walks down, that is what he’s known for. Someone who can pitch multiple innings out the pen in the 2nd half is going to be invaluable to the Red Sox. Most their starters are already at career highs in innings pitched, I believe the only one not there is Nick Pivetta.
The Orioles should sign him to a minor league deal