Royals Sign Wade Davis to Minor League Deal

The Kansas City Royals announced that they have signed right-handed pitcher Wade Davis to a minor league contract.

Davis is a three time All-Star who has spent the last three seasons with the Colorado Rockies. In 2020 he made five appearances with the Rockies. In 2019 he recorded 15 saves in 50 appearances, and in 2018 he led the National League with 43 saves and 63 games finished.

Two of his three All-Star appearances occurred while Davis was a member of the Kansas City Royals during their championship runs in 2014 and 2015. Davis again made the All-Star team as a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2017.

Royals General Manager Dayton Moore is quoted in a piece on the Royals website by Anne Rogers acknowledging the past couple of seasons probably didn't go the way Davis would have liked or expected but knows Davis is motivated.

Moore goes on to say, "He’s a remarkable talent and terrific competitor, and any time you can add that type of experience potentially to your bullpen is really important. We trust Wade. Wade tells us that he feels good and is ready to go, and I trust his input as well.”

Rogers outlines the problems Davis has had the previous two seasons in her piece on the Royals website. Some of his issues include a drop in fastball velocity, a high ERA in 50 games in 2019 and allowing 10 runs in five appearances this past season.

The bottom line, The Royals are hoping Davis can regain his form. The success he had during his time with the Royals and the Cubs. They're also hoping if he makes the team his experience can rub off on the young arms in the pen. Of course for that to happen, he has to make the major league club. Wade Davis has a lot to prove.