Kansas City Royals Trade Intriguing Reliever to American League Contender

Heasley appeared in games each year for the Royals from 2021-2023, including making 12 relief appearances this past season. He's actually a converted reliever, as he started 21 games for KC in 2022. 

Lifetime, he's 5-11 with a 5.45 ERA. The 26-year-old Texas native was drafted by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2018 draft out of Oklahoma State.

With the Orioles, he'll likely get a chance to be a part of the bullpen under Brandon Hyde. Baltimore won 101 games last year and captured the American League East crown.

As for the Royals, they have turned over a lot of their roster this winter, signing Wacha, Seth Lugo and Chris Stratton to help the pitching staff.

Kansas City finished last in the American League Central and posted the second-worst record in the sport in 2023, only ahead of the dreadful Oakland Athletics.

However, with the mediocrity of the American League Central, the Royals clearly think they can take a step forward in the division. The Twins won the division a year ago but appear ready to curb spending and could come back to the pack.