The Cleveland Guardians are a bit of a pitching whisperer as an organization.
When arms turn up in this system, they get better.
That has raised the idea of Asa Lacy, who is now a free agent after the Kansas City Royals released him earlier this week.
“Curious to see if a team gambles on Lacy,” wrote MLB Draft writer Jeff Ellis on X. “Back in 2017 I mocked him to the Guardians out of high school as he fit their type. They drafted him in the 37th rd knowing he wouldn’t sign. Could be a fun reclamation project.”
He’d certainly fit the bill of a low-risk pitching signing that the Guardians could turn into something better.
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The odds do appear to be stacked against Lacy, though.
The Royals drafted Asa Lacy with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. He was a star from Texas A&M, a left-handed pitcher meant to become a front-line starter.
He signed for a franchise-record $6.67 million signing bonus.
In six professional seasons in Kansas City’s organization, he totaled 80 innings. He had a 7.09 ERA.
He dealt with lat and shoulder problems in 2021, a couple seasons of back injuries, and needed two Tommy John surgeries.
Lacy hasn’t pitched in a pro baseball game since August 2022.
Could he get another chance? Maybe. And maybe it’ll be the Guardians who give it to him.
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