Royals trade pitcher Jason Adam to the Blue Jays

The Royals have traded right-handed pitcher Jason Adam to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations. The 27-year old native of nearby Overland Park, Kansas pitched in 32 ¹⁄₃ innings for the Royals last year with a 6.12 ERA. He was non-tendered last November but returned to the Royals on a minor league deal.

Adam was a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest who was originally selected by the Royals in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. The Royals have already traded him once before, sending him to the Twins in 2014 for outfielder Josh Willingham. Adam returned to the Royals last year after he was let go by the Padres, and showed more velocity, flashing a fastball that hit 97 on the radar gun. He was able to miss bats last year, striking out 10.3 hitters-per-nine innings, but had trouble with the long ball, giving up nine home runs, and had some issues keeping his composure.

The move probably means the Royals were satisfied with their bullpen depth to start the year. Adam was a long-shot to make the Opening Day roster, and the Royals seem to think there will be enough arms in Omaha. Adam was young enough to have some upside, but the Royals did get a long look at him last year and decided the could part ways with him.