Royals sign pitcher Mike Shawaryn to a minor league deal

The Royals announced they have signed right-handed pitcher Mike Shawaryn to a minor league deal. The 26-year old pitched 20 ¹⁄₃ innings with Boston in 2019, striking out 29 but walking 13. he had an ugly ERA of 9.74 and walked 5.8 per-nine-innings.

The Royals originally drafted Shawryn out of high school in New Jersey, taking him in the 32nd round. But he did not sign and instead attended the University of Maryland, where he set school records for most wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. The Red Sox made him their fifth-round pick in 2016.

Shawaryn throws a 91 mph fastball with sink as well as a slider and a changeup. He throws from a lower arm angle that presents a different look for hitters, but it hasn’t resulted in many ground balls. The Red Sox designated him for assignment last August and he has been a free agent since.

The move may not be a sexy pickup, but getting a young pitcher who can miss bats is better than picking up a veteran reliever at the end of his career. The Royals found Jake Brentz off the street, and their pitcher development program should get kudos for helping him become a solid reliever so far. Perhaps Shawaryn can be the next relief project.