This KC Royals reliever struggled in 2024. He’s hoping time off will help him reset
Chris Stratton is in a unique position. This spring, the Kansas City Royals reliever looks to reset after struggling through an inconsistent 2024.
Stratton posted a 5.55 ERA in 57 relief appearances last year. He registered a minus-0.7 WAR (wins above replacement) in 58 ⅓ innings and scuffled in high-leverage situations. There were too many walks and not enough outs.
That said, injuries played a role.
Last September, Stratton dealt with a right forearm flexor strain that sidelined him in the playoffs. The injury required rest, but more importantly, it gave Stratton time to evaluate his situation.
“Just kind of a breakdown of mechanics and it ended up altering the way the ball was moving,” Stratton said. “When stuff is not going where it’s supposed to go or where you are used to it going, that just creates a lot of problems, especially in this game facing the best hitters in the world. It was something I tried to battle through all year and make little fixes.”
Stratton worked with the Royals coaches to identify his shortcomings. At times, he would feel great with his approach. Then, there would be control issues that contributed to multiple runs being scored.
“Everything we did just never quite worked out how we envisioned,” Stratton said.
This offseason, Stratton focused on getting healthy. It was his top priority as he enters his second year with the Royals.
“Time is always a good healer,” Stratton said. “You know, I ended up doing some physical therapy a couple times a week and I think that really helped out a ton. After my first bullpen the other day, I feel like I got my stuff back to the things I needed to get to.”
Stratton exercised his $4.5 million player option this offseason. Since joining the Royals, he has been a key veteran presence in the bullpen. Now, Stratton wants to prove he can still be a reliable relief option.
The Royals say they’re optimistic as well.
“We have a really nice and deep group of guys that we are really confident in,” manager Matt Quatraro said.
Stratton is a part of the veteran group that includes new addition Carlos Estévez. The Royals will feature Estévez and returning closer Lucas Erceg in the late innings. Left-handed relievers Sam Long and Angel Zerpa offer versatility alongside MLB veterans Hunter Harvey and John Schreiber.
This spring, Stratton is prepared to earn his spot. His approach hasn’t changed, but there is more urgency to pitch better.
“The things that have kept me in the league have been my durability and my ability to just go out there and eat up innings when need be,” Stratton said. “You know, I love to be that person the coaches can lean on, (Quatraro) can call on at any time and get outs.”
MLB experience is a valuable asset. Stratton heads into his 10th year with more bullpen talent around him. It offers him a chance to carve out a role and contribute as a respected voice in the group.
“We added a couple of arms to help us out,” Stratton said. “And I’m sure there are some guys competing in camp that can really help us out. So for me personally, I’m trying to be the person I need to be and help anybody that needs it.”
The Royals will evaluate all of their options this spring. If Stratton can rebound, it will give KC additional ammunition to compete in the American League Central.
“I think we have a really good bullpen coming this year and a great starting staff,” Stratton said. “Hopefully, we can keep the runs off the board and let the offense do their thing.”
This story was originally published February 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM with the headline "This KC Royals reliever struggled in 2024. He’s hoping time off will help him reset."
