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Guardians have past links to newly available $6.67 million 1st-round pick
TL;DR
The Cleveland Guardians are linked to Asa Lacy, a recently released first-round pick by the Kansas City Royals, who is now a free agent. Lacy was previously drafted by the Guardians in 2017 but did not sign.
Key points
- Cleveland Guardians linked to Asa Lacy
- Asa Lacy is a free agent after being released by the Royals
- Guardians previously drafted Lacy in 2017
Asa LacyCleveland GuardiansKansas City Royals
Guardians have past links to newly available $6.67 million 1st-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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.
Q&A
Why did the Kansas City Royals release Asa Lacy?
Asa Lacy was released by the Kansas City Royals earlier this week, but the specific reasons for his release have not been detailed.
What are the Cleveland Guardians' past connections to Asa Lacy?
The Guardians previously drafted Asa Lacy in the 37th round in 2017, knowing he would not sign, indicating their interest in him as a player.
What is Asa Lacy's potential as a reclamation project for the Guardians?
Asa Lacy is considered a potential reclamation project due to the Guardians' reputation for improving pitchers who join their system.
