KC adds right-hander Brewer to Minors

KANSAS CITY -- Another versatile pitcher with big league experience joined the Royals organization on Monday, when the club signed right-hander Colten Brewer to a Minor League contract.

Brewer, 29, has spent the last three seasons with Boston, logging a combined 81 1/3 innings in the Majors and posting a 4.98 ERA. In 2019, he pitched a career-high 54 2/3 innings out of the Red Sox's bullpen with a 4.12 ERA. Since then, Brewer has dealt with injuries and struggled when the Red Sox called on him, appearing in just one game last season when he allowed four runs in one inning before being designated for assignment and clearing outright waivers.

Selected by the Padres in the fourth round of the 2011 Draft out of Canton (Texas) High School, Brewer hasn’t had the success he’s wanted in the Majors so far. But it’s easy to see why a team might be intrigued, especially on a no-risk deal. Brewer averaged 93.9 mph with his go-to cutter over the past few seasons, and he has strong spin rates on his slider and curveball. His experience starting and relieving at the big league level gives the Royals depth in both areas if needed.

Brewer also has a 50.4 percent career ground-ball rate, which could be appealing for the Royals with their talented infield defense. Kansas City has looked to stockpile its bullpen depth this offseason, even with the lockout freezing Major League transactions. Teams can still sign players to Minor League contracts, and Brewer joins right-hander Arodys Vizcaino as two depth pieces heading into Spring Training -- with the potential to be hidden gems if the Royals can figure out how to help the pair find success.