He had shoulder surgery, then missed a year of MLB. He could be key to Royals in 2025

Kyle Wright stared at the bullpen radar gun at Kauffman Stadium. In a moment of disbelief, Wright signaled towards Kansas City Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney in need of confirmation.

He couldn’t believe his eyes.

In early October, Wright had touched 90 mph with his fastball. The velocity was a benchmark for the 29-year-old pitcher. A year had passed since Wright stepped onto a big-league mound following right shoulder surgery.

There were countless hours to think. Those hours morphed into minutes spent trying to understand his new reality.

“You know, I feel like anytime there are days that you feel bad, you can’t help but ask yourself a little bit: Is it going to come back?” Wright said. “Is it going to come back to actually hit 90?”

Wright got his answer prior to Game 4 of the American League Divisional Series against the New York Yankees.

He hit 90 mph a few times to finish his bullpen session on a high note. The Royals were eliminated by the Yankees later that night. However, Wright remained content with the bittersweet moment.

“It may sound small because like everyone in the big leagues throws 90,” Wright said. “But, it means that it is still in there. And I could still feel like there was way more in there, too.”

A trade for the future

Royals general manager J.J Picollo scoured the trade market looking for a reliable starting pitcher last offseason. The Royals, who were coming off a 106-loss campaign, needed to revamp their pitching staff.

So Picollo turned to his old stomping grounds. He executed a pair of trades with the Atlanta Braves to acquire Wright and MLB reliever Nick Anderson.

The Royals added Wright in exchange for former 2018 first-round pick Jackson Kowar. It was a transaction that slid under the radar. After all, Wright was expected to miss the entire 2024 season recovering from a torn capsule in his right shoulder.

Wright had the surgery on Oct. 11, 2023, that was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas. A month later, Wright was in the Royals organization and tabbed as an instrumental piece of the club’s rebuild … in 2025.

Picollo used the term “optimistic” at the time of the trade. He was hopeful Wright could return to his 2022 form when he finished with a 21-5 record and 3.19 ERA.

Wright made 30 starts and tossed a career-high 180 ⅓ innings that season. He struck out 174 batters and finished 10th in National League Cy Young Voting.

Now with three months until spring training, Picollo remains steadfast that Wright can have a resurgent campaign.

“It’s hard to pencil in a guy coming off a shoulder procedure, but he has made progression and there was a reason why we acquired him last season,” Picollo said. “It was for the 2025 season, so he was feeling good at the end of the year here. … We’re optimistic on Kyle, but we also have to be realistic. You know, I don’t think he is going to throw 185 innings next year, but whatever we can get out of him will be a benefit.”

The Royals had one of the best starting rotations in 2024. All-Star duo Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans headlined the group that also included Michael Wacha, Brady Singer and Alec Marsh.

The majority of the unit is expected back for the 2025 season. Singer is the lone exception as he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer.

The Royals are expected to fill the void with competition. The club has a lot of starting depth as pitchers Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV and Noah Cameron join Marsh as options.

Wright is set to join that mix. His goal is to be fully healthy by spring training and competing for one of the open rotation spots.

“I’m going to definitely try,” Wright said. “You know, that’s one of the things that I said. I’m planning on coming 100% so that’s my goal.”

Patience is key

Wright is excited for his opportunity. He offers a five-pitch arsenal that includes a fastball, knuckle-curve, sinker, changeup and slider. Opposing teams hit .232 against him during the 2022 season.

His numbers regressed in 2023. However, Wright believes his season-long recovery created a new outlook centered around being patient.

“For me, it sucked not being able to play, especially in games like (the ALDS) when emotions are high and tensions are tight,” Wright said. “I love winning and there is nothing more than I like better than winning. So I think for me, (I was proud of) the fact that I did a great job of staying patient with my rehab and not, you know, forcing things and setting myself back.”

Wright found himself itching to play several times last season. He would feel good after a bullpen session but then dealt with soreness afterward.

Initially, Wright had pushed to pitch in a rehab game. He quickly learned that a steady approach to recovery would be his best option.

And it paid off.

“I feel like it’s been a long, tough rehab process and still not really done,” Wright said. “I mean, it’s weird because I’m healthy, but I’m not (fully back yet). But I think getting to that 90 pretty much tells me ... you’re good. Now it’s time to work on mechanics, pitches, all that.”

The Royals also have shown patience. Wright remained in constant communication with the pitching coaches and medical staff. He was an active participant in dugout meetings and went on multiple road trips with the team.

Despite not playing, Wright was able to build a rapport with the catching unit and his teammates. He learned by watching Wacha and Lugo and talking about pitching mechanics in and around the clubhouse.

Wright felt he hit several rehab goals. His offseason throwing program is expected to include workouts to build his strength in December and January.

“The further I get past, you know, my surgery date, I feel like the better it’s going to get from everything that I heard,” Wright said. “The goal was to hit 90 one year post-operation.”

Next step: MLB return

The Royals will continue to add to the active 26-man roster. The club headed to the Winter Meetings in Dallas in pursuit of more offensive production.

Picollo didn’t rule out the possibility of another pitcher that can operate in a hybrid role as a starter or reliever. Wright will be given a chance to compete and showcase his recovery in spring training.

And he is set to continue his MLB career.

“I learned to listen to my body and I think that helped a lot,” Wright said. “I think I made bigger strides and faster strides just by being smart about how much I’m throwing this day or how much I need to push through stuff. I think that’s really important in helping navigate a full season and something I can use next year.”