Ryan Buchter is not the first name to come up in the trade report. Not the second, either. Top billing goes to Trevor Cahill and Brandon Mauer, and rightfully so. But the Kansas City Royals made sure they were acquiring the third member of that trio for a reason on Monday afternoon. The 30-year old has a track record of success at the major league level, something he hopes to carry on with his new team for the remainder of the season.
Royals and Padres strike a trade
A week before the MLB trade deadline, it was clear that the Royals were a buyer and the san diego padres were a seller.
It was fitting that the two teams worked together to get a deal done. In the deal, the Royals are getting three veterans: Cahill, Maurer, and Buchter. In return, they are giving San Diego veterans Matt Strahm and Travis Wood, as well as prospect Esteury Ruiz.
Cahill was arguably the top prize of the trade. He can step in to Kansas City's rotation immediately due to a resurgent year with the Padres. He struggled on the road, but he has one of the most lethal curveballs in baseball this season, right up there with Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. He is under contract for the remainder of the year and no more. Meanwhile, Maurer had been serving in the bullpen with the Padres, though he has a history of starting.
His ERA is atrocious, but he has still managed to pick up 20 saves for one of the worst teams in baseball.
Buchter in the house
As for Buchter, Kansas City will be getting a sage and reliable reliever. He has recorded 15 holds on the year for the Padres. He has a 3.05 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP. Outside of Brad Hand, he has arguably been the best reliever for San Diego all season and will help heal a Royals bullpen in need of reinforcements.
It's been a long journey to get here, though.
The pitcher was drafted in the 33rd round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals. He was kicked around several organizations before finally making his major league debut nine years later with the Atlanta Braves. He struck out a member of the Nationals and earned the win, but didn't pitch again in the majors that season.
He kicked around the minors again before signing a minor league deal with the Padres before the 2016 season. Since then, Buchter has finally carved out a regular role in the majors, proving himself to be a professional caliber player. The Royals hope he'll stay that way and guide the team to an American League playoff berth.
