Royals Strengthen Bullpen with New Signings Ahead of 2026 Season

The Kansas City Royals have taken significant steps to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season by signing right-handed relief pitchers Alex Lange and James McArthur. According to ESPN, Lange has agreed to a one-year contract worth $900,000, with the potential to earn an additional $100,000 in performance bonuses for reaching 25 and 30 games pitched. Lange was recently released by the Detroit Tigers after struggling with injuries, including a stint on the injured list at the start of the previous season due to a strained right lat muscle. After his activation in August, he made a brief appearance in the majors before being optioned to Triple-A Toledo, where he posted a 4.63 ERA over 24 relief appearances. In his overall five-season tenure with the Tigers, Lange recorded a 3.70 ERA and 29 saves, showcasing his potential as a reliable option for the Royals' bullpen.

Meanwhile, the Royals have also secured a one-year deal with James McArthur, avoiding arbitration. As reported by MLB Trade Rumors, McArthur will make $810,000 in 2026. At 29, McArthur has shown promise in the past, having debuted with the Royals in 2023 where he pitched 23 and one-third innings with a 4.63 ERA. Notably, his underlying metrics were quite strong, featuring a 25.6% strikeout rate and an impressive 58.7% ground ball rate, although his performance suffered from a low strand rate that inflated his ERA. McArthur's role as a closer at the beginning of 2024 showed his capability, but injuries plagued his subsequent seasons, including a September elbow sprain followed by surgery to repair a fractured olecranon in 2025. After a frustrating year on the injured list, the Royals are hopeful that McArthur can regain his form and contribute positively to the bullpen this coming season.

Both signings reflect the Royals’ strategic approach to enhance their bullpen depth, particularly as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team is looking to leverage the potential of these pitchers to improve their overall performance in the highly competitive landscape of Major League Baseball. As the Royals aim to rebuild and strengthen their roster, the focus on reliable bullpen arms like Lange and McArthur could prove critical in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.