The Kansas City Royals made a strategic move in the Rule 5 Draft to acquire pitching this week, selecting right-hander Matt Sauer from the New York Yankees with the No. 2 pick in the Major League phase. The Royals secured Sauer for $100,000, and he must remain on the 26-man roster for the entire 2024 season, or he will be offered back to the Yankees for $50,000.
Sauer, 24, was the Yankees’ 25th-ranked prospect, known for his swing-and-miss capabilities despite some injury history. A second-round draft pick in 2017, Sauer had Tommy John surgery in 2019 and faced lower-body injuries in the past season. Despite setbacks, he showcased an impressive 11.3 K/9 and a 3.42 ERA in 68 1/3 innings at Double-A Somerset. Sauer has a notable fastball and a tight slider, reaching speeds of up to 95 mph.
The Royals considered various arms but selected Sauer due to his potential as a starter. General Manager J.J. Picollo suggested that Sauer might initially pitch out of the bullpen before transitioning to a starting role.
To make room for Sauer, the Royals executed a trade with the Houston Astros, sending reliever Dylan Coleman in exchange for Minor Leaguer Carlos Mateo. Mateo, a 19-year-old pitcher, demonstrated promise in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Astros in 2023.
The Royals did not lose any players in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft. In the Minor League phase, they acquired outfielder Joe Gray from Milwaukee, lefty Keylan Kilgore from Philadelphia, and second baseman Ryan Fitzgerald from Boston. The Royals also lost second baseman Clay Dungan (Padres), lefty TJ Sikkema (Reds), and right-hander Wander Arias (Nationals) to other teams. The move opens up possibilities for the Royals to address pitching needs on their Major League roster.
