Royals sign reliever Alex Lange

The Royals announced they have signed right-handed reliever Alex Lange to a contract. Financial terms have not yet been disclosed. Lange spent the last five years with the Tigers, serving as their closer in 2023, and is a Kansas City-area native.

Lange was a first-round pick by the Cubs in 2017 out of LSU after graduating from Lee’s Summit West High School. The Tigers acquired him in 2019 in a trade for Nick Castellanos, and he made his MLB debut with them in 2021. He posted a 3.41 ERA in 71 games in 2022, and he led the team with 26 saves in 2023 while posting a 3.68 ERA. He struck out 11.2 hitters per nine innings in those two seasons, although with a high walk rate. He appeared in just 21 games with a 4.34 ERA in 2024 before being sidelined with a lat injury that required surgery and kept him out most of this season. Lange made one MLB appearance this year and was designated for assignment last week.

Lange relies heavily on a knuckle curve that he throws around 60 percent of the time. He also throws a fastball and sinker that can clock in at 96 mph, as well as a change-up. Lange is 30 years old and out of options, and he has three more years until he is eligible for free agency.

Earlier today, the Royals came to terms with James McArthur, another former closer with injury issues last season. Both will compete for a role in this bullpen and can provide some extra depth with some solid upside.