Royals outright Sam Long | Royals Review

The Royals have outrighted pitchers Kyle Wright and Sam Long to the Omaha Storm Chasers, according to their transaction log. Long struggled this year with a 5.36 ERA in 39 relief outings. Wright was placed on outright waivers earlier this week, but the moves remove Long from the 40-man roster, bringing it to 35.

Update: The Royals announce both players have elected free agency.

Long was originally brought in as a minor league free agent in spring training of 2024. He was called up in late May and was solid for the Royals, posting a 3.16 ERA in 43 games with 44 strikeouts in 42.2 innings, and he even made five postseason appearances. But he got off to an awful start with the Royals this year, giving up 12 runs in seven innings with poor control before they placed him on the Injured List in mid-April. The 30-year-old lefty pitched better upon returning in mid-June, posting a 3.78 ERA over his final 32 games, although with underwhelming strikeout and walk numbers.

If you look back at Long’s career, he alternates good and bad seasons, so perhaps he is due for a good one next year if the Royals want to consider him for next year’s roster. He was eligible for arbitration and was projected to earn $950,000.