There were trade rumors on several Red Sox relievers heading into Spring Training and one of them was moved on February 17. Red Sox reliever John Schreiber went to the Royals via trade on February 17 in exchange for prospect David Sandlin.
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A Look at Schreiber
New Royals reliever John Schreiber was a highly effective reliever in the Tigers’ Minor League system before his MLB debut in 2019. Schreiber struggled with Detroit but emerged as a very efficient reliever with the Boston Red Sox.
Between 2022-23, Schreiber posted solid 2.90 ERA/3.34 FIP figures and struck out 127 batters over 111.2 IP with the Sox. Opposing hitters batted just .213/.300/.349 (.649 OPS) off the 29-year-old.
The 29-year-old is a bit of a different pitcher as compared to when he was with Detroit. Primarily a reliever who relied on his four-seam fastball — a low-90s pitch that plays up with extension — he now works with a slider/four-seamer/sinker/changeup mix and throws both his four-seamer and two-seamer roughly the same amount.
With that increased usage of that running sinker, Schreiber’s turned into a high-ground ball pitcher. And with his delivery, it adds to his deception.
Schreiber joins a re-aligned and deeper pen that includes newcomers Nick Anderson and Chris Stratton. The Royals did give up a notable prospect in the deal for Schreiber: right-handed pitching prospect David Sandlin.
Sandlin was a former 11th-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2022 who struggled at times in college but put together a strong first pro season in 2023.
Sandlin struck out 87 over 66.2 IP and walked just 18. However, he did give up a fair amount of contact, given the .253 opponent’s batting average. Per MLB.com, public scouting reports indicated Sandlin hit the zone too much with his stuff, which explains the high batting average and strikeouts.
Those same reports do like his arsenal, which includes a good fastball with noticeable carry.
Analysis
The trade for Schreiber does indicate a few things for the Royals in 2024.
One, it’s obvious that Kansas City is looking to revitalize the franchise this upcoming season. The Royals have had seven losing seasons in a row but the past two seasons have seen the newly-extended shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. establish himself as an elite player. Meanwhile, MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Cole Ragans are all potential building blocks.
In a weak AL Central, the Royals have an opening. Hence, why Kansas City has been so active this winter to bolster what was an anemic pitching staff in 2023.
But more importantly, it’s also a move that indicates the Royals are willing to deal away from their future to get better. Sure, Sandlin is a piece that’s at least a year away from being a potential MLB pitcher — but someone who could have been a building block.
As for Boston, the Red Sox did trade a good reliever for a prospect with starter potential. And it’s not surprising, given the rumors that were linked to several of Boston’s relievers.
However, it’ll be interesting to see if more deals like that are down the pipeline over the coming months. Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen are both free agents after 2024.