Luinder Avila: The Royals Closer of the Future?
The Kansas City Royals, once a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, have faced a series of setbacks in recent years. Their starting pitching depth, which was a source of excitement heading into the 2026 season, quickly crumbled due to a wave of injuries. Amidst this turmoil, one player emerged as a potential bright spot: Luinder Avila.
Avila, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher from Caracas, Venezuela, signed with the Royals when he was just 16. His journey through the minors was a testament to his perseverance, working his way up from the Dominican Summer League to the Arizona Complex League and eventually through the Royals' system. Avila made his Major League debut in August, just a week before his 24th birthday, and has since become a key player for the team.
In his rookie season, Avila made 13 appearances out of the bullpen, showcasing his versatility. He recorded a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings, striking out 16 batters. This year, he has split his time between starting and relief roles, with impressive results.
As a starter, Avila's numbers are less than stellar, with a 5.87 ERA in 9 starts, 38.1 innings, 39 hits, 25 runs, 6 homers, 25 walks, and 34 strikeouts. However, his relief appearances paint a different picture. In 9 outings, he has a 3.44 ERA, 18.1 innings, 19 hits, 7 runs, 9 walks, 16 strikeouts, and a 1.53 WHIP. This contrast in performance raises an intriguing question: Is Avila better suited for a relief role?
The answer lies in his pitch selection and velocity. Avila's power fastball, which averages upper 90s mph, complements his off-speed pitches, particularly his curveball. When he allows his fastballs to play up, as evidenced by his outing on May 2nd in Seattle, where he averaged 98 mph, his curveball becomes a dominant weapon. This strategic use of pitch selection and velocity makes him a formidable closer.
However, the Royals' current closer situation is uncertain. With Alex Lange, Carlos Estevez, and Matt Strahm unlikely to return, and Daniel Lynch IV, Lucas Erceg, and Beck Way not fitting the closer role, the team is in a bind. This presents an opportunity for Avila to step up and claim the closer's mantle.
In conclusion, Luinder Avila has the potential to be the Royals' closer of the future. His ability to harness his pitches effectively, especially when his fastballs play up, makes him a force to be reckoned with. As the season progresses, the Royals should consider preparing Avila for this role, ensuring that he becomes the cornerstone of their bullpen for years to come.
