The Royals decided not to keep Rule 5 pick Stephen Woods, Jr. on their active roster.  Because he was a Rule 5 selection, the Royals had to place him on waivers and then after he was unclaimed, offer him back to the Rays.  However, the Royals and the Rays were able to work out a deal in order to for the Royals to keep Woods.  The deal is for the ever present “Player To Be Named Later” or “Cash Considerations.”  The clubs haven’t announced which option the Rays have chosen because they probably haven’t made a decision yet.

Woods works with a 93 to 95 mph fastball that can go a little higher at times. He has been a starter in the past and the Royals will probably give him that chance until he can’t.  Woods also throws a cutter.

Woods throws a change up that has a lot of arm side movement.  He turns the pitch over and it really darts away from left-handed hitters.

Woods also throws a 12-6 curve that can get swings and misses.  He has a good arsenal of pitches.

He had a significant shoulder injury in 2018 and didn’t pitch above high-A ball.  That made him a risky selection to stick on the MLB roster in the Rule 5 but things seemed to have worked out for him and the Royals.  This is a low risk and high reward move for the Royals if Woods can give them anything in the majors one day.

Image from Fox Sports web site and credit was given to the AP.