Well, he latched on with an organization that knows a thing or two about cultivating quality big-armed relievers.
After being released by the Cubs late last week, righty Justing Grimm quickly latched on with a new organization:
The Royals have signed RHP Justin Grimm to a one-year major-league contract
— Maria Torres (@maria_torres3) March 18, 2018
Teams were ready to bet on his talent, even after a down 2017 and early Spring Training, and even at the expense of a 40-man roster spot. None of that is surprising, of course, because Grimm, 29, is always just a tweak away from having some of the best stuff in your bullpen. (There are no salary-related implications from this signing, by the way, since Grimm was released by the Cubs with termination pay.)
It’s easy to forget that Grimm posted a 1.99 ERA back in 2015, with a 32.8% strikeout rate. He had stretches of time in both 2016 and 2017 where he would look like that guy, but then it would fade away into walks and dingers. Grimm’s 1.95 HR/9 rate last year was the worst among all relievers in the National League, and second to Chris Beck (White Sox) in all of baseball.
Hopefully he can get that back under control with the Royals, who have seen their fair share of former Cubs in recent years, including Jorge Soler and Jon Jay this year. Go Royals?