Guardians have past links to newly available $6.67 million 1st-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cleveland Guardians are a bit of a pitching whisperer as an organization.When arms turn up in this system, they get better.That has raised the idea of Asa Lacy, who is now a free agent after the Kansas City Royals released him earlier this week."Curious to see if a team gambles on Lacy," wrote MLB Draft writer Jeff Ellis on X. "Back in 2017 I mocked him to the Guardians out of high school as he fit their type.
They drafted him in the 37th rd knowing he wouldn't sign. Could be a fun reclamation project."He'd certainly fit the bill of a low-risk pitching signing that the Guardians could turn into something better.MORE: Nathan Lukes is on fire since Blue Jays discovered his vertigoThe odds do appear to be stacked against Lacy, though.The Royals drafted Asa Lacy with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. He was a star from Texas A&M, a left-handed pitcher meant to become a front-line starter.He signed for a franchise-record $6.67 million signing bonus.In six professional seasons in Kansas City's organization, he totaled 80 innings.
He had a 7.09 ERA.He dealt with lat and shoulder problems in 2021, a couple seasons of back injuries, and needed two Tommy John surgeries.Lacy hasn't pitched in a pro baseball game since August 2022.Could he get another chance? Maybe. And maybe it'll be the Guardians who give it to him.More MLB news:Explaining the absurdity of 2 MLB players named Max MuncyThis hitter has a worse OBP than his batting averageRed Sox green uniforms have absurd walk-off magicThis slider is really good and moves the entirely wrong directionAustin Hedges ended a great Guardians day with a proposal