KC Royals DFA Former 1st-Round Pick & World Series Winner

The Kansas City Royals are moving on from ten-year major league veteran reliever, as well as recent World Series winner and a former first-round MLB Draft choice, Chris Stratton, designating him for assignment.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/kucsNaC0NK
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 18, 2025

Stratton is owed $4.5 million this year, but his 7.94 ERA just makes it untenable to keep him on the roster any longer. The 34-year-old has allowed an ugly 29 hits in 17 innings, while posting a 2.17 WHIP. He allowed earned runs in eight of his 12 appearances this season.

It was only two years ago that Stratton played a key role in the bullpen for the World Series champion Texas Rangers in 2023, with a 3.41 ERA in 29 innings down the stretch, with a 1.10 WHIP. He was touched up in his four appearances in the postseason, but still has himself a ring to show for his strong regular season.

Stratton was a first-round June Draft selection by the San Francisco Giants, in 2012. In 10 years in the majors, he has a 4.63 ERA.

Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to replace him. He has taken quite well to the bullpen in 2025. Since being converted full-time this season to a relief role, the RHP Bowlan has pitched to a 2.08 ERA in 17 1/3 innings for Omaha, with a 25:8 strikeout to walk ratio and a 0.98 WHIP.