Brooks Pounders

Pounders struggled to adjust in his first crack at the top level in 2016. In his 13 appearances out of the bullpen, he struggled mightily with the long ball, which resulted in a 9.24 ERA. He allowed six home runs in 12.7 innings, and forced a groundball just 33 percent of the time. His 2016 Triple-A stats were much better, posting a 3.14 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. His home-run rate was far better in Triple-A (0.56 HR/9). The home run issue should correct itself with experience, as he has never had a significant issue with home runs in the past. The 26-year-old righty will hope to induce more groundballs and allow less flyballs, and in turn, home runs, in the 2017 season. Doing so would go a long way towards earning a spot in the Royals' bullpen this spring.