Sam

Long

Long will head to Japan after registering a 5.36 ERA in 40 1/3 innings out of the bullpen for the Royals in 2025. Long had a solid 2024 season but was unable to carry that over into 2025. He now has a 4.65 career ERA in 211 MLB innings with the Giants, Athletics, and Royals.

Long has been removed from Kansas City’s 40-man roster heading into the offseason. The 30-year-old lefty made 39 appearances for the Royals last season.

Long missed two months because of elbow inflammation. He walked 10 and gave up 10 earned runs over nine innings for Triple-A Omaha on his rehab assignment, so he’ll be eased back into low leverage situations for now. The left-hander was effective for the Royals last year, posting a 3.16 ERA over 42 2/3 innings.

No word yet on how much time Long will miss, but he figures to be out for at least a couple weeks, even in a best-case scenario. The 29-year-old lefty has pitched in middle relief for Kansas City this season, making seven low-leverage appearances.

Long has been great for the Royals in Triple-A, posting a 1.31 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 20 2/3 innings, striking out 23 and walking five. He has produced good numbers at Triple-A before but has been unable to sustain MLB success. Perhaps this time will be different, but the 28-year-old will have a chance to pitch meaningful innings for the Royals out of the bullpen.

Long emerged as a solid bullpen option for the Giants back in 2022, posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 33/14 K/BB ratio across 42 1/3 innings which included six starts and 22 relief appearances. He was unable to keep that momentum going last year in Oakland, registering a 5.60 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and 32/21 K/BB ratio in 45 innings. Just 28 years old, Long had enjoyed success in the Giants minor league system, so he will be hoping to recapture some of that in another fresh start.

Long has been ousted from Oakland’s 40-man roster heading into the offseason after compiling a pedestrian 5.60 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 32/21 K/BB ratio across 45 innings (40 appearances, one start) this season in the big leagues. The 28-year-old lefty will likely wind up electing free agency shortly and should be able to find a new opportunity somewhere else this offseason.

Long gave up four runs — three earned — in 1 2/3 innings last night. He’s made 40 appearances for the A’s on the year and amassed a 5.60 ERA and a 32/21 K/BB ratio in 45 innings.

The 28-year-old southpaw has already appeared in 38 games for the A’s this season — registering an underwhelming 5.27 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and a 32/18 K/BB ratio over 42 2/3 innings. He’s likely to be utilized in a middle relief role for the A’s.

Long heads back to the minors ahead of Saturday’s game against the Nationals. The 28-year-old southpaw has posted a lackluster 5.27 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 32/18 K/BB ratio across 42 2/3 innings (38 appearances, one start) this season for Oakland.