Tyler

Duffey

Duffy is now free to find a new organization for the final two months of the year, or he could possibly explore the international market. In 23 outings with Triple-A Omaha, Duffy registered a 2.35 ERA and 34/11 K/BB over 23 outings.

Duffey cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week, and he’ll have the option of becoming a free agent. The veteran had a 5.00 ERA in nine appearances for the Royals before being dropped from the roster.

Duffey was the corresponding move with Carlos Hernandez being activated. He had a 5.00 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in nine appearances with Kansas City this season. Duffey is no longer on the Royals’ 40-man roster and the club has seven days to either trade him or place him on waivers.

Duffey signed a minor league deal with the Royals over the winter and started the year with a 3.24 ERA and 10 strikeouts in his first 8 1/3 innings in Triple-A. He figures to serve in a middle relief role for the Royals. Anthony Veneziano was optioned in a corresponding move.

It’s a bit surprising that Duffey wasn’t able to find a major league contract this offseason. The 32-year-old only pitched two MLB innings this past season and posted a 4.91 ERA with the Twins in 44 innings in 2022; however, he had previously had three strong years as a key cog in the Twins’ bullpen, posting an ERA of 3.18 or better in each season. In 2023, he posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 53/23 K/BB ratio across 45 1/3 innings with Triple-A Iowa, so there’s a decent chance that he can make the Royals bullpen with a good showing in spring training.

The 32-year-old posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 53/23 K/BB ratio across 45 1/3 innings with Triple-A Iowa and will head back to the big leagues for the season’s final game.

Duffy opted out of his minor league contract with the Cubs earlier this month, but the two sides have agreed to re-unite on a brand new pact. The 32-year-old veteran reliever has made 295 appearances in the majors dating back to 2015. He provides Chicago with some extra organizational depth.

The Cubs now have 48 hours to either add him to the active roster or let him walk as a free agent. The 32-year-old posted a 4.43 ERA and 24/14 K/BB ratio over 22 1/3 innings with Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate this year.

Duffey will compete for a bullpen job this spring. The 31-year-old had a nice run with the Twins before scuffling last summer and ultimately being cut loose. He finished the season in the Yankees’ organization before heading back into free agency. Given his track record, it’s a worthwhile flier for Chicago.

Duffey is moving on to his third different organization of the season after getting released by the Twins in early August and then opting out of a minor league deal with the Rangers this past Sunday. The 31-year-old right-hander pitched to an impressive 2.69 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 174/48 K/BB ratio in 144 innings with Minnesota between 2019-2021 before running into a lot of struggles this summer.