Royals Move Former Pirates Starter Bailey Falter to Bullpen
The Kansas City Royals have demoted former Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter to the bullpen after struggling in his new role.
According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Royals manager Matt Quatraro confirmed the move, explaining that Falter will transition to a bullpen role as right-hander Michael Lorenzen returns from the injured list. Lorenzen will take the mound in the game against the Chicago White Sox on August 16 at Kauffman Stadium.
Falter joined the Royals after being traded from the Pirates on July 31, in exchange for left-handed reliever Evan Sisk and first-base prospect Callan Moss. However, his debut with Kansas City didn’t go well, as he allowed eight hits, two walks, and seven earned runs in just four innings of work during an 8-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox on August 4.
Falter’s most recent start for the Royals came on August 11 against the Washington Nationals, where he pitched four innings, giving up a two-run home run, three hits, and three walks while striking out five in a 7-4 win.
Falter had a solid season with the Pirates in 2025, posting a 7-5 record over 22 starts with a 3.73 ERA across 113.1 innings. He struck out 70 batters, walked 39, and held opponents to a .232 batting average with a 1.18 WHIP. His standout month came in May, where he went 3-0 with a 0.76 ERA in six starts, accumulating 19 strikeouts and allowing a mere .147 opposing batting average.
The Pirates acquired Falter from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for infielder Rodolfo Castro on August 1, 2023. In his brief time with Pittsburgh that season, he posted a 2-2 record and a 5.58 ERA in 40.1 innings. Falter became a key member of the Pirates’ rotation in 2024, finishing the year with an 8-9 record and a 4.43 ERA in 28 starts.
Falter re-signed with the Royals for $2.2 million this season, and with three more years of arbitration eligibility, he won’t hit free agency until after the 2028 season.
During his time with Pittsburgh, Falter recorded a 17-16 record in 60 appearances (57 starts), a 4.32 ERA, and 199 strikeouts in 296.0 innings pitched.
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