The Kansas City Royals have designated left-hander Bailey Falter for assignment, ending a brief and unsuccessful stint with the team. Falter, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2024 in exchange for reliever Evan Sisk and minor league prospect Callan Moss, has struggled in five appearances (two starts) this season. Right-hander Mason Black was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding roster move.
Falter’s season reached a breaking point in a recent start against the New York Yankees, where he allowed seven runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Over 21 2/3 innings with the Royals in 2026, Falter posted a 12.46 ERA, allowing runs in all five of his appearances and multiple runs in four of them. His performance was a continuation of a rough stretch that began in the 2025 season, when he allowed 15 runs in 12 innings after the trade.
The Royals tendered Falter a $3.6 million contract for 2026, a move that all but guarantees he will pass through waivers unclaimed and accept an outright assignment to Omaha. If he does not return to the 40-man roster this season, Falter will be eligible for free agency at the end of the year. With five days to decide, the Royals are likely to outright him to the minors, where he can try to regain form with the Storm Chasers.
Falter, 29, has had better days in the majors. From 2022 to 2025, he posted a 4.50 ERA across 467 2/3 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies and Pirates. His 17.3% strikeout rate and 7.1% walk rate showed he could be a serviceable starter when healthy and effective. However, his recent struggles have made him a liability for a Royals rotation already dealing with injuries to Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, and Alec Marsh.
The trade that brought Falter to Kansas City did not work out as planned. The Pirates received Sisk and Moss, both of whom had limited major league experience, while the Royals hoped Falter could provide rotation depth. Instead, Falter has become a financial and performance burden.
The Royals now have a week to make a decision on Falter. If he is outrighted, he will likely remain in the minors to work on his mechanics and command. The team will continue to monitor its rotation depth and may consider other options if injuries persist.
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