Cardinals Acquire Pitcher Anthony Misiewicz From Royals

Cardinals Acquire Left-Handed Pitcher Anthony Misiewicz From Kansas City Royals For Cash Considerations

Right-Handed Pitcher James Naile Designated For Assignment

ST. LOUIS, Mo., February 8, 2023 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have acquired left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz (mih-SEV-itch) from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash considerations.

Misiewicz, 28, split the 2022 season between Seattle and Kansas City, going a combined 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA (29.0 IP) and 27 strikeouts in 32 relief outings.

The 6-1, 196 lb. left-hander has pitched in 119 Major League games between Seattle (2020-22) and Kansas City (2022) over his three-year career, recording a 6-9 record, 4.43 ERA (103.2 IP) and 105 strikeouts, while limiting opposing left-handed batters to .250/.288/.361 (45-180) clip with a .649 OPS.

Since the Detroit, Michigan native made his Major League debut in 2020, Misiewicz ranks 7^th among American League leaders in appearances (119, 7th) and holds (32, T-5^th). The former Michigan State Spartan also led Seattle in appearances in back-to-back seasons: 66 games in 2021 and 21 games in 2020.

Additionally, St. Louis announced that it designated right-handed pitcher James Naile for assignment. The Cardinals 40-player roster remains at capacity with today’s transaction.

— STL —

Misiewicz lost his roster spot when the Royals re-signed Zack Greinke last week; he was designated for assignment, so the team had to pass him through waivers, trade him, or release him. The Cardinals saw enough in tape to feel he was a better option then Naile.

This deal might not seem like much, but it’s one the Cardinals have done decent with in the past. Misiewicz has definite platoon splits (.250/.288/.361 vs lefties; .283/.348/.480 vs righties), but his 4.52 ERA is high when you look at his strand rate (over 70%), 3.88 FIP, and abnormally high .321 BABIP.

He’s got a mid-90s fastball with a cutter and curve; none of the pitches really stand out, but are good enough to be a mid-level reliever. The Cardinals needed another lefty to go with Zack Thompson (who could be a rotation option in a pinch) and Packy Naughton.

Naile will go through the DFA process; if he clears waivers, he should have the option to accept his assignment (and get an invite to spring training) or test the free agent market. There could be a rebuilding team that might take a flier on him, but I expect he’ll remain with the organization. He made his MLB debut last season.