Former Boston Red Sox prospect Geoff Hartlieb has found yet another landing spot after being jettisoned by the Detroit Tigers. It doesn't come as a surprise that a contending organization would part ways with the failing player. However, Hartlieb didn't have to wait long to find his next team, with the Kansas City Royals offering the struggling veteran a minor league deal. The desperation move makes sense from the perspective of a Royals team attempting to claw its way into the wildcard race.
Boston is setting the pace atop the wildcard standings, with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners completing the postseason picture. Kansas City needs to make up three games on the Mariners to sneak its way in. In the middle of what has been a frustrating season, it makes sense to take a flyer on Hartlieb, who has had consistently solid minor league numbers while struggling when elevated.
Just this season, the veteran gave up eight runs in less than four innings worked. Hardly an endorsement for another team to take a chance on the veteran. It required the right level of desperation, and KC unquestionably fits the description.
Former Red Sox Pitcher Geoff Hartlieb Finds New Landing Spot
Hartlieb spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Boston's system before the franchise opted to turn the page. This started a revolving door of moves that would give the reliever short tenures with the Marlins, Yankees, Rockies, and Tigers. Previously, Hartlieb spent time in both the Mets and Pirates organizations. No question, the righty has an uphill battle to continue his career and must have a strong showing with the Royals to earn more Major League time.
While Kansas City is searching for surprise production, they have enough of a solid roster that the reliever must show progress to earn another chance in the 2025 season. If that doesn't happen, there is reason to wonder how much longer the pitcher's career is going to continue. There haven't been any positive results strung together, limiting how many chances might be left.
Even in a league desperate for capable pitching, there is a clear line when teams give up, and Hartlieb is quickly approaching this with how many teams he has cycled through. Leaving the Red Sox feeling vindicated in the decision to move on from the struggling reliever.