How did Royals pitcher Jordan Lyles approach the offseason? A new grip & training plan

Kansas City Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney got a taste of southern hospitality this offseason.

Sweeney, who met with several Royals, stopped in Columbia, South Carolina, to visit with Jordan Lyles. He wanted to check in with Lyles and discuss the upcoming 2024 season.

“I went to visit Columbia, which is a really cool town,” Sweeney said. “Jordan and I had some good southern food and got to talk about this offseason and the things he needs to get better at.”

Lyles treated Sweeney to some Carolina barbecue. The duo ate at a local restaurant and began figuring out how Lyles could improve.

Last season, Lyles recorded a 6.23 ERA in 31 starts. He lost 17 games and allowed an MLB-worst 130 runs in 177 ⅔ innings. Additionally, he surrendered 39 home runs. It was the most homers allowed in his major league career.

“Caring is half the battle,” Lyles said. “Knowing that someone cares is a strong indication of who has your back. When stuff hits the fan, like who can you rely on and who can you talk to? Sweeney is one of those guys you can rely on and talk to. It’s easy and he is a good dude. I like to judge people on if I can count on you or not. And Sweeney is definitely one of those guys.”

Sweeney discussed a few things with Lyles. Namely, Lyles felt his curveball could be more consistent on a Royals team that has adopted a motto of “Reign the Zone” this season.

As a result, he changed the grip on that pitch. His goal was to be more aggressive earlier in counts by throwing the curveball more effectively.

“I want to use it early in counts to get the first strike,” Lyles said. “Last year, it would have to be the perfect setting, 0-2, 1-2, where I need to bury it. I wanted to define or tinker with a grip that was more suitable to get early strikes.”

This offseason, Lyles also trained with Tread Athletics in Charlotte, North Carolina. He got the idea after speaking with Royals teammate Cole Ragans.

Lyles looked to improve his velocity and went through a training program at the complex. The training drills included heavy weighted balls and designed exercises.

“They have a lot of great minds, pitching-wise,” Lyles said. “So as many different positive and great thoughts pitching-wise that I can grasp, the better off I am going to be. You never stop learning and that’s kind of my mindset.”

Lyles made his first spring training start on Thursday. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

He allowed one hit, one walk and struck out three batters. While his velocity was down, Lyles utilized his cutter to attack the strike zone. He struck out White Sox outfielder (and former Royal) Andrew Benintendi to open the game.

In the second inning, Lyles worked around a leadoff walk and finished with two strikeouts to conclude his outing. He relied primarily on his cutter to navigate the White Sox lineup.

“They had a handful of major league guys (in the lineup) so it was fun,” Lyles said. “It was good to jump back in there and get some game action and get the arm moving in a good way.”

The Royals lost 6-1 to the White Sox.

However, Royals manager Matt Quatraro thought Lyles had firm control of his pitches. He liked how Lyles threw to both sides of the plate.

“It looked like he was mixing his stuff,” Quatraro said. “The velo wasn’t there, but working the cutter and working up in the zone to both sides of the plate. Strike-throwing, we know he is going to do that.”

This season, the Royals have competition for the final spot in the starting rotation. There are multiple options that could earn the role. Lyles is the most veteran pitcher in contention. However, the Royals may also consider Daniel Lynch IV and Alec Marsh among other candidates.

Lyles brings value as an innings eater. He offers a lot of flexibility to help cover the bullpen by going late in games. Last season, he posted three complete games.

“These guys are working hard to earn a spot,” Sweeney said. “... We developed all offseason and we are working hard in spring training on the practice fields. We get between those white lines, let’s go compete and win ballgames.”

The Royals are back in action on Friday afternoon against the Oakland Athletics at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. Central.