Why Alec Marsh has newfound confidence entering second season with the KC Royals

Kansas City Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney noticed a difference in second-year hurler Alec Marsh this spring.

Marsh, 25, looked confident, and he walked with a purpose. After making his Major League Baseball debut last season, Marsh was no longer a rookie pitcher finding his way.

Instead, Marsh moved with intent. His goal was fueled by a determination to prove that he belonged in the big leagues.

“He is light-years ahead of where he was last year,” Sweeney said. “I’m so impressed with the energy he has brought and the development that he made at the big-league level last year. It’s been really fun to see him do his thing.”

Last June, Marsh made his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He allowed five runs in four innings of work. Dodgers star Mookie Betts greeted him with two home runs.

The Royals granted him more opportunities. Marsh appeared in 17 games (eight starts) and posted a 5.69 ERA. His performance was uneven at times, but it ultimately served as a learning experience.

“He went from a guy that was in Double-A to making his debut and making adjustments at the major-league level,” Sweeney said. “Then, (he’s been) totally confident in every situation. … I’m completely impressed with what he has done.”

Marsh pitched four innings against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. He threw 59 pitches (38 strikes) and allowed two earned runs in relief. This spring, Marsh has a 1.93 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 14 innings pitched.

“It’s good to have that confidence going in that things we are working on are working for sure,” Marsh said. “And continue to build these outings and show that you know, I’m reliable and can go deeper (into games).”

The Royals lost 7-6 to the Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. Marsh, who is competing for a roster spot, followed Royals starter Jordan Lyles in the game.

Lyles allowed five runs in three innings. He surrendered four home runs, including three consecutive homers to Cubs trio Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger and Yan Gomes.

“You never want to give up home runs,” Lyles said. “It’s not fun, and you don’t enjoy people circling the bases on you.”

Both Lyles and Marsh are in contention for the fifth-starter spot in the pitching rotation. Other pitchers in the running include: Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Anthony Veneziano.

Lyles, who enters his 14th season, is a likely front-runner for the role. However, Marsh has demonstrated he can be effective as either a starter or reliever.

“I want to do whatever I can to help the team,” Marsh said. “At the end of the day, the only stat that I care about is if the team wins or not. So any role that I’m gonna be put in, that’s gonna help the team, is what I want to do.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro shared that the team will have a tough decision to make on who the fifth starter will be. He appreciates how the competition has led to each pitcher producing at a high level.

“We’re getting down to it,” Quatraro said. These guys just have to go out and do the best they can. It’s not a matter of we need this many innings or this many strikeouts. We are going to have to make a decision, and all they can do is control going out there and putting their best foot forward.”

Marsh is excited for the 2024 season regardless of his role. He has found what makes him successful on the mound. The addition of veteran teammates, such as Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, have brought a winning mentality into the clubhouse.

Their presence has helped Marsh play loose and gain comfort on the mound. It’s a big change from his mentality earlier in his career.

“I like to call myself a late bloomer,” Marsh said. So maybe the end of my career is going to be better than the beginning. Just going in day by day and figuring things out. It’s figuring out who I am and how I work. Once I stopped doing what everyone else is doing or trying to be someone else, I just really looked at the mirror and said, ‘Hey this is how I work and trying to figure out how I work more.’ Then, it’s gotten a lot better since then.”

The Royals will continue to evaluate their options this spring.

Marsh has made several improvements to his pitching arsenal. Last season, he learned to throw a sweeper and continues to refine it. He has also worked to command his slider and curveball among his breaking pitches.

For now, Marsh is focused on his current standing. He is hopeful his renewed confidence will continue to help him shine once his number is called.

“I think for me, the biggest thing is not looking too far ahead,” Marsh said. “I think what’s helped me is having a plan of attack every day and just worrying about that. Wherever I land is where I land. But, I know if I put in the work I need to put in it will be good.”