Brandon Finnegan had a rapid rise to the majors, debuting for the Royals just three months after they drafted him 17th overall and making a big impact in the playoffs as a reliever.
However, long term the Royals still think he fits best as a starting pitcher and general manager Dayton Moore said the team plans to continue developing him that way:
We feel like it’s in his best interests and our best interests long term as an organization to develop him as a starter.
Finnegan was a starter at TCU, going 9-3 with a 2.04 ERA and 134/29 K/BB ratio in 106 innings there during his final season. He also began his pro career as starter at Single-A, but then shifted to the bullpen following a promotion to Double-A.
If they stick with him as a starter, Finnegan seems destined to begin this season in the minors.