Grading the Royals' trade-deadline swap for veteran pitcher

Falter will provide much-needed depth for the Royals, who are awaiting the return of ace Cole Ragans. He will join veteran pitchers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, as well as rookie Noah Cameron, in Kansas City's rotation.

The former Pirate has posted a respectable 7-5 record with a 3.73 ERA, 1.182 WHIP and 70 strikeouts over 113.1 innings pitched. This marks his first season with a sub-4.00 ERA since 2022.

Falter has managed to carve out an effective major league career despite holding the fourth-lowest strikeout rate among qualified starters in 2025.

The 28-year-old veteran is under club control through the 2028 season, giving the Royals a reliable asset for the long term — whether in the starting rotation or, if needed, the bullpen. He joins Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek — recently added in a separate deal with the San Diego Padres — as the newest additions to Kansas City's pitching staff.

The cost for Kansas City appears relatively low. Sisk, a 28-year-old who made his MLB debut this season, holds a 19-16 record with a 3.22 ERA across 354.2 innings at all minor league levels.

Moss is a 21-year-old first baseman playing for the Royals’ Single-A affiliate. He owns a .281 batting average and a .391 on-base percentage, with nine home runs and 17 stolen bases across two minor league seasons.

Neither prospect ranked inside Kansas City’s top 30 prospects. 

• Royals Grade: B+
• Pirates Grade: C