It wasn't long ago that it appeared Atlanta Braves starter Kyle Wright had a long-term spot atop the team's rotation. Considering the starter won 21 games with impressive numbers, it wasn't a leap to believe the future was bright for the former Braves starter. The right-hander was only the seventh pitcher in franchise history to win this many games. Considering Atlanta's long list of incredible starters, this is a telling stat both in how impressive Wright was and how stats aren't always an indication of what is to come. Injuries derailed Wright and left the Braves searching for a change at the position.
Atlanta traded the starter to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Jackson Kowar. It was a sensible trade for both sides, with the Braves looking to reset their rotation and Wright needing time to get healthy. For the Royals, it was a gamble that the starter could turn back the clock to the 2022 season and become a contributing piece of the team's rotation. The Braves would later trade Kowar as part of a larger deal with the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Gwinnett Stripers outfielder Jarred Kelenic.
Former Braves Starter Kyle Wright Continues to Struggle
The shoulder injury that derailed Wright's time in Atlanta has kept the pitcher out of the rotation the past two seasons. Kansas City was aware of this heading into the 2024 season, but remained hopeful that this year would be different. Wright yet again had to start the year on the IL, but is now ready to rejoin the team and begin pitching again.
With this in mind, the Royals are attempting to give Wright time to work his way back to the next level. Kansas City has optioned Wright to the minors in hopes of the pitcher rebuilding confidence and working his way back.
Considering it has been more than two years since Wright was a contributing piece of a Major League rotation, this is a wise approach.
Wright still could find his way back to the levels he once reached with Atlanta. However, if that is going to happen, it is going to require Kansas City to be patient, allowing the former Brave time to work his way back. With the Braves' 2025 misery continuing, it is an interesting distraction to keep an eye on the former pitcher with the hope that he can return to form and put a once-promising career back on track.