Left-handed pitcher Austin Cox has turned down a minor league contract from the Kansas City Royals and will be a free agent. Free agency will be his calling, as Cox was not chosen to be on the 40-man roster for the Crowns. But with him being a free agent now, other teams should consider giving him a chance. Across 29 innings in Triple-A, he has recorded a WHIP of 1.62.
LHP Austin Cox has exercised his right to opt out of his contract with the Royals, per source. Cox has been released by Kansas City and is now a free agent.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 11, 2024
Royals Lefty Turns Down Deal
Austin Cox
The Royals selected Cox in the fifth round of 2018 from the baseball team of Mercer University, which is based in Macon, Georgia, United States. The Southpaw has sufficient experience for the intercollegiate team throughout his career. Cox is 27 years old and also has MLB experience on his resume. Cox also has MLB experience, which works in his favor. Regarding more detailed stats, Cox has sported a 4.54 ERA across about 35 innings of work exercised. He also has a walk rate of 11.4% and a strikeout rate of 22.1%. Like many pitchers, Cox has dealt with the injury bug (torn ACL) in his knee, where he had to undergo surgery. It also spoiled his season debut back in September.
The injury resulted from Cox attempting to help at first base with a ground ball. His injury is likely why the Royals chose not to place him on the roster. He spent some time on the free-agent market when the Royals decided not to give him a contract for the looming season on November 17th. But Cox returned with the Royals in the minors the next day. Cox had to work through rehab for his injury, which denied him access to Spring Training. However, Cox was able to play with the Omaha Smoke Chasers two weeks after the season commenced. Most of his experience with them has been relief pitching with depth. He recorded a respectable ERA of 3.90 with the team. But walks have continued to be a problem for Cox in his career. Cox is seeking a new home with a different squad through a minor league contract where he can pitch more in the pen.
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