Stripling exercised the opt-out clause in his contract after he was informed that he didn’t make the Royals’ Opening Day roster. The 35-year-old right-hander has struggled in recent years with a 5.36 ERA in 2023 and a 6.01 ERA in 2024. Stripling didn’t exactly cover himself in glory this spring with a 14.63 ERA, 2.25 WHIP and 2/1 K/BB ratio in eight innings. He’ll look to catch on with another organization, but will probably have to settle for another minor-league deal.

Stripling just signed a week ago, so it’s understandable if he’s behind. Still, he’s not working with a lot of margin for error in making the Royals, not after going 2-11 with a 6.01 ERA for the A’s last season.

Stripling was hit hard last year with the Athletics, struggling to a bloated 6.01 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 49/22 K/BB ratio across 85 1/3 innings (22 appearances, 14 starts). However, there’s a glimmer of optimism in his underlying data, most notably a respectable 3.89 FIP and an impossibly low 54.8 percent strand rate, which suggests he still has something left in the tank. The 35-year-old figures to operate in a versatile swingman-type role for Kansas City, if he makes their season-opening roster. He’s a non-factor for fantasy purposes given his lackluster strikeout rates, but he represents a quality depth addition for the Royals.

Stripling is back for a surprise cameo. The 34-year-old, who had been out with a back strain, has a 6.08 ERA in 14 starts and seven relief appearances this season.