Luinder Avila: The Royals' Rising Star Closer
The Kansas City Royals' 2026 season began with high hopes, but a wave of injuries quickly dashed those dreams. Among the players who suffered setbacks was Luinder Avila, a young right-hander who had generated significant buzz. Despite not making the Opening Day roster, Avila's journey to the majors is a testament to the Royals' scouting and development prowess.
Avila, a 24-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela, signed with the Royals at just 16 years old. His path to the majors was a gradual one, starting in the Dominican Summer League and working his way up through the Arizona Complex League and the Royals' minor league system. His major league debut came in August, just a week before his 24th birthday, and he has since made a name for himself.
At the 2026 All-Star Break, Avila had made 31 career appearances in the majors, with nine of those coming as a starting pitcher. His overall numbers are impressive: 5-4 record, 4.33 ERA, 70.2 innings pitched, 66 strikeouts, and 40 walks. However, it's his performance as a reliever and starter that has truly stood out.
In his rookie season, Avila made 13 appearances out of the bullpen, posting a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings and striking out 16 batters. This year, he has made 18 appearances, with nine as a reliever and nine as a starter. The splits and stats are striking. As a starter, Avila has pitched 38.1 innings, allowing 39 hits, 25 runs, six home runs, 25 walks, and striking out 34 batters. His ERA as a starter is 5.87, which is inflated by a disastrous start against the Astros.
As a reliever, Avila's numbers are even more impressive. In nine appearances, he has pitched 18.1 innings, allowing 19 hits, seven runs, nine walks, and striking out 16 batters. His WHIP as a reliever is 1.53, and his ERA is 3.44. Avila's power fastball, which averages upper 90s mph, makes his off-speed stuff, particularly his deadly curveball, even tougher to handle.
What makes Avila particularly fascinating is the contrast between his starter and reliever performances. As a starter, his velocity holds back, and his stuff doesn't quite play up as well. However, in short bursts, Avila looks like he has the potential to be a premier closer in the majors. His outing on May 2nd in Seattle is a prime example. With the Royals trailing late in a close game, Avila stepped in and threw two scoreless innings, with his fastball/sinker combo averaging 98 mph and his curveball dropping out of the sky.
However, Avila's potential as a closer is not without its challenges. As a starter, his stuff becomes less effective, and overexposure can lead to burnout. In my opinion, Avila is better suited for the closer role, where his stuff can play up and he can be more effective in short bursts. But who else should the Royals turn to as a closer next year?
Alex Lange, Carlos Estevez, and Matt Strahm are all likely to be gone. Daniel Lynch IV has never been trusted in that role, and Lucas Erceg has regressed. Beck Way seems more suited for middle relief or setup duties. This leaves the Royals with a clear need for a new closer, and Avila is the obvious choice to step up.
In my opinion, the Royals should start preparing Avila for the closer role now, rather than waiting until next season. This season is already a lost cause after the All-Star Break, and Avila has shown the potential to be a premier closer. With his power fastball and deadly curveball, he has the stuff to succeed. The Royals should trust in his development and give him the opportunity to shine in the closer role.
In conclusion, Luinder Avila is the Royals' rising star closer, and the team should start preparing him for that role now. With his impressive numbers as a reliever and starter, and his potential to be a premier closer, Avila is a player to watch in the coming years. The Royals should trust in his development and give him the opportunity to shine in the closer role, where he can make a significant impact for the team.
