Royals Acquire Left-Hander Bailey Falter From Pirates

The Kansas City Royals acquired left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter from the Pittsburgh Pirates just before the MLB trade deadline, sending lefty Evan Sisk and infielder Callan Moss to Pittsburgh in return. Falter, 28, has posted a 7-5 record and a 3.73 ERA over 22 starts this season and is valued for his years of remaining club control, providing immediate and long-term depth to the Royals' rotation following season-ending injuries to key pitchers like Kris Bubic. In addition to Falter, the Royals traded for outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the Giants and pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek from the Padres, signaling their intent to compete for an AL Wild Card spot, as they sit just three games out. Sisk has shown promise both in the majors and at Triple-A, while Moss is a young, productive hitter at High-A. The Pirates, meanwhile, opted to move Falter despite his team-friendly contract, surprising some observers who expected different arms to be traded. These moves underscore the Royals' aggressive approach at the deadline as they aim for a postseason return.