Free agent Kyle McClellan focused on future – MLB News
St. Louis Cardinals' free agent Kyle McClellan has said he has no hard feelings after the former’s decision to part ways with the reliever. It was on Tuesday that the Cards granted McClellan unconditional release, making him arbitration eligible.
Being a St. Louis-area native, McClellan became part of the organisation in the 25th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. The association was long, but would not officially last forever as the move materialised on Tuesday.
"There are definitely no hard feelings on my part," McClellan said. "Unfortunately, it's part of this game. You'd like to think you could be there forever, but it doesn't work out that way most of the time. It's definitely an interesting time for me. I'm sad to be leaving the only organization I've ever known. On the other side, it's an exciting time to see what's out there and get a fresh start."
That which complicated matters for the reliever was the fitness issue. He had to undergo shoulder surgery in July to address a slightly frayed labrum and a split shoulder capsule. It then turned out that the player will have to have season-ending procedure.
McClellan could only make 16 appearances this past season. In a year when the bullpen was supposed to be functional and solid, an experienced McClellan’s injury was never good news for the Redbirds.
However, much as McClellan has faced adversity recently, he does not seem bogged down. Instead, the pitcher wants to tap into his potential. For him, it is necessary – more than ever now, to show he has not only retained his fitness but also the power and effectiveness as a pitcher.
The door of opportunities has not closed on Kyle McClellan, though. In a market where the clubs look for effective and skilful pitchers, McClellan has a lot to offer.
With the career ERA of 3.69, McClellan has had a 1.29 WHIP, 257 strike-outs in 261 games that he has played over the years. As to which club eventually offers a contract is something to be seen in the days to come.
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