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{{short description|Dominican baseball player (born 1989)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{family name hatnote|Herrera|Mercado|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Kelvin Herrera
| name = Kelvin Herrera
|image = Kelvin Herrera on May 25, 2012.jpg
| image = Kelvin Herrera on May 25, 2012.jpg
|image_size = 250px
| image_size = 250px
|caption = Herrera with the Kansas City Royals
| caption = Herrera with the Kansas City Royals
|team = Kansas City Royals
| team =
|number = 40
| number =
|position = [[Pitcher]]
| position = [[Pitcher]]
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|12|31}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|12|31}}
|birth_place = [[Tenares]], [[Hermanas Mirabal]], [[Dominican Republic]]
| birth_place = [[Tenares]], [[Dominican Republic]]
|bats = Right
| bats = Right
|throws = Right
| throws = Right
|debutleague = MLB
| debutleague = MLB
|debutdate = September 21
| debutdate = September 21
|debutyear = 2011
| debutyear = 2011
|debutteam = Kansas City Royals
| debutteam = Kansas City Royals
| finalleague = MLB
|statyear = 2015 season
| finaldate = July 26
|statleague = MLB
| finalyear = 2020
|stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–Loss record]]
| finalteam = Chicago White Sox
|stat1value = 17-17
| statleague = MLB
|stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
| stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat2value = 2.60
| stat1value = 27–32
|stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s
| stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
|stat3value = 274
| stat2value = 3.21
|stat4label = [[Walks plus hits per inning pitched|WHIP]]
| stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s
|stat4value = 1.16
|teams =
| stat3value = 510
| stat4label = [[Save (baseball)|Saves]]
* [[Kansas City Royals]] ({{By|2011}}–present)
| stat4value = 61
|awards=
| teams =
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2015]])
* [[Kansas City Royals]] ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2018}})
* [[Washington Nationals]] ({{mlby|2018}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2020}})
| awards =
* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2015]], [[2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2016]])
* [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|2015}})
|show-medals=no
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport | Men's [[baseball]]}}
{{MedalCountry | {{bb|DOM}}}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[World Baseball Classic]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[2013 World Baseball Classic|2013 San Francisco]] | Team }}
}}
}}

'''Kelvin DeJesus Herrera Mercado''' (born December 31, 1989) is a [[Dominican Republic|Dominican]] [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]] for the [[Kansas City Royals]] of [[Major League Baseball]].
'''Kelvin de Jesús Herrera Mercado''' (born December 31, 1989) is a [[Dominican Republic|Dominican]] former [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Kansas City Royals]] from 2011 to 2018, [[Washington Nationals]] in 2018, and [[Chicago White Sox]] in 2019 and 2020. Herrera is a two-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star]]. He is currently the mayor of his hometown, [[Tenares, Dominican Republic]].


==Professional career==
==Professional career==
Herrera along with [[Wil Myers]] represented the Royals at the 2011 [[All-Star Futures Game]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110623&content_id=20914184&c_id=kc|title=Kelvin Herrera, Wil Myers to represent Royals at Futures Game|last=Holt|first=Adam|date=June 23, 2011|work=[[MLB.com]]|accessdate=August 24, 2012}}</ref>
The [[Kansas City Royals]] signed Herrera as an international [[free agent]] in December 2006.<ref name=retro>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/H/Pherrk001.htm |title=Kelvin Herrera |website=[[Retrosheet]] |access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> From 2007 through 2013, he played for various teams in the Royals' [[farm team|farm system]]. Through 2010, he was in [[Class A (baseball)|Class A]] or below; he then reached both [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] and [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] in 2011. Along with [[Wil Myers]], Herrera represented the Royals at the 2011 [[All-Star Futures Game]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110623&content_id=20914184&c_id=kc|title=Kelvin Herrera, Wil Myers to represent Royals at Futures Game|last=Holt|first=Adam|date=June 23, 2011|work=[[MLB.com]]|access-date=August 24, 2012}}</ref>


===Kansas City Royals===
===Kansas City Royals===
Herrera was called up to MLB for the first time on September 21, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/9/20/2439378/luis-mendoza-tosses-seven-strong-innings-as-royals-throttle-playoff|title=Kansas City Royals Designate Kila Ka'aihue For Assignment|last=Hays|first=Matthew|date=September 21, 2011|work=SB Nation|access-date=August 24, 2012}}</ref> That day, he gave up three earned runs over two innings, against the [[Detroit Tigers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2011/B09210KCA2011.htm |title=Detroit Tigers 6, Kansas City Royals 3 |website=[[Retrosheet]] |date=September 21, 2011 |access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> He made one other appearance, on September 26, retiring all three batters he faced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2011/B09260MIN2011.htm |title=Kansas City Royals 7, Minnesota Twins 3 |website=[[Retrosheet]] |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref>
====2011====
Herrera was called up to the majors for the first time on September 21, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/9/20/2439378/luis-mendoza-tosses-seven-strong-innings-as-royals-throttle-playoff|title=Kansas City Royals Designate Kila Ka`aihue For Assignment|last=Hays|first=Matthew|date=September 21, 2011|work=SB Nation|accessdate=August 24, 2012}}</ref> He gave up three earned runs over two innings.


In 2012, Herrera appeared in 76 games and posted a 2.35 ERA over 84 innings while striking out 77. On August 30, 2012, Herrera recorded his first career [[Save (baseball)|save]], against Detroit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2012/B08300KCA2012.htm |title=Kansas City Royals 2, Detroit Tigers 1 |website=[[Retrosheet]] |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> Herrera spent part of the 2013 season in the minors. Herrera finished the season with an ERA of 3.86 in {{frac|58|1|3}} innings pitched, striking out 74 at a rate of 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, still a career mark. Herrera also surrendered a career-high nine home runs.<ref name=autogenerated1>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=herrer001kel Kelvin Herrera Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
====2012====
2012 was a breakout season for Herrera. He appeared in 76 games and posted a 2.35 ERA over 84 innings while compiling 77 strikeouts. On August 30, 2012, Herrera got his first career save.


In 2014, Herrera became the go-to seventh inning option for manager [[Ned Yost]]. Along with set-up man [[Wade Davis (pitcher)|Wade Davis]] and closer [[Greg Holland (baseball)|Greg Holland]], Herrera was part of one of the most prolific late inning trios in all of baseball.<ref>Kepner, Tyler (October 13, 2014) [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/13/sports/baseball/bullpen-gives-royals-three-reasons-to-believe.html?_r=0 Bullpen Gives Royals Three Reasons to Believe]. ''New York Times''</ref> His ERA was 1.41, the best mark of his career, and he did not allow a home run during the entire regular season. He had his first professional at-bat in Game 3 of the [[2014 World Series|World Series]] in San Francisco, when he struck out. He ended his first postseason with an aggregate 1.80 ERA, striking out 16 in 15 innings pitched.
====2013====
Herrera took a bit of a step back in 2013 and spent part of the year in the minors. While pitching in the majors his ERA ballooned to 3.86 and he gave up nine home runs in 59 appearances.


During a game against the [[Oakland Athletics]] on April 19, 2015, Herrera was [[ejection (sports)|ejected]] for throwing a pitch behind [[Brett Lawrie]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cwik|first1=Chris|title=Herrera ejected for throwing at Lawrie, benches clear.|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/not-again--benches-clear-after-kelvin-herrera-throws-at-brett-lawrie-002849764.html|website=sports.yahoo.com|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=April 19, 2015}}</ref> One game prior to this incident, his teammate [[Yordano Ventura]] was also ejected for hitting Lawrie. On April 22, 2015, Herrera was suspended for five games.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McCollough|first1=Andy|title=Herrera suspended 5 games for throwing at Lawrie.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article19157844.html|website=kansascity.com|publisher=The Kansas City Star|access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> Herrera appealed the suspension.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Flanagan|first1=Jeffrey|title=Herrera to appeal 5-game suspension.|url=http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/119608328/royals-kelvin-herrera-5-game-suspension-yordano-ventura-fined|work=MLB.com|access-date=April 22, 2015|archive-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424002232/http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/119608328/royals-kelvin-herrera-5-game-suspension-yordano-ventura-fined|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 25, 2015, Herrera was suspended an additional two games for his role in a brawl against the [[Chicago White Sox]].<ref>{{cite web|title=6 players suspended after Royals-Sox brawl. Herrera suspended 2 games.|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/120445012/six-players-suspended-in-royals-white-sox-fracas|work=MLB.com|access-date=April 25, 2015|archive-date=January 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131140942/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/120445012/six-players-suspended-in-royals-white-sox-fracas|url-status=dead}}</ref> His [[four-seam fastball]] had the third-highest average speed of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2015, at 98.4 [[Miles per hour|mph]].<ref>[http://m.mlb.com/statcast/leaderboard#avg-pitch-velo Statcast | MLB.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Herrera, with the absence of Greg Holland in the 2015 postseason, became the eighth inning set-up man for the Royals. At the conclusion of the postseason, Herrera notched a 0.66 ERA with 22 strikeouts in {{frac|13|2|3}} innings pitched with three holds.
====2014====
In 2014 Herrera became the go-to seventh inning option for manager [[Ned Yost]]. Along with set-up man [[Wade Davis (pitcher)|Wade Davis]] and closer [[Greg Holland (baseball)|Greg Holland]], Herrera was part of one of the most prolific late inning trios in all of baseball.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/13/sports/baseball/bullpen-gives-royals-three-reasons-to-believe.html?_r=0</ref> His ERA was 1.41, the best mark of his career, and he did not allow a home run during the entire regular season. He had his first professional at-bat in Game 3 of the World Series in San Francisco, when he struck out.


Having spent the vast majority of his career as a seventh inning and eighth inning reliever, Herrera took over the role of the Kansas City Royals' closer following a sidelining injury to [[Wade Davis (baseball)|Wade Davis]] in 2016. Herrera collected 12 saves in 15 opportunities as closer. He ended his season with a 2.75 ERA, striking out 86 in 72 innings pitched surrendering a career low 12 walks in a season. Herrera was named to the [[2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2016 MLB All-Star Game]], his second consecutive trip to the Midsummer Classic. In 72 games, he had an ERA of 2.75 with 12 saves.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
====2015====
During a game against the [[Oakland Athletics]] on April 19, 2015, Herrera was [[ejection (sports)|ejected]] for throwing a pitch behind [[Brett Lawrie]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cwik|first1=Chris|title=Herrera ejected for throwing at Lawrie, benches clear.|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/not-again--benches-clear-after-kelvin-herrera-throws-at-brett-lawrie-002849764.html|website=sports.yahoo.com|publisher=Yahoo Sports|accessdate=April 19, 2015}}</ref> One game prior to this incident, his teammate [[Yordano Ventura]] was also ejected for hitting Lawrie. On April 22, 2015, Herrera was suspended 5 games.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McCollough|first1=Andy|title=Herrera suspended 5 games for throwing at Lawrie.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article19157844.html|website=kansascity.com|publisher=The Kansas City Star|accessdate=April 22, 2015}}</ref> Herrera decided to appeal the suspension.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Flanagan|first1=Jeffrey|title=Herrera to appeal 5-game suspension.|url=http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/119608328/royals-kelvin-herrera-5-game-suspension-yordano-ventura-fined|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB.com|accessdate=April 22, 2015}}</ref> On April 25, 2015, Herrera was suspended an additional 2 games for his role in a brawl against the [[Chicago White Sox]].<ref>{{cite web|title=6 players suspended after Royals-Sox brawl. Herrera suspended 2 games.|url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/120445012/six-players-suspended-in-royals-white-sox-fracas|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref>


After the trade of [[Wade Davis (baseball)|Wade Davis]] in 2017, Herrera was named the full-time closer for the Royals. He was 26-for-31 in save opportunities, ending the season with a career-high 4.25 ERA in {{frac|59|1|3}} innings pitched.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
==Scouting Report==


In 27 appearances for the [[2018 Kansas City Royals season|2018 Royals]], Herrera compiled a 1.05 ERA with 14 [[Save (baseball)|saves]], 22 strikeouts, and only two walks in {{frac|25|2|3}} innings of work.<ref name=espn20180618>[http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23836456/kelvin-herrera-traded-washington-nationals-kansas-city-royals Anonymous, "Right-handed reliever Kelvin Herrera traded to Nationals from Royals," ESPN, June 18, 2018, 8:36 p.m. EDT Retrieved June 18, 2018]</ref>
With an overhand delivery, Herrera throws extremely hard; his [[fastball]] averages about 98&nbsp;mph and tops out at 103. He pairs his fastball with a deceptive [[changeup]] around 87-88 and an occasional [[curveball]] in the low-80s.<ref>{{cite web|title=PITCHf/x Player Card: Kelvin Herrera|url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=516969|publisher=BrooksBaseball.net|accessdate=May 6, 2012}}</ref>

===Washington Nationals===
On June 18, 2018, the Royals traded Herrera to the [[Washington Nationals]] in exchange for three minor-league players (third baseman [[Kelvin Gutiérrez]], outfielder [[Blake Perkins]], and right-handed pitcher Yohanse Morel).<ref name=espn20180618/><ref>[http://fox4kc.com/2018/06/18/royals-trade-all-star-pitcher-kelvin-herrera-to-nationals-for-3-minor-league-players/ Koch, Makenzie, "Royals trade All-Star pitcher Kelvin Herrera to Nationals for 3 minor league players," fox4kc.com, June 18, 2018, 7:13 p.m. CDT Retrieved June 18, 2018]</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2018/06/18/nationals-acquire-reliever-kelvin-herrera-from-royals-to-bolster-back-of-the-bullpen/ |title=Nationals acquire reliever Kelvin Herrera from Royals to bolster back of the bullpen |first=Chelsea |last=Janes |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=June 18, 2018 |access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> With Washington he was 1–2 with three saves and a 4.34 ERA.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> He became a free agent following the season.

===Chicago White Sox===
After he posted a combined 2.44 ERA for the Royals and the Nationals the previous season, the White Sox and Herrera agreed to a two-year deal on January 8, 2019. The contract carries an $8.5 million annual value and includes a club option worth $10 million for the 2021 season; it also includes a $1 million buyout.<ref>{{cite web|title=White Sox sign Kelvin Herrera|date=January 8, 2019|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/white-sox-announce-signing-of-reliever-kelvin-herrera/|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=January 8, 2019}}</ref> His first season with the White Sox was disastrous, as he endured the worst season of his career. He was 3–3 with a 6.14 ERA in 57 games.

On July 31, 2020, Herrera was designated for assignment in order to make room for [[Nick Madrigal]] on the 40-man roster.<ref>{{cite web|title=White Sox Promote Nick Madrigal, Designate Kelvin Herrera|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/white-sox-to-promote-nick-madrigal.html|last=Todd|first=Jeff|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> He was released on August 2.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/player/kelvin-herrera-516969 | title=Kelvin Herrera Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News | website=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref>

===Chicago Cubs===
On August 6, 2020, Herrera signed a minor league deal with the [[Chicago Cubs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/ct-chicago-cubs-kelvin-herrera-20200806-zypolhm7ongp3ggsdh3ms4v3iy-story.html|last=Gonzales|first=Mark|date=6 August 2020|title=Cubs sign former White Sox reliever Kelvin Herrera to minor league deal in effort to bolster bullpen|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref> Herrera was released on August 26, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/cubs-release-kelvin-herrera.html|last=Byrne|first=Connor|date=26 August 2020|title=Cubs Release Kelvin Herrera|website=MLB Trade Rumors|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>

===Retirement===
On February 26, 2021, Herrera announced his retirement from professional baseball via his Twitter account.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1365363748584648708|user=KelvinHerrera40|title=Thank you, Baseball ✍🏼|date=February 26, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/kelvin-herrera-announces-retirement.html|title = Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement| date=February 26, 2021 }}</ref>

==Scouting report==

With an overhand delivery and quick explosion from the stretch, Herrera throws hard like many Dominican pitchers; his two-seam [[fastball]] averages about 97&nbsp;mph and tops out at 103. He pairs his fastball with a deceptive [[changeup]] around 87–88 and an occasional [[curveball]] in the mid-80s. Herrera occasionally throws a sinker to induce groundball outs. His slider is often touted as his best off-speed pitch.<ref>{{cite web|title=PITCHf/x Player Card: Kelvin Herrera|url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=516969|publisher=BrooksBaseball.net|access-date=May 6, 2012}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal bar|Biography|Baseball|Dominican Republic}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Baseball|Dominican Republic}}
{{commons category}}
{{Commons category|Kelvin Herrera}}
*{{baseballstats|mlb=516969|espn=|br=h/herreke01|fangraphs=sa455661|cube=Kelvin-Herrera|brm=herrer001kel}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=516969|espn=|br=h/herreke01|fangraphs=sa455661|brm=herrer001kel}}, or [http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/H/Pherrk001.htm Retrosheet]
*{{Twitter|KelvinHerrera40|Kelvin Herrera}}
*{{Twitter}}
* {{Instagram|kelvinherrera40|Kelvinh40}}


{{Kansas City Royals roster navbox}}
{{2015 Kansas City Royals}}
{{Dominican Republic 2013 World Baseball Classic roster}}
{{Dominican Republic roster 2013 World Baseball Classic}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
|NAME = Herrera, Kelvin
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Dominican baseball player
|DATE OF BIRTH = December 31, 1989
|PLACE OF BIRTH = Tenares, Hermanas Mirabal, Dominican Republic
|DATE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Herrera, Kelvin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Herrera, Kelvin}}
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:1989 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Dominican Summer League Royals players]]
[[Category:Burlington Royals players]]
[[Category:Burlington Bees players]]
[[Category:Burlington Bees players]]
[[Category:Wilmington Blue Rocks players]]
[[Category:Burlington Royals players]]
[[Category:Northwest Arkansas Naturals players]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox players]]
[[Category:Omaha Storm Chasers players]]
[[Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States]]
[[Category:Dominican Summer League Royals players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:Leones del Escogido players]]
[[Category:Leones del Escogido players]]
[[Category:All-Star Futures Game players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Northwest Arkansas Naturals players]]
[[Category:Omaha Storm Chasers players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:Wilmington Blue Rocks players]]
[[Category:World Baseball Classic players of the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:2013 World Baseball Classic players]]
[[Category:2013 World Baseball Classic players]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]

Latest revision as of 14:40, 8 December 2024

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Herrera and the second or maternal family name is Mercado.
Kelvin Herrera
Herrera with the Kansas City Royals
Pitcher
Born: (1989-12-31) December 31, 1989 (age 34)
Tenares, Dominican Republic
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 21, 2011, for the Kansas City Royals
Last MLB appearance
July 26, 2020, for the Chicago White Sox
MLB statistics
Win–loss record27–32
Earned run average3.21
Strikeouts510
Saves61
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  Dominican Republic
World Baseball Classic
Gold medal – first place 2013 San Francisco Team

Kelvin de Jesús Herrera Mercado (born December 31, 1989) is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals from 2011 to 2018, Washington Nationals in 2018, and Chicago White Sox in 2019 and 2020. Herrera is a two-time MLB All-Star. He is currently the mayor of his hometown, Tenares, Dominican Republic.

Professional career

[edit]

The Kansas City Royals signed Herrera as an international free agent in December 2006.[1] From 2007 through 2013, he played for various teams in the Royals' farm system. Through 2010, he was in Class A or below; he then reached both Double-A and Triple-A in 2011. Along with Wil Myers, Herrera represented the Royals at the 2011 All-Star Futures Game.[2]

Kansas City Royals

[edit]

Herrera was called up to MLB for the first time on September 21, 2011.[3] That day, he gave up three earned runs over two innings, against the Detroit Tigers.[4] He made one other appearance, on September 26, retiring all three batters he faced.[5]

In 2012, Herrera appeared in 76 games and posted a 2.35 ERA over 84 innings while striking out 77. On August 30, 2012, Herrera recorded his first career save, against Detroit.[6] Herrera spent part of the 2013 season in the minors. Herrera finished the season with an ERA of 3.86 in 58+1⁄3 innings pitched, striking out 74 at a rate of 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, still a career mark. Herrera also surrendered a career-high nine home runs.[7]

In 2014, Herrera became the go-to seventh inning option for manager Ned Yost. Along with set-up man Wade Davis and closer Greg Holland, Herrera was part of one of the most prolific late inning trios in all of baseball.[8] His ERA was 1.41, the best mark of his career, and he did not allow a home run during the entire regular season. He had his first professional at-bat in Game 3 of the World Series in San Francisco, when he struck out. He ended his first postseason with an aggregate 1.80 ERA, striking out 16 in 15 innings pitched.

During a game against the Oakland Athletics on April 19, 2015, Herrera was ejected for throwing a pitch behind Brett Lawrie.[9] One game prior to this incident, his teammate Yordano Ventura was also ejected for hitting Lawrie. On April 22, 2015, Herrera was suspended for five games.[10] Herrera appealed the suspension.[11] On April 25, 2015, Herrera was suspended an additional two games for his role in a brawl against the Chicago White Sox.[12] His four-seam fastball had the third-highest average speed of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2015, at 98.4 mph.[13] Herrera, with the absence of Greg Holland in the 2015 postseason, became the eighth inning set-up man for the Royals. At the conclusion of the postseason, Herrera notched a 0.66 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 13+2⁄3 innings pitched with three holds.

Having spent the vast majority of his career as a seventh inning and eighth inning reliever, Herrera took over the role of the Kansas City Royals' closer following a sidelining injury to Wade Davis in 2016. Herrera collected 12 saves in 15 opportunities as closer. He ended his season with a 2.75 ERA, striking out 86 in 72 innings pitched surrendering a career low 12 walks in a season. Herrera was named to the 2016 MLB All-Star Game, his second consecutive trip to the Midsummer Classic. In 72 games, he had an ERA of 2.75 with 12 saves.[7]

After the trade of Wade Davis in 2017, Herrera was named the full-time closer for the Royals. He was 26-for-31 in save opportunities, ending the season with a career-high 4.25 ERA in 59+1⁄3 innings pitched.[7]

In 27 appearances for the 2018 Royals, Herrera compiled a 1.05 ERA with 14 saves, 22 strikeouts, and only two walks in 25+2⁄3 innings of work.[14]

Washington Nationals

[edit]

On June 18, 2018, the Royals traded Herrera to the Washington Nationals in exchange for three minor-league players (third baseman Kelvin Gutiérrez, outfielder Blake Perkins, and right-handed pitcher Yohanse Morel).[14][15][16] With Washington he was 1–2 with three saves and a 4.34 ERA.[7] He became a free agent following the season.

Chicago White Sox

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After he posted a combined 2.44 ERA for the Royals and the Nationals the previous season, the White Sox and Herrera agreed to a two-year deal on January 8, 2019. The contract carries an $8.5 million annual value and includes a club option worth $10 million for the 2021 season; it also includes a $1 million buyout.[17] His first season with the White Sox was disastrous, as he endured the worst season of his career. He was 3–3 with a 6.14 ERA in 57 games.

On July 31, 2020, Herrera was designated for assignment in order to make room for Nick Madrigal on the 40-man roster.[18] He was released on August 2.[19]

Chicago Cubs

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On August 6, 2020, Herrera signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs.[20] Herrera was released on August 26, 2020.[21]

Retirement

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On February 26, 2021, Herrera announced his retirement from professional baseball via his Twitter account.[22][23]

Scouting report

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With an overhand delivery and quick explosion from the stretch, Herrera throws hard like many Dominican pitchers; his two-seam fastball averages about 97 mph and tops out at 103. He pairs his fastball with a deceptive changeup around 87–88 and an occasional curveball in the mid-80s. Herrera occasionally throws a sinker to induce groundball outs. His slider is often touted as his best off-speed pitch.[24]

References

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  1. ^ "Kelvin Herrera". Retrosheet. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  2. ^ Holt, Adam (June 23, 2011). "Kelvin Herrera, Wil Myers to represent Royals at Futures Game". MLB.com. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  3. ^ Hays, Matthew (September 21, 2011). "Kansas City Royals Designate Kila Ka'aihue For Assignment". SB Nation. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  4. ^ "Detroit Tigers 6, Kansas City Royals 3". Retrosheet. September 21, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  5. ^ "Kansas City Royals 7, Minnesota Twins 3". Retrosheet. September 26, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  6. ^ "Kansas City Royals 2, Detroit Tigers 1". Retrosheet. August 30, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d Kelvin Herrera Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History | Baseball-Reference.com
  8. ^ Kepner, Tyler (October 13, 2014) Bullpen Gives Royals Three Reasons to Believe. New York Times
  9. ^ Cwik, Chris. "Herrera ejected for throwing at Lawrie, benches clear". sports.yahoo.com. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  10. ^ McCollough, Andy. "Herrera suspended 5 games for throwing at Lawrie". kansascity.com. The Kansas City Star. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  11. ^ Flanagan, Jeffrey. "Herrera to appeal 5-game suspension". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  12. ^ "6 players suspended after Royals-Sox brawl. Herrera suspended 2 games". MLB.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  13. ^ Statcast | MLB.com
  14. ^ a b Anonymous, "Right-handed reliever Kelvin Herrera traded to Nationals from Royals," ESPN, June 18, 2018, 8:36 p.m. EDT Retrieved June 18, 2018
  15. ^ Koch, Makenzie, "Royals trade All-Star pitcher Kelvin Herrera to Nationals for 3 minor league players," fox4kc.com, June 18, 2018, 7:13 p.m. CDT Retrieved June 18, 2018
  16. ^ Janes, Chelsea (June 18, 2018). "Nationals acquire reliever Kelvin Herrera from Royals to bolster back of the bullpen". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  17. ^ "White Sox sign Kelvin Herrera". Chicago Sun-Times. January 8, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
  18. ^ Todd, Jeff (July 31, 2020). "White Sox Promote Nick Madrigal, Designate Kelvin Herrera". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  19. ^ "Kelvin Herrera Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  20. ^ Gonzales, Mark (August 6, 2020). "Cubs sign former White Sox reliever Kelvin Herrera to minor league deal in effort to bolster bullpen". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  21. ^ Byrne, Connor (August 26, 2020). "Cubs Release Kelvin Herrera". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  22. ^ @KelvinHerrera40 (February 26, 2021). "Thank you, Baseball ✍🏼" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  23. ^ "Kelvin Herrera Announces Retirement". February 26, 2021.
  24. ^ "PITCHf/x Player Card: Kelvin Herrera". BrooksBaseball.net. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
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