Chris Roycroft

Chris Roycroft, a promising right-handed relief pitcher, made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on May 7, 2024. Born on June 21, 1997, in Dundee, Illinois, Roycroft honed his skills at Willowbrook High School before advancing his career in college baseball at Aurora University. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, Roycroft brings an imposing presence to the mound. In his debut season, Roycroft demonstrated potential as a key bullpen asset for the Cardinals, showcasing a notable ERA of 4.194 across 34.1 innings pitched. He appeared in 27 games, securing a win and a hold, though he also recorded 2 losses. His pitching arsenal, effective in strikeouts, allowed him to accumulate 33 strikeouts, reflecting a solid strikeout rate that underscores his capability to challenge batters at the highest level of the game. Roycroft's statcast metrics reveal a pitcher with a diverse skill set, capable of delivering pitches with significant speed and spin. His sinker and slider stand out as effective weapons in his repertoire, with his sinker averaging a release speed of 93.6 mph and his slider not far behind. The effectiveness of his pitches is further evidenced by his ability to maintain a low opponent batting average (OBA), making him a difficult pitcher for hitters to face. Off the field, Roycroft's early life and background in Dundee, IL, and his progression from high school baseball to the professional stage, highlight a journey marked by dedication and development. As Chris Roycroft continues to refine his skills and carve out his role within the Cardinals' bullpen, he represents a promising talent with the potential to contribute significantly to his team's success in the seasons to come.