Danny Duffy

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Danny Duffy

| image = Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (23).jpg

| caption = Duffy with the Kansas City Royals in 2011

| team = Piratas de Campeche

| number =

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|12|21}}

| birth_place = Goleta, California, U.S.

| bats = Left

| throws = Left

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = May 18

| debutyear = 2011

| debutteam = Kansas City Royals

| statyear = 2021 season

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 68–68

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 3.95

| stat4label = Strikeouts

| stat4value = 1,048

| teams =

Kansas City Royals ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2021}})

|awards =

World Series champion ({{wsy|2015}})

|medaltemplates=

{{MedalCountry | {{bb|USA}}}}

}}

Daniel Richard Duffy (born December 21, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals.

After being drafted by the Royals in 2007, Duffy spent the next several years in the Royals' minor league system, and represented the team in the 2009 All-Star Futures Game. However, personal issues led Duffy to temporarily retire from baseball in 2010, although he returned to the Royals later that year. Duffy made his MLB debut in 2011. After his rookie season, Duffy did not pitch in MLB on a regular basis again until 2014. He was a member of the Royals' pitching staffs during the team's successful 2014 and 2015 seasons, and won a World Series championship with the Royals in 2015. Duffy had a career year in 2016, setting career highs in many statistical categories. After the 2016 season, Duffy signed a $65 million extension to remain with the Royals. The Royals traded Duffy to the Dodgers during the 2021 season, but due to injury, he did not appear in an MLB game for the Dodgers.

Early life

Duffy was born on December 21, 1988, in Goleta, California.{{cite web |title=Danny Duffy Stats, Fantasy, and News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/danny-duffy-518633 |website=mlb.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128165313/https://www.mlb.com/player/danny-duffy-518633 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |url-status=live }} He was exposed to the game of baseball at an early age, both through playing competitively in local youth leagues and practicing with his family.

Duffy attended Cabrillo High School in Vandenberg Village, California, where he played both baseball and basketball. For the baseball team, Duffy had a 5–3 win–loss record, a 0.60 earned run average, and 127 strikeouts in {{frac|58|2|3}} innings pitched in his senior year.{{cite web |url=http://www.lompocrecord.com/sports/baseball/article_3e55d608-ac1e-11df-b167-001cc4c002e0.html |title=Danny Duffy Named to Team USA |date=August 20, 2010 |publisher=Lompoc Record |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122043909/https://lompocrecord.com/sports/baseball/article_3e55d608-ac1e-11df-b167-001cc4c002e0.html |archive-date=January 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Professional career

=Kansas City Royals=

==Minor leagues==

The Kansas City Royals drafted Duffy in the third round, with the 96th overall selection, of the 2007 MLB draft out of high school.{{cite web |title=The Education of Danny Duffy |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article142068459.html |website=www.kansascity.com |publisher=The Kansas City Star |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115075325/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article142068459.html |archive-date=January 15, 2020 |url-status=live }} He began his professional career that season with the Arizona Royals of the rookie-level Arizona League, where he pitched in 11 games and had a 1.45 earned run average (ERA).

File:Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (23) (5760918726).jpg

The Royals promoted Duffy to Burlington Bees of the Class A Midwest League in 2008, where he had an 8–4 record and a 2.20 ERA in 17 starts. He was named Burlington's Pitcher of the Year. In 2009, Duffy started 24 games for the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Class A-Advanced Carolina League. He was named a Carolina League All-Star, and finished the season with a 9–3 record and a 2.98 ERA. Duffy represented the Royals in the 2009 All-Star Futures Game, where he pitched {{frac|2|3}} scoreless innings.

The Royals invited Duffy to spring training in 2010. However, Duffy abruptly retired from baseball in March 2010, at the age of 21. He informed the Royals' organization that he wanted to "reassess his life priorities".{{cite web |author=Dick Kaegel |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100324&content_id=8893758&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |title=Duffy taking leave from baseball |publisher=Kansas City Royals |date=April 1, 2012 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420015642/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100324&content_id=8893758&vkey=news_kc&c_id=kc&fext=.jsp |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }} The move reminded many of Zack Greinke's departure from the Royals' camp in 2006. Realizing that he missed the game of baseball, Duffy decided to unretire and return to the Royals in June, showing up at the extended spring training in Surprise, Arizona.{{cite web |last=Wild |first=Danny |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-10730444 |title=Royals prospect Duffy returns to club |publisher=Indianapolis Indians |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004225740/http://indianapolis.indians.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100602&content_id=10730444&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |url-status=live }} Later that season, Duffy pitched for Wilmington, the Idaho Falls Chukars of the rookie-level Pioneer League, and Northwest Arkansas Naturals of the Double-A Texas League. Duffy went 5–2 with a 2.95 ERA in seven regular-season starts for the Naturals, and 1–0 with a 1.69 ERA in two playoff games, as the Naturals won the Texas League championship. He pitched in the Arizona Fall League after the season.

Heading into the 2011 season, Baseball America rated Duffy as the 68th best prospect in baseball.{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2011/2611313.html |title=Baseball America 2011 Top 100 Prospects |publisher=Baseball America|date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228074446/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2011/2611313.html |archive-date=December 28, 2011 |url-status=live }} The Royals again invited Duffy to spring training.{{cite web|url=http://www.ksby.com/news/royals-invite-danny-duffy-to-spring-training/ |title=Royals invite Danny Duffy to Spring Training | KSBY.com | San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles |publisher=KSBY |date=January 3, 2011 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319162231/http://www.ksby.com/news/royals-invite-danny-duffy-to-spring-training/ |archive-date=March 19, 2014 }} Duffy began the 2011 season with the Omaha Storm Chasers of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League . With Omaha, Duffy was named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 25 – May 1.{{cite web|url=http://www.ksby.com/news/danny-duffy-earns-first-honor-at-triple-a-level/ |title=Danny Duffy earns first honor at Triple-A level | KSBY.com | San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles |publisher=KSBY |date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319162227/http://www.ksby.com/news/danny-duffy-earns-first-honor-at-triple-a-level/ |archive-date=March 19, 2014 }} Duffy pitched to a 3–1 record and 3.00 ERA in seven starts for Omaha, recording 43 strikeouts while only walking 10 and allowing 30 hits in 36 innings.

==Major leagues==

==2011–2015==

The Royals promoted Duffy to the MLB, and he made his MLB debut on May 18, 2011.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110517&content_id=19180336&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb Duffy to get Wednesday start against Texas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106122143/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110517&content_id=19180336&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |date=November 6, 2012 }} MLB.com, May 17, 2011 He gave up two runs in four innings; he did not earn the decision in a 5–4 loss to the Texas Rangers. He recorded his first MLB win on June 14, pitching six innings against the Oakland Athletics. Duffy finished the 2011 season with a 4–8 record and 5.64 ERA in 20 MLB starts.

After signing a contract for $487,750 prior to the 2012 season,{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7627314/danny-duffy-kansas-city-royals-agree-1-year-contract |title=Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals agree to 1-year contract – ESPN |publisher=ESPN |date=February 28, 2012 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414124411/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7627314/danny-duffy-kansas-city-royals-agree-1-year-contract |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=live }} Duffy competed for, and won, a spot in the starting rotation during spring training.{{cite web |last=Dutton |first=Bob |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/09/3480719/yost-paulino-duffy-have-a-leg.html |title=Yost: Paulino, Duffy have a leg up in competition for rotation spots |publisher=The Kansas City Star |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414221903/http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/09/3480719/yost-paulino-duffy-have-a-leg.html |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Dutton |first=Bob |url=http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/29/3523348/royals-finalize-roster-with-teaford.html |title=Royals finalize roster with Teaford, Herrera and Collins in bullpen |publisher=The Kansas City Star |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331212245/http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/29/3523348/royals-finalize-roster-with-teaford.html |archive-date=March 31, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/31/3527369/royals-top-question-even-with.html|title=Royals' top question is how rotation performs|first=Bob|last=Dutton|newspaper=The Kansas City Star|date=March 31, 2012|access-date=April 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403050055/http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/31/3527369/royals-top-question-even-with.html|archive-date=April 3, 2012|url-status=live}}

Duffy made six starts in 2012 before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow that required Tommy John surgery on June 13, 2012.{{cite web|last=Kaegel|first=Dick|url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130122&content_id=41090438&vkey=news_kc&c_id=kc|title=Duffy will do whatever Royals need upon return|publisher=Kansas City Royals|date=January 22, 2013|access-date=January 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125071811/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130122&content_id=41090438&vkey=news_kc&c_id=kc|archive-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead}} Prior to being sidelined, Duffy had a 2–2 record with an ERA of 3.90. On November 2, 2012, the Royals reinstated Duffy from the 60-day disabled list; however, he was not expected to return to pitching for the Royals until late June or early July.

Duffy signed a one-year $505,125 contract on February 20, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/danny-duffy-8520/market-value/|title=Danny Duffy|last=Spotrac.com|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131185959/http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/danny-duffy-8520/market-value/|archive-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}} On May 26, 2013, Duffy began a rehab assignment with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. While still undergoing rehab from his injury, Duffy was reassigned to the Omaha Storm Chasers (a higher level minor league affiliate than the Naturals) on June 6. He was optioned to Omaha at the end of the rehab period on June 25. Duffy was recalled from Omaha on August 7, and returned on August 8. He was recalled on August 16 to start the first game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers, in a game the Royals went on to win.{{cite news |title=Royals win Tigers double-header to close on Indians in AL Central |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/aug/17/kansas-city-royals-detroit-tigers-indians |work=The Guardian |date=August 17, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128011834/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/aug/17/kansas-city-royals-detroit-tigers-indians |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |url-status=live }}

On March 2, 2014, Duffy signed a one-year $526,000 contract. During spring training in 2014, Yordano Ventura won the final spot in the Royals' starting rotation over Duffy. However, when Bruce Chen went down with a back injury early in the season, Duffy took over his spot in the rotation.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article348438/Danny-Duffy-may-be-struggling-but-his-desire-to-win-runs-deep.html|title=Danny Duffy may be struggling, but his desire to win runs deep|last=McCullough|first=Andy|date=May 2, 2014|website=The Kansas City Star|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201235318/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article348438/Danny-Duffy-may-be-struggling-but-his-desire-to-win-runs-deep.html|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}} He posted a 9–12 record with a 2.53 ERA over {{frac|149|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article96956177.html|title=How Danny Duffy became the Royals' next homegrown ace|last=Dodd|first=Rustin|date=August 20, 2016|website=The Kansas City Star|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202075737/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article96956177.html|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}

Duffy pitched to a 4.08 ERA during the 2015 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article97336232.html|title=Mellinger Minutes: Duffy's Cy Young obstacle, the promise of the Chiefs' offense and more|last=Mellinger|first=Sam|date=August 23, 2016|publisher=The Kansas City Star|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202075920/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article97336232.html|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}} In September, Duffy was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen.{{cite web |title=Royals Move Struggling Danny Duffy to Bullpen |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/09/17/royals-move-struggling-danny-duffy-to-bullpen/72372150/ |website=usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |access-date=January 7, 2020}} In the 2015 World Series, Duffy made three relief appearances as the Royals defeated the New York Mets in five games to win the World Series championship.

==2016–2021==

File:Danny Duffy (41268439114) (cropped).jpg

Duffy signed a one-year, $4.225 million contract with the Royals for the 2016 season.{{cite web |title=Danny Duffy Contract Details |url=https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/danny-duffy-8520/ |website=spotrac.com |access-date=January 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726135951/https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/danny-duffy-8520/ |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |url-status=live }} He began the season as a relief pitcher, but rejoined the Royals' starting rotation in May. Duffy responded to the move out of the bullpen with a strong season, setting a career high in wins with a 12–3 win–loss record.{{cite web |title=MLB Report |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-mlb-notes-20170116-story.html|work=The Los Angeles Times |date=January 17, 2017 |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111024119/https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-mlb-notes-20170116-story.html |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |url-status=live }} On August 1, 2016, Duffy set the Royals' record for most strikeouts in a single game with a 16-strikeout performance against the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/danny-duffy-strikes-out-16-sets-royals-record-c193072992|title=Danny Duffy strikes out 16, sets Royals record|last=Flanagan|first=Jeffrey|date=August 1, 2016|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008181100/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/193072992/danny-duffy-strikes-out-16-sets-royals-record/|archive-date=October 8, 2016|url-status=live}} In that game, Duffy carried a no-hitter into the eighth, losing it on a leadoff double by Desmond Jennings of the Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/danny-duffy-almost-threw-one-of-the-most-dominant-no-hitters-in-mlb-history/|title=Danny Duffy almost threw one of the most dominant no-hitters in MLB history|work=CBS Sports|date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021406/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/danny-duffy-almost-threw-one-of-the-most-dominant-no-hitters-in-mlb-history/|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}} On August 11, Duffy pitched all nine innings in a game against the Chicago White Sox for his first career complete game.{{cite web |last1=Dodd |first1=Rustin |title=Danny Duffy Pitches Complete Game |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article95225257.html |publisher=The Kansas City Star |access-date=January 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115215546/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article95225257.html |archive-date=January 15, 2020 |url-status=live }} Duffy was considered to be a contender for the American League Cy Young Award, the annual award given to the best pitcher in each league,{{cite web |last1=Corcoran |first1=Cliff |title=Mike Trout Takes AL MVP Lead, Danny Duffy Enters AL Cy Young Race |date=August 25, 2016 |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2016/08/25/awards-watch-mvp-cy-young-rookie-of-the-year-mike-trout-danny-duffy |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111024120/https://www.si.com/mlb/2016/08/25/awards-watch-mvp-cy-young-rookie-of-the-year-mike-trout-danny-duffy |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |url-status=live }} although Duffy ultimately received no votes for that award.{{cite web |title=2016 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2016.shtml |publisher=Baseball-Reference |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703131844/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_2016.shtml |archive-date=July 3, 2017 |url-status=live }}

Besides his career-high 12 wins, Duffy pitched to a 3.51 ERA and increased his strikeouts per 9 innings pitched ratio to 9.4.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/fantasy/2017/01/20/kansas-city-royals-fantasy-baseball-preview-eric-hosmer-danny-duffy/96505052/|title=Eric Hosmer exemplifies Royals' need to evolve on offense|last=Gardner|first=Steve|date=January 20, 2017|publisher=USA Today|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123014054/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/fantasy/2017/01/20/kansas-city-royals-fantasy-baseball-preview-eric-hosmer-danny-duffy/96505052/|archive-date=January 23, 2017|url-status=live}} He had the highest zone percentage of all major league pitchers, with 49.8% of his pitches being in the strike zone.{{cite web |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=5&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=9,d |title=Pitchers Plate Discipline Statistics |access-date=December 27, 2018 |publisher=Fangraphs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227133208/https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=5&season=2016&month=0&season1=2016&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=9,d |archive-date=December 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}

On January 16, 2017, Duffy signed a five-year contract extension with the Royals worth $65 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article126833809.html|title=Royals, starter Danny Duffy agree to contract extension through 2021 season|last=Dodd|first=Rustin|date=January 16, 2017|publisher=The Kansas City Star|access-date=January 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118214701/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article126833809.html|archive-date=January 18, 2017|url-status=live}} On April 3, 2017, Duffy was the Royals' Opening Day starter against the Minnesota Twins. He pitched six innings, throwing eight strikeouts, allowing three hits and three walks.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/bdfd95d0c7f24dd99c15a79971aac3b8/Sano,-Santana-steer-Twins-past-Royals-7-1-to-start-season|title=Sano, Santana steer Twins past Royals 7-1 to start season|last=Campbell|first=Dave|date=April 4, 2017|work=Associated Press News|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407054330/https://apnews.com/bdfd95d0c7f24dd99c15a79971aac3b8/Sano%2C-Santana-steer-Twins-past-Royals-7-1-to-start-season|archive-date=April 7, 2017|url-status=dead|language=en-US}} Despite hopes that Duffy could build upon the momentum from his 2016 season, multiple injuries limited his playing time. On May 30, Duffy was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a Grade 1 oblique strain.{{cite web|last1=Flanagan|first1=Jeffrey|title=Danny Duffy out 6-8 weeks with strained oblique|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/royals-place-danny-duffy-on-disabled-list-c233147132|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=May 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530003638/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/233147132/royals-place-danny-duffy-on-disabled-list/|archive-date=May 30, 2017|url-status=live}} On August 26, Duffy was again placed on the 10-day disabled list, this time due to left elbow impingement.{{cite web|last1=Flanagan|first1=Jeffrey|title=Danny Duffy placed on DL with elbow impingement|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/royals-place-ace-danny-duffy-on-10-day-dl-c250747204|publisher=Major League Baseball|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827084124/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/250747204/royals-place-ace-danny-duffy-on-10-day-dl/?topicId=27118122|archive-date=August 27, 2017|url-status=live}} He finished the regular season in 2017 with a 9–10 record and an era of 3.81. He pitched {{frac|143|1|3}} innings in 24 games at the major league level, all as a starter.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duffyda01.shtml |title=Danny Duffy Stats {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com |publisher=Baseball-Reference|access-date=December 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000816/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duffyda01.shtml |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |url-status=live }}

In the offseason before the 2018 season, Duffy was widely rumored to be a potential trade piece, leading Duffy to post on Twitter "bury me a Royal" to signal his opposition to being traded.{{cite web |last1=Sloan |first1=Nick |last2=Welniak |first2=Dani |title=Danny Duffy's Response to Trade Rumors: 'Bury Me a Royal' |url=https://www.kctv5.com/news/danny-duffy-s-response-to-trade-rumors-bury-me-a/article_4d7dbe9d-8c0c-52d1-9652-f3d67bec6202.html |publisher=KCTV5 |access-date=February 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201234006/https://www.kctv5.com/news/danny-duffy-s-response-to-trade-rumors-bury-me-a/article_4d7dbe9d-8c0c-52d1-9652-f3d67bec6202.html |archive-date=February 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} Duffy had a poor start to the 2018 season,{{cite web |last1=Torres |first1=Maria |title=Royals Pitcher Danny Duffy on Bad Start to 2018 |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article211064869.html |website=kansascity.com |publisher=The Kansas City Star |access-date=February 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516025225/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article211064869.html |archive-date=May 16, 2018 |url-status=live }} but finished with a respectable 8–12 record and 4.88 ERA over 28 starts. He also finished second in the American League in wild pitches and 7th in walks allowed, indicating struggles with his command.

Heading into the 2019 season, Duffy was viewed as a potential "building block" for the Royals' pitching staff.{{cite web |title=Royals Remain Optimistic Despite 100-Loss Season |date=March 21, 2019 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26325217/royals-remain-optimistic-100-loss-season|publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111034226/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26325217/royals-remain-optimistic-100-loss-season |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |url-status=live }} However, left shoulder tightness led to Duffy beginning the season on the injured list. He was activated on April 26.{{cite web |last1=Sloan |first1=Nick |title=Danny Duffy to Make Season Debut on Friday, Royals Announce |url=https://www.kctv5.com/sports/kansas_city_royals/danny-duffy-to-make-season-debut-on-friday-royals-announce/article_1c341d68-66d8-11e9-af6e-2ffe8530a5d3.html|publisher=KCTV5 |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427171806/https://www.kctv5.com/sports/kansas_city_royals/danny-duffy-to-make-season-debut-on-friday-royals-announce/article_1c341d68-66d8-11e9-af6e-2ffe8530a5d3.html |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |url-status=live }} After returning, Duffy was a consistent starter in the Royals' rotation, and pitched a season-high 8 innings against the Minnesota Twins on June 22.{{cite web |title=Danny Duffy Game by Game Stats |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/31114 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128032109/http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/31114 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |url-status=live }} He made another appearance on the injured list in August with a strained hamstring. This injury sidelined Duffy for about a month, although he returned in September, starting five games and winning two of them. Duffy ended the season with a 7–6 record, a 4.34 ERA, and 115 strikeouts in {{frac|130|2|3}} innings.{{cite web |title=Danny Duffy 2019 Pitching Game Log |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=duffyda01&t=p&year=2019|publisher=Baseball-Reference |access-date=January 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229120004/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=duffyda01&t=p&year=2019 |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |url-status=live }}

With the 2020 Kansas City Royals, Duffy appeared in 12 games, compiling a 4–4 record with 4.95 ERA and 57 strikeouts in {{frac|56|1|3}} innings pitched.{{cite web|title=Danny Duffy Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/danny-duffy-518633|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=MLB.com|language=en}}

For the 2021 season, Duffy chose to change his jersey number to No. 30 in honor of his former teammate, Yordano Ventura.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/danny-duffy-to-wear-no-30-for-yordano-ventura|title=For 'Ace': Duffy to don No. 30, honor Yordano|website=MLB.com}} Duffy experienced pain in his left arm and went on the injured list in May; an MRI diagnosed it as a flexor tendon strain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31468172/kansas-city-royals-danny-duffy-really-thankful-latest-injury-just-flexor-strain|title=Duffy relieved flexor injury is relatively minor|date=May 18, 2021|website=ESPN.com}} He was activated from the injured list in late June,{{Cite web|url=https://www.kshb.com/sports/royals-pitcher-danny-duffy-officially-reinstated-to-team|title=Royals Pitcher Danny Duffy officially reinstated to team|date=June 23, 2021|website=KSHB}} but returned to the injured list with a recurrence of his strain in July.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/danny-duffy-brady-singer-placed-on-injured-list|title=Royals' rotation hits: Duffy, Singer on IL|website=MLB.com}} In 13 appearances (12 starts), Duffy was 4–3 with an ERA of 2.51 covering 61 innings.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On July 29, 2021, the Royals traded Duffy and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a player to be named later{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/danny-duffy-trade|title=Dodgers finalize deal with KC for Duffy|work=MLB.com|first=Juan|last=Toribio|date=July 29, 2021|accessdate=July 29, 2021}}—the Royals later acquired minor-league reliever Zach Willeman to complete the trade.{{cite web|last=Rieper |first=Max |url=https://www.royalsreview.com/2021/10/20/22737627/royals-acquire-pitcher-zach-willeman-as-compensation-for-the-danny-duffy-trade |title=Royals acquire pitcher Zach Willeman as compensation for the Danny Duffy trade |publisher=Royals Review |date=October 20, 2021 |accessdate=March 28, 2022}} Duffy attempted to rehabilitate his injury, but suffered a setback and the Dodgers shut him down without making an appearance for the team.{{cite web|author=1 min read |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-danny-duffy-suffers-injury-setback-deadline-acquisition-unlikely-to-pitch-for-los-angeles-this-year/ |title=Dodgers' Danny Duffy suffers injury setback; deadline acquisition unlikely to pitch for Los Angeles this year |publisher=CBSSports.com |date=September 12, 2021 |accessdate=March 28, 2022}} Duffy had surgery during the offseason on the flexor tendon.{{cite web|author=1 min read |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/danny-duffy-free-agent-left-hander-likely-out-until-june-following-flexor-tendon-surgery/ |title=Danny Duffy, free-agent left-hander, likely out until June following flexor tendon surgery |publisher=CBSSports.com |date=December 8, 2021 |accessdate=March 28, 2022}}

On March 17, 2022, Duffy signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract with an additional club option year.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/danny-duffy-dodgers-deal|title=Dodgers agree on deal to bring back Duffy|work=mlb.com|first=Manny|last=Randhawa|date=March 17, 2022|accessdate=March 18, 2022}} The team placed Duffy on the 60-day injured list prior to the start of the regular season.{{cite news |url=https://sportscity.com/dodgers-roster-danny-duffy-placed-on-60-day-injured-list-3/ |title=Dodgers Roster: Danny Duffy Placed On 60-Day Injured List |website=sportscity.com |date=March 20, 2022 |accessdate=April 11, 2022}} However, he suffered another setback and was initially declared unlikely to pitch in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/08/dodgers-danny-duffy-setback-unlikely-pitch-2022.html|title=Danny Duffy Suffers Setback, "Unlikely" To Pitch For Dodgers In 2022|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Steve|last=Adams|date=August 16, 2022|accessdate=August 16, 2022}} Despite that, he made his Dodgers organization debut with a rehab appearance for the Arizona Complex League Dodgers on August 20. He went on to make appearances with the Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, registering a combined 5.40 ERA with 11 strikeouts in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings pitched for the three teams. After the season, the Dodgers declined Duffy's 2023 option, making him a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/dodgers-to-decline-danny-duffys-club-option.html|title=Dodgers To Decline Danny Duffy's Club Option|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Anthony|last=Franco|date=November 8, 2022|accessdate=November 8, 2022}}

=Texas Rangers=

On January 27, 2023, Duffy signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers organization.{{cite news |title=Kennedy, Frazier among 5 to sign minor deals with Rangers |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-new-york-mets-travis-jankowski-reyes-moronta-c84c86b2132a1633a41b3c70693ca76c |access-date=February 19, 2023 |work=Associated Press News |date=January 27, 2023}} He began the season on the injured list, then was activated to pitch for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders in early June.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/player/danny-duffy-518633 |title=Danny Duffy Stats, Fantasy & News |website=Minor League Baseball |access-date=June 10, 2023}} In 28 appearances split between Frisco and the Triple–A Round Rock Express, Duffy recorded a cumulative 3.28 ERA with 42 strikeouts across {{fraction|35|2|3}} innings of work. On November 6, he elected free agency.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=February 8, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}} During the offseason, he pitched for Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican Winter League.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dark-horse-mlb-opening-day-roster-candidates |title=1 dark horse candidate to make each Opening Day roster |first=Theo |last=DeRosa |website=MLB.com |date=February 25, 2024 |accessdate=February 26, 2024}}

On February 5, 2024, Duffy re-signed with the Rangers on a new minor-league contract.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/rangers-sign-three-to-minor-league-deals.html | title=Rangers Sign Three to Minor League Deals | date=February 5, 2024 }} In 10 games for Triple–A Round Rock, he compiled a 5.50 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 18 innings pitched. On May 8, Duffy was released by the Rangers organization.{{Cite web|title=Rangers release Danny Duffy|url=https://santamariatimes.com/sports/local/college/sports-in-brief-rangers-release-danny-duffy/article_24d25909-f72a-5ecb-9b6f-3efe35628beb.html|access-date=May 10, 2024|website=santamariatimes.com|date=May 9, 2024 |language=en}}

=Piratas de Campeche=

On May 10, 2025, Duffy signed with the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|title=Danny Duffy Signs With Mexican League’s Piratas de Campeche|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/danny-duffy-signs-with-mexican-leagues-piratas-de-campeche.html|access-date=May 10, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

International career

Duffy was a member of the United States national baseball team in the Pan American Games Qualifying Tournament, in the 2010–11 offseason, along with future Royals teammates Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer. Duffy also represented the United States as a member of the national team competing at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, an international tournament. Duffy's performance included wins against the national teams of Canada and the Dominican Republic.{{cite web |title=Royals Ace Danny Duffy Has Pitched Great for USA at the 2017 World Baseball Classic |url=https://www.axs.com/royals-ace-danny-duffy-has-pitched-great-for-usa-at-2017-world-basebal-116361|publisher=AXS.com |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111032733/https://www.axs.com/royals-ace-danny-duffy-has-pitched-great-for-usa-at-2017-world-basebal-116361 |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |url-status=live }} The United States team went on to win the tournament.{{cite web |title=Bracket - 2017 World Baseball Classic |url=https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/bracket|publisher=World Baseball Classic |access-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104063125/https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/bracket |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Personal life

Duffy's father, Dan, is an investigator for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. His mother, Deanna, worked as a California Highway Patrol officer. She played softball, and throws batting practice for him.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-may-15-sp-sondcol15-story.html|title=Duffy shoots up baseball's charts|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 15, 2007|first=Eric|last=Sondheimer|access-date=November 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221135814/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/may/15/sports/sp-sondcol15|archive-date=December 21, 2014|url-status=live}}

On August 27, 2017, Duffy was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol after passing out in the drive-thru of a Burger King in Overland Park, Kansas. At the time of his arrest, he was on the disabled list due to his elbow injury and was not traveling with the Royals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2017/08/29/royals-pitcher-danny-duffy-charged-dui/612225001/|title=Royals pitcher Danny Duffy charged with DUI|work=USA TODAY|access-date=August 29, 2017|publisher=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830022522/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2017/08/29/royals-pitcher-danny-duffy-charged-dui/612225001/|archive-date=August 30, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.kctv5.com/story/36242275/royals-pitcher-danny-duffy-arrested-for-dui-in-overland-park|title=Royals' pitcher Danny Duffy arrested for DUI in Overland Park|last=Barnett|first=Daniel|access-date=August 29, 2017|publisher=KCTV5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829192600/http://www.kctv5.com/story/36242275/royals-pitcher-danny-duffy-arrested-for-dui-in-overland-park|archive-date=August 29, 2017|url-status=live}} He entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to one year of probation in January 2018.{{cite web |url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article194962914.html |title=KC Royals pitcher Danny Duffy pleads guilty to DUI, on probation {{!}} The Kansas City Star |publisher=The Kansas City Star|access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119235322/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article194962914.html |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |url-status=live }}

Duffy has been open about his struggles with depression (which had forced his temporary retirement in 2010), and has been outspoken about the need for better mental health support in professional sports.{{cite web |title=KC Royals' Danny Duffy Talks Bullying, Anxiety, Depression |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article235235742.html|publisher=The Kansas City Star |access-date=January 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205223503/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article235235742.html |archive-date=December 5, 2019 |url-status=live }}