New York Yankees: Could They Trade Carlos Beltran to Royals?
By Jason Evans
The New York Yankees talked with the Kansas City Royals about sending Carlos Beltran back to the team he broke in with.
As rumors continue to swirl about whether or not the New York Yankees will be buyers or sellers, the rumors become more and more interesting as the days wear on. Yankees GM Brian Cashman has said on multiple occasions that he could buy and sell and this trade would be in the buy and sell category.
"The Royals and Yankees talked about a deal earlier this season involving Beltran, and right-hander Luke Hochevar’s name was involved."
First of all, I wonder when those conversations took place. How much earlier was it? Beltran is probably a better fit as a DH, something he couldn’t really be in Kansas City with Kendrys Morales there. Of course, they can always put in a defensive replacement.
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For the Yankees, they could play Rob Refsnyder, Aaron Hicks and even prospect like Aaron Judge (when he heals up).
Hochevar is the former number one pick who was a failed starter turned reliever. The soon to be 33 year old has a $7 million mutual option for next season. Hochevar is 1-2 with a 3.89 ERA this season and has struck out 39 in 35 innings.
For the Yankees, they can slip Hochevar into their bullpen, especially if they were to trade either or both Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman. For the Royals it would put more pressure on Joakim Soria to be that seventh inning guy. He struggled in April, but has been better since, posting ERAs of 1.35, 2.84 and 3.00 in May, June and July.
If I’m the Yankees, I probably want some younger pieces instead of a reliever who will be 33 before the season is over and a free agent. If I’m the Royals, I’m definitely interested in putting Beltran in right field. A switch-hititng veteran bat will make the lineup deeper, especially for a team that has been without Mike Moustakas for most of the season.
The Royals are eight out in the AL Central, and 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Maybe they are better off using their chips toward trying to get an additional starting pitcher? If they can’t, maybe the play is to add another stick and try and bash your way back to the postseason.
This is an interesting rumor, but I can’t see it happening.