Kansas City Royals must finish deal for Johnny Cueto

It was reported on Friday night that the Kansas City Royals almost swung a deal for Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto. One of the players Kansas City would’ve sent in the trade didn’t check out medically, however, so the deal fell through.

But the Royals need to strike while the iron is hot and find a suitable replacement for whoever their injured prospect was immediately. With news breaking that Cueto was almost moved, teams are going to be jumping in quick and sending in better offers than ever, and Kansas City needs an ace as much as anyone. With Yordano Ventura, who won two World Series games a season ago, pitching poorly enough this year to momentarily earn a demotion to AAA, pitching is a must if the Royals want to be playing in October for the second straight year.

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While other available starters like Jeff Samardzija and former Royal James Shields offer potential impact, Cueto sits above the rest (outside of Cole Hamels, who likely doesn’t fit into the Royals’ budget). He may have no October experience, but his numbers speak for themselves. Even if Cueto ends up not being the reason the Royals win in October, he’s going to be a factor in getting them there, and eight shutout innings in hitter-friendly Colorado on Friday back that up.

With Alex Gordon out for an extended period of time, Kansas City will need pitching in the regular season just as much as the postseason. Even if they continue to cruise (they currently sit 20 games above .500), adding an ace like Cueto essentially locks them in as division winners and secures them a playoff spot, and also suddenly makes their rotation a lot deeper.

With the Astros already making a move (and potentially making more), and others like the Angels, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles and Rangers all figuring to try and add talent, it’s imperative that the Royals add an elite piece to help keep them amongst the ranks as the best in the American League. Their path to the playoffs already appears quite clear, but with a chance at acquiring a player of Cueto’s level already apparently so close, it’s crucial that they finish it off at almost any cost. Completing the move will also allow the Royals to turn their attention to other needs, like potentially adding a second baseman or an outfield bat to spell Gordon during his absence.

The Royals look like they have a very real chance at making back-to-back appearances in October, but adding a top-tier pitcher increases their chances by a landslide. They seem to almost have their man; now they need to seal the deal.

Next: Royals Should Trade for Carlos Gonzalez

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