Kansas City Royals Acquire Melky Cabrera from White Sox

The Kansas City Royals have been looking to upgrade their offense, particularly at their corner outfield spots. They have done so by acquiring former Royal Melky Cabrera from the Chicago White Sox.

In 2011, Melky Cabrera was on his last legs as a major leaguer. He had essentially eaten his way out of Atlanta, and had been released by the Braves. The Kansas City Royals took a chance on the outfielder, hoping that he could provide something resembling major league capable production on a team that desperately needed any sort of talent.

Cabrera was able to do just that. He rediscovered his ability, producing a .305/.339/.470 batting line, with his 18 homers and 20 steals career bests. Fearing that his production was an aberration, the Royals sent Cabrera to the Giants in their ill-fated acquisition of Jonathan Sanchez and Ryan Verdugo. While neither player made an impact in Kansas City, Cabrera went on to become a solid outfielder, despite his PED suspension in 2012.

Now with the Royals again looking for production in their outfield, they have turned to a familiar face. Cabrera has been brought back, with the Royals sending A.J. Puckett and Andre Davis to the White Sox. For Cabrera, he is in a much different situation than he was in his last stint with Kansas City, as he is expected to help jumpstart the Royals offense for a postseason push.

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For the Royals, Cabrera gives them an option in either right or left. While Alex Gordon is a franchise icon, and a future member of the team Hall of Fame, he is not the same player offensively. Brandon Moss has had flashes of usefulness, but has generally been a disaster. Cabrera may not be a star, but he is a consistent offensive presence who will give Kansas City options.

The White Sox also received a solid return. The real key may end up being Puckett, who was ranked as the Royals 13th best prospect. Armed with an excellent changeup and stellar command, he profiles as a middle of the rotation starter. However, that profile would make him a perfect complement to prospects Michael Kopech and Lucas Giolito in a hypothetical future Chicago rotation.

Next: Looking ahead to next year's HoF ballot

The Kansas City Royals are all in on the 2017 campaign. In bringing back Melky Cabrera, the Royals shaky offense is getting some help.