Kansas City Royals send Brandon Moss to Oakland Athletics

The Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics have made an interesting trade, with the Royals freeing up even more salary.

The Kansas City Royals had been expected to pare down their salary this offseason, even though they are reportedly interested in retaining Eric Hosmer. That cutting of salary had already begun, as Joakim Soria was sent to the White Sox as part of a three team trade. Yet, if the Royals were to bring back Hosmer, more moves were expected to come.

One such move has occurred, as the Royals and Oakland Athletics have made a trade. Kansas City has sent Brandon Moss, Ryan Buchter, and the ever popular cash considerations to the A’s in exchange for Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer.

Signed to a two year, $12 million contract last year, Moss was expected to give the Royals a much needed power bat in the lineup. While he did hit 22 homers, he disappointed in every other way. His .202/.279/.428 batting line was worth an OPS+ of 84, as he was unable to be the player that the Royals needed.

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Buchter, meanwhile, was a solid reliever for Kansas City last season. Acquired at the trade deadline as part of the Royals ill-fated postseason push, he had a 2.89 ERA and a 1.071 ERA between his time with Kansas City and the Padres. In his 65.1 innings, he struck out 65 batters while issuing 26 walks. Buchter also has four years of team control left, as he is not eligible for arbitration until after this season.

In addition to more payroll flexibility, the Royals brought in an intriguing arm in Hahn. He has struggled over the past two seasons, and produced a mere 3-6 record with a 5.30 ERA and a 1.507 WHiP, but there is still potential. Hahn has an excellent changeup and breaking pitches, but has difficulties spotting his fastball. With improved command, Hahn could become more than a back of the rotation option.

Meanwhile, Fillmyer may be an intriguing piece in the future. A former fifth round draft pick, he produced an 11-5 record with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.397 WHiP with the AA Midland RockHounds of the Texas League. In his 149.2 innings, he struck out 115 batters while issuing 51 walks. Fillmyer did have trouble keeping the ball in the yard, allowing 19 homers, but that problem would be mitigated by the spacious confines of Kauffman Stadium.

While the Royals received some interesting pieces, the biggest key to the deal is the financial flexibility they will receive. In having Moss’ salary off the books, they have managed to slash payroll even further, without giving up that much depth. Perhaps these savings are earmarked for a Gold Glove first baseman that happens to be a free agent?

Next: Royals top ten prospects

The Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics have made a four player trade. For the Royals, the benefits of the deal may not be felt for another year or two.