Kansas City Royals already getting ready to sell
The Kansas City Royals are getting ready to face reality, and make some moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Not that long ago, the Kansas City Royals appeared to have a slight chance to claim a postseason berth. The Cleveland Indians were leading the AL Central, but had hovered around the .500 mark. The Twins had disappointed on the season, and with the White Sox and Tigers rebuilding, the Royals had a chance, albeit remote.
However, as the calendar rolled on, the losses continued to pile up. The Royals, despite having one more win than Chicago, are now in the basement of the AL Central. They now own the second worst record in baseball, ahead of only the horrendous Baltimore Orioles. Those remote chances have faded away, despite the mediocrity that has come to define the Central.
With that being the case, the Royals have already come to the decision that it is time to sell. Although nothing may be on the cusp of being consummated at this point, general manager Dayton Moore has had preliminary discussions, which may allow Kansas City to get an early jump on the trade market.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Despite their lack of success on the field, the Royals actually have several intriguing players that teams could be interested in. Mike Moustakas would cost less than Manny Machado or any other potential third baseman. Jon Jay would make a solid fourth outfielder. Kelvin Herrera would be an excellent option in either the eighth or ninth inning for a team in need of bullpen help. Even Alcides Escobar…well, let’s not go that far.
The Royals may not limit themselves to rental players either. Whit Merrifield, while he has been a great story, may not be a long term answer in Kansas City. He is already 29 years old, and his time under team control could lead to quite the prospect haul. Danny Duffy, even through his struggles this season, could be an interesting option for a team hoping he just needs a change of scenery.
Although the focus in Kansas City may well be on the draft, it makes sense that Moore would be having these discussions already. The Royals are going nowhere fast, and with the rebuild in full swing, it is time to continue that race to the bottom. Jettisoning as many players as possible now will reap benefits in the long term. After all, given their current performance, it is not as though the Royals are going to be that much worse.
Next: Obstacles to Moustakas trade
The Kansas City Royals are getting ready to throw in the towel and sell. Given how many teams are trying to race to the bottom, they may as well get a jump start to the depths of the standings.