Kansas City Royals: Who will be on the trade block?
The Kansas City Royals are going nowhere fast. With one trade already in the books, who else will be on the move in the coming weeks?
The Kansas City Royals did not take long after the draft to begin their rebuild. Shortly after the final selection had been made, the Royals sent Jon Jay to the Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing back Gabe Speier and Elvis Luciano. Considering the Royals had signed Jay to a one year deal, this was a reasonably decent return.
Heading into Sunday’s action, the Royals possessed a 23-42 record, tied with the Reds for the second worst record in the game. Even in a thoroughly mediocre AL Central, the Royals once faint playoff hopes have dimmed to the point where even Lloyd Christmas has more of a chance.
The Royals have come to this realization as well. Trading Jay is just the first salvo in what should be a busy deadline for Kansas City. And yet, while the Royals are jumpstarting their rebuild this year, it is a year too late. After keeping Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain in an ill-fated postseason push last year, the Royals rebuild a year behind.
Nonetheless, the Kansas City Royals still have some intriguing trade chips for teams looking to strengthen their roster in the coming weeks. Let us take a look at those players that could be on the move come the deadline.
The Kansas City Royals best hitter may also be it’s most difficult piece to trade at the deadline.
This is not a reflection on Mike Moustakas’ performance this year. He has performed at the level that Kansas City has become accustomed to, as he has posted a .267/.322/.494 batting line, hitting 13 homers and 16 doubles. Moustakas has been decent around third as well, saving a run and showing above average range.
The problem is that there are not many contending teams that would be in the market for a third baseman. Even if a team was interested, the Baltimore Orioles have a worse record than the Royals, and a superior player in Manny Machado that could be available. With both players being rentals, Moustakas could end up as a consolation prize for whoever does not end up with Machado.
The Royals are also looking to show that Moustakas is more than just a third baseman. He made his first major league appearance at first yesterday, handling his eight chances without issue. While there may not be much of a market for first basemen either, adding some defensive flexibility can only help.
Mike Moustakas could end up bringing back a solid return for the Kansas City Royals. However, there may need to be an injury on a contending team for that to happen.
Possible landing spots: Braves, Phillies, Red Sox
It is almost a given that the Kansas City Royals will trade Kelvin Herrera before the deadline. It is also possible that he brings back the best return of any player the Royals trade.
Herrera has been stellar in his second full season as the Royals closer. Over his 24.2 innings, he has allowed just two runs on 18 hits, striking out 22 batters without issuing a walk. He has been successful in 14 of his 15 save opportunities, a true weapon in the back of the Royals bullpen.
However, having such a top flight closer in the bullpen of a losing team is sort of like putting expensive rims on a Yugo. They may look nice, but they don’t serve much of a function. The Royals may be able to guarantee a win if they lead heading into the ninth inning, but that is not a situation that arises enough to make keeping Herrera that much of a priority.
Fortunately, relievers are always in demand at the trade deadline. Teams are looking to strengthen their bullpen, either at the closer position or in the seventh and eighth inning. Herrera has plenty of experience in each of those roles, and his 1.26 ERA in 28.2 postseason innings shows that he can be relied upon during the playoffs.
Kelvin Herrera is all but certain to be traded at the deadline. Given his performance this year, quite a few teams could be interested in adding the Kansas City Royals closer.
Possible landing spots: Indians, Cardinals, Angels
To be fair, if the Kansas City Royals are to trade Ian Kennedy, they will likely need to eat a large portion of his salary. And yet, there is a possibility that he could be traded.
Kennedy has not been good over the past year and a half, and that stretches into this season. Thus far, the righty has a 1-6 record, along with a mediocre 5.76 ERA and a 1.645 WHiP. With another two years, and $33 million due on his contract, it is unlikely that he would attract s lot of attention in the trade market.
However, Kennedy has been demonstrably better when pitching in the National League. During his time with the Padres and Diamondbacks, he has posted a 74-64 record, with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.255 WHiP, striking out 1097 batters against 375 walks in his 1175 innings. Those numbers would not be bad for a back of the rotation starter.
That would be the hope for the Royals. Should Kennedy be able to put together a reasonably decent run over the next couple of months, Kansas City may well be able to that track record in the National League and get a team to bite. Of course, that is a long shot, but a team desperate for postseason success may well be desperate enough to make that move.
The Kansas City Royals would love to move on from Ian Kennedy. If they can convince someone to take him on, even if it involves eating a portion of that salary, Dayton Moore will have done an excellent job.
Possible landing spots: Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers
In theory, Whit Merrified would be a part of the Kansas City Royals future core. However, this would be the perfect time to capitalize on his production.
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Merrifield has been far more than the Royals could have imagined. He burst on the scene as the Royals answer at second last year, hitting 19 homers and leading the American League with 34 stolen bases. Thus far in 2018, Merrifield has followed up that performance with another excellent season, producing a .283/.360/.406 batting line with 18 doubles, four homers, and 14 stolen bases.
As exciting as those numbers are, Merrifield likely will not get much better than what he currently is. Even though he is in his second full season at the major league level, he is already 29 years old. In theory, he is in the midst of his peak, making him a solid player, but not something that the Royals should expect much improvement from in the coming years.
Nonetheless, Merrifield would be an interesting piece for a contender. He has played at second, third, first, left, center, and right over the course of his major league career, showing excellent versatility. Add in his four years of team control, and Merrifield could be a piece that any number of contenders would be interested in.
Chances are, the Kansas City Royals will look to keep Whit Merrifield. However, it is not inconceivable that they get an offer they cannot refuse.
Potential landing spots: Dodgers, Boston, Cardinals