Kansas City Royals: Mike Moustakas makes sense for Los Angeles Angels
By David Hill
The Los Angeles Angels are in need of a third baseman as they seek to return to the playoffs. The Kansas City Royals could have the answer in Mike Moustakas.
During the course of free agency last year, it was expected that Mike Moustakas would draw significant interest from the Los Angeles Angels. The Kansas City Royals could not afford to retain him after he turned down the qualifying offer, and the Angels needed help at the hot corner. Add in that Moustakas grew up in California, and this appeared to be a perfect match.
Instead, as free agency dragged on, Moustaks found himself without any real offers. The Angels, who were expected to be bidding for his services, ended up signing shortstop Zack Cozart to a three year deal, moving him to third. With no other options, Moustakas returned to Kansas City, signing a one year deal with a mutual option for 2019.
However, it may be time to revisit that connection. Cozart is out for the year with a torn labrum, requiring surgery. In his stead, the Angels have been playing Luis Valbeuna, whose .216/.261/.367 batting line is definitely not what Los Angeles would hope for. With Mike Trout virtually trying to keep the Angels in the playoff chase on his own, it is time to add to the lineup.
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Enter Moustakas. Although he is not producing at the same rate he did in 2017, when he hit a Royals record 38 homers, he has still put together a solid year. Entering Thursday, he had produced a .255/.310/.467 batting line, hitting 15 homers and 17 doubles. He has even been better than Cozart at third defensively, despite his zero runs saved thus far in 2018.
Even though the Angels have a relatively weaker farm system, there are pieces that could make sense for Kansas City. Cam Bedrosian could be a future answer for the Royals bullpen, as he was expected to be the Angels closer of the future in the not too distant future. Utility man David Fletcher could also be a possible building block, a player that could be plugged in at third in place of Moustakas.
Chances are, the trade would not be a simple Moustakas for Fletcher or Bedrosian deal. Another piece could come back, a lesser prospect lottery ticket. Meanwhile, the Angels could get that player they need to stem the bleeding, especially as Shohei Ohtani is getting closer to returning to the lineup.
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The Los Angeles Angels were expected to pursue Mike Moustakas in free agency. As the trade deadline approaches, The Kansas City Royals third baseman could find his way out west after all.