Kansas City Royals Mike Moustakas generating interest as a first baseman

Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas is generating interest ahead of the trade deadline…as a first baseman.

It is easy to see why Mike Moustakas would be the most desirable of the Kansas City Royals trade assets. The power hitting third baseman is having another relatively solid year, producing a .258/.312/.472 batting line, hitting 16 doubles and 18 homers. He is the midst of his best season defensively since 2012, having already saved five runs while showing above average range. For a team in need of help at the hot corner, Moustakas could end up being a nice fit.

However, Moustakas is not just generating interest as a third baseman. Instead, other teams, such as the New York Yankees, are looking at Moustakas as a potential fit at first base. For the Royals, that certainly expands his trade market, allowing them to potentially get a better return in trade.

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This is an interesting idea for the Yankees, albeit one with potential hazards. Moustakas has played all of two career games at first base, including his time in the minors. Both games came this year, as Kansas City has looked to expand his market. While he has handled all 14 of his chances at first flawlessly, that is still a very small sample size, and does not definitively prove that he will be a capable first baseman.

It is easy to see why the Yankees would be interested however. His lefty swing, and solid power, appear to be tailor made for the short porch in right. If Moustakas could hit 38 homers while playing half his games at Kauffman Stadium, he could be yet another power threat in that lineup.

There is also no question that the Yankees could use an upgrade at first. Neil Walker has been an uncharacteristic disaster this season, and is seemingly in danger of being released. Greg Bird has hit for a good amount of power, with five homers and six doubles in 121 plate appearances, but his .200/.306/.419 batting line leaves a bit to be desired. Moustakas may end up being quite the upgrade if the Yankees can pry him away from the Royals.

Next: Royals claim Enny Romero

Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas is generating interest on the trade front. That interest is starting to manifest amongst teams looking for a first baseman, like the New York Yankees.