Kansas City Royals giving Brian Goodwin a chance
The Kansas City Royals quest for a center fielder continues, as they have acquired Brian Goodwin from the Washington Nationals.
As we approach the end of July, the Kansas City Royals still have yet to find an answer in center field. Jon Jay was brought in as a free agent on a one year deal, and was traded to the Diamondbacks. Rosell Herrera has struggled in his time in the majors. Bubba Starling is injured yet again. Alex Gordon, as great as he is defensively in left, is just not a center fielder.
Understandably, the Royals are looking to upgrade center, and maybe find a long term piece for the position. As such, they are taking a chance on Brian Goodwin, acquiring him from the Washington Nationals for minor league pitcher Jacob Condra-Bogan.
The Royals acquired OF Brian Goodwin from Washington for minor-league pitcher Jacob Condra-Bogan. Goodwin can play all three spots.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) July 22, 2018
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The former 34th overall selection, Goodwin has not had much of an opportunity this season. Buried on the Nationals depth chart, he has produced a mediocre .200/.321/.354 batting line, with three homers and three steals in 79 plate appearances. However, in 2017, when he received somewhat regular playing time, Goodwin produced a respectable .251/.313/.498 batting line, hitting 21 doubles and 13 homers in his 278 plate appearances.
In exchange, the Nationals received minor league reliever Condra-Bogan. Plucked from the independent leagues, he produced a solid 2.08 ERA and a 0.769 WHiP, striking out 39 batters with just two walks in 26 innings for the Lexington Legends. He was hit hard in his only appearance in Wilmington, but the 23 year old is intriguing.
In Goodwin, the Royals have, at the very least, acquired a solid fourth outfielder. He can play all three outfield positions, although his defense is never going to make anyone forget about Jarrod Dyson or Lorenzo Cain. However, Goodwin could be a part of the future, even in a part time role.
The Kansas City Royals are giving Brian Goodwin a shot. Considering the cost, it is well worth it.