Kansas City Royals rumors: Royals interested in Ryon Healy
By David Hill
Just because the Kansas City Royals are in the midst of a horrendous season does not mean that they will not be buying. One possibility is Seattle Mariners first baseman Ryon Healy.
The future for the Kansas City Royals appears to be bright. Seuly Matias may well be Joey Gallo, but he is giving the Royals hope that he can be a legitimate power threat in the middle of their lineup. Khalil Lee and Nick Pratto have rapidly moved up the top prospect list. Add in the plethora of pitchers that the Royals drafted this year, and the Royals could return to relevance in the next few years.
Until that time, they need to find pieces for the roster. Pratto may be the future at first, but he is years away. With Lucas Duda likely traded, or allowed to depart in free agency, Kansas City will need a first baseman for the foreseeable future. With that being the case, the Royals have interest in Mariners first baseman Ryon Healy.
Tucked in here, Jeff reports the #Royals are showing interest in #Mariners 1B Ryon Healy, who figures to lose playing time when Robinson Cano returns from suspension. https://t.co/Vomfj7iBWN
— Bob Dutton (@ByBobDutton) July 23, 2018
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In a lot of ways, that would seem to be an odd match for a trade. The Mariners are clearly buyers at this point, especially as they look to hold off the Athletics for the second Wild Card spot. Healy has been the Mariners primary first baseman this season, producing a relatively mediocre .244/.274/.466 batting line with 75 strikeouts and only 12 walks in his 325 plate appearances. However, he has hit 20 homers, making him a valuable part of the Mariners lineup.
The problem is that Healy will soon become redundant. When Robinson Cano returns from his PED suspension, the Mariners will need to find a place for him in the lineup. Dee Gordon has been excellent at second, leaving Cano without a place defensively. With the Mariners needing an upgrade at first, he is expected to take over.
For the Royals, Healy may not be the next Eric Hosmer, but he would be a solid bridge to Pratto. He is not eligible for arbitration until after 2019, giving them a long term option at the position. There would also be a degree of cost certainty, at least for the next year, as Kansas City looks to lock in the core of their next potential run to the postseason.
Next: Royals giving Brian Goodwin a chance
The Kansas City Royals are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Nonetheless, they may look to buy a couple of pieces for the future, including soon to be deposed Mariners first baseman Ryon Healy.