Kansas City Royals: Why not Mike Moustakas?
The Kansas City Royals could use a third baseman. As it turns out, a familiar face is still languishing in free agency.
On a Kansas City Royals depth chart filled with question marks and players yet to establish themselves as viable major leaguers, third base may cause the most consternation. Currently, former prospect Hunter Dozier is listed atop the depth chart, with Chris Owings as the backup. Cheslor Cuthbert, once considered the third baseman of the future, was released, and then brought back on a minor league deal. It is seemingly unlikely that he would enter the picture to start at the hot corner, barring an unexpectedly torrid Spring Training.
As the Royals are not expected to spend much this offseason, there would seemingly be little hope that an upgrade at third would be forthcoming. Kansas City is looking for building blocks for the future, and it is possible that Dozier proves to be a late bloomer. Otherwise, his presence would not prove a hindrance to Kelvin Gutierrez to ascend to the majors the following year.
Yet, as Dozier hardly lit the baseball world aflame in his rookie season in 2018, it is possible that the Royals could look for other options, especially is a veteran third baseman happened to fall into their price range. You know, just like last season, when Mike Moustakas unexpectedly returned to Kansas City. Actually…
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This same scenario played out last year. The Royals had offered Moustakas the qualifying offer, which he turned down. Expecting to land a lucrative long term deal, Moustakas eventually returned to Kansas City, signing for $5.5 million with a mutual option for $15 million in 2019, and a $1 million buyout. After a solid year between the Royals and Brewers, where he produced a respectable .251/.315/.459 batting line, hitting 28 homers. However, he turned down his side of the option, preferring to test his luck in free agency once again.
As Moustakas is coming off a year that was a bit worse than 2017, it is not a surprise that he is, again, languishing in free agency. At some point, one would have to think, Moustakas would just take the money already available.
Yet, this opportunity could once again be a gift for the Royals. Just like last season, they were not expecting to make any major moves in free agency. However, they are not opposed to a bargain, which Moustakas may well be. History could repeat itself, especially if the former Kansas City third baseman is still available into Spring Training.
It would be a chance for the Royals to solidify another position on the diamond, and have another potentially interesting asset for the trade market. Last year, Moustakas brought back Jorge Lopez and Brett Phillips, two players that could prove to be key pieces in the rebuild. Should Moustakas return once again, and perform well, he could bring back other long term assets.
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Chances are, the market for Mike Moustakas will clear up once Manny Machado is signed. However, if he is still waiting for the phone to ring, it may behoove the Kansas City Royals to make that call once again.