Kansas City Royals: Three candidates to be dealt at the deadline
Once again, the Kansas City Royals are poised to be sellers at the trade deadline. Let us take a look at some players that could be dealt.
Heading into the 2019 season, it was expected that the Kansas City Royals would be sellers at the trade deadline. Despite signing several veteran players to one year contracts, the Royals were expected to remain in the AL Central basement. In fact, if those players performed well, all of those free agent signings were likely to be dealt elsewhere.
Instead, most of those contracts turned out to be a disaster. Players like Chris Owings and Brad Boxberger, who were expected to be dealt for prospects, were instead designated for assignment and subsequently released.
Meanwhile, those players that may be most attractive to other teams could be considered potential building blocks for the Royals. With general manager Dayton Moore not looking towards a lengthy rebuild, he may need to make some moves that could hurt. Otherwise, the Royals could have a very quiet trade deadline, despite their miserable record.
The Kansas City Royals still have some intriguing pieces that could be available as the trade deadline approaches. Let’s take a look at three players that could be on the move.
Martin Maldonado was never going to be more than a one year option for the Kansas City Royals, as he is just a placeholder for Salvador Perez.
Every year, teams looking to upgrade their backup catcher spot, preferably searching for a glove first player with some pop. Maldonado fits that description perfectly; the 2017 AL Gold Glove winner has thrown out 31% of would be base stealers, has saved two runs behind the plate, and ranks sixth in the AL with 1.1 dWAR.
While Maldonado is not going to be confused for an offensive force, he has put together a decent season with the bat. Heading into Wednesday, he had posted a .229/.299/.362 batting line, hitting five homers and 14 doubles in his 242 plate appearances. Maldonado has even been on a bit of a hot streak, with a .360/.407/.800 batting line, including five doubles and two homers, in his past seven games.
Although Maldonado may not warrant a top prospect in return, he is the type of catcher that could be of interest. He was dealt at the trade deadline last year, going from the Angels to the Astros in exchange for intriguing pitching prospect Patrick Sandoval and international signing bonus money. Perhaps a similar return could be headed to Kansas City as the deadline approaches.
Martin Maldonado would not be a headline grabbing trade. But he could still bring back a respectable return for the Kansas City Royals.
At the beginning of the season, it seemed unreasonable to imagine that the Kansas City Royals would find a taker for Ian Kennedy. Although that is still unlikely, his performance provides a chance of a deal taking shape.
Kennedy had a strong first season in Kansas City, but struggled thereafter. During his time in the rotation, he posted an overall 4.49 ERA and a 1.295 WHiP, striking out 420 batters with 167 walks in his 469.1 innings. He lost his spot in the rotation during Spring Training, a move that was also necessitated by the Royals shortcomings in the bullpen heading into the season.
Amazingly, Kennedy has thrived in his new role in relief. Over his 32 appearances, he has posted a 3.27 ERA and a 1.212 WHiP, striking out 40 batters and issuing only six walks in 33 innings. Kennedy has even emerged as the Royals closer, notching 11 saves in 13 chances thus far.
Obviously, there are hurdles when it comes to trading Kennedy – specifically, the remainder of his contract. He is still due approximately $7 million for the rest of this season, and is due $16.5 million next year. The Royals may need to pick up a significant chunk of that contract, but if they do, they could get a decent prospect or two in return.
Teams are always looking for bullpen help at the trade deadline. Ian Kennedy has performed well in such a role, and could be a solid trade piece, depending on how much of his salary the Kansas City Royals would pick up.
Danny Duffy was expected to be a key part of the Kansas City Royals rotation going forward, signing a five year extension worth $65 million. Paired with Yordano Ventura, it appeared that the Royals would have a formidable duo atop the rotation for years to come.
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However, after the tragic passing of Ventura, neither the Royals nor Duffy have been the same. After a respectable 2017 campaign, Duffy has posted a 4.74 ERA and a 1.442 WHiP, striking out 199 batters with 94 walks in his 224 innings. This is just not what Duffy had been.
It was not that long ago that Duffy looked like a possible ace for the Royals. He had gotten over his command issues, becoming a strike throwing star in the making. He had begun to tap into the potential that made him a former top prospect in the Royals system, at least before tragedy struck.
At 30 years old, Duffy is still in his prime. He is also locked in for two more seasons, with an affordable $30.8 million over that time. A change of scenery could be exactly what Duffy needs to jumpstart his career, and allow him to become the pitcher he had begun to show he could be.
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Danny Duffy may be the best trade chip that the Kansas City Royals have when it comes to a realistic deal. If he comes available, the Royals might be able to get a solid return, especially if a team believes that Duffy can return to form with different surroundings.