Kansas City Royals actually get value for Homer Bailey

Somehow, some way, the Kansas City Royals managed to flip Homer Bailey to the Oakland Athletics for a viable prospect.

Absolutely nothing was expected from Homer Bailey when he signed with the Kansas City Royals. He had been an outright disaster for the Cincinnati Reds for the four previous seasons, traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a salary dump when he was subsequently released. The Royals signed him to a no risk minor league contract with the hopes that he would be able to resuscitate his career.

Not only has Bailey been a pleasant surprise for the Royals this season, but he has also brought value for the future. Kansas City traded Bailey to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, receiving infield prospect Kevin Merrell in exchange.

The idea that Bailey would bring back any type of return was inconceivable at the start of the season. He had been injured or ineffective over his past four seasons in Cincinnati, posting a 9-27 record with a 6.25 ERA and a 1.683 WHiP in 231.2 innings. Bailey, simply, was no longer a major league caliber pitcher.

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That perception changed during his time with the Royals. He became a respectable back of the rotation arm, posting a 4.80 ERA and a 1.411 WHiP, striking out 81 batters with 38 walks in 90 innings. Bailey has been even better in his last six starts, with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.229 WHiP, striking out 29 batters with 13 walks in 35 innings.

In exchange for Bailey, the Royals have received Kevin Merrell. The former 33rd overall selection in the 2017 MLB Draft, Merrell has moved quickly through the system. Considered to have excellent speed and range, he still needs some work with his swing. However a .246/.292/.339 batting line with 13 doubles and 13 steals in 318 AA plate appearances is respectable.

Merrell is a solid return for Bailey. He had been considered the A’s 17th ranked prospect, a potential super utility player whose speed and approach could lead him to a major league role. Considering that Bailey was close to being out of baseball before signing with the Royals, that is an impressive return.

Homer Bailey managed to resurrect his career with the Kansas City Royals. Now, he has a chance to be a part of a contending franchise, as he has been dealt to the Oakland Athletics.