Kansas City Royals: Destinations for Danny Duffy
With teams in need of starting pitching, and little left in free agency, the Kansas City Royals could have a prime opportunity to move Danny Duff.
This is not how the story was supposed to go with Danny Duffy. He and Yordano Ventura were expected to carry on the Kansas City Royals newfound winning ways, leading the franchise into the next decade. The dynamic duo were expected to be the Royals next pitching stars, players that the team could build around.
Unfortunately, that did not happen. Ventura tragically lost his life in a car accident, and the Royals never recovered. Duffy, who had enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2016, failed to recover as well, struggling at times in 2017 before taking a major step back the following season
The 2019 campaign was somewhat positive, as Duffy began to look like himself once more. He posted a solid 4.34 ERA and a 1.309 WHiP over his 130.2 innings, striking out 115 batters while issuing 46 walks.
In theory, Duffy could be a part of the Royals next run to relevance. The problem is that he is signed through 2021, at which time Kansas City may just be starting to emerge from their rebuilding project. Chances are, he will not be a part of the next winning stretch for the Royals. But he could still make an impact, in terms of the talent that he brings back.
With little left in free agency, and several teams still hunting for solid options for their rotation, the Kansas City Royals have an opportunity to deal Danny Duffy. Let us take a look at some possible trade partners.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Dodgers came into the offseason with plans to upgrade their lineup and their pitching staff. Well, one of those missions were accomplished with the signing of Anthony Rendon.
That is not to say that the Angels did not address their rotation. They traded for Dylan Bundy, sending away four relatively nondescript minor league pitchers for his services. The Angels also signed Julio Teheran, a solid move, but not exactly the type of acquisition that has fans dreaming of a championship.
Duffy would not necessarily be that type of pitcher either, but he would be an upgrade. As it currently stands, the Angels list Shohei Ohtani as their top starter. Ohtani, while he showed tremendous promise on the mound in 2018, is coming off of Tommy John surgery and is likely to be eased back to action as a pitcher. Andrew Heaney, second on the depth chart, is also coming off an injury plagued year, and has only made at least 20 starts once in his six years in the majors.
While Duffy is not a paragon of health either, he has been the type of pitcher the Angels could use. He has made at least 23 starts in each of the last six seasons, producing above average results over that time. Even his 2019 campaign, if replicated, would be a dramatic upgrade over what Los Angeles had sent to the mound for most of the past season.
The Los Angeles Angels may not have landed any of the top pitchers they desired, but the Kansas City Royals have a possible upgrade. Danny Duffy could be just what the Angels need to solidify the rotation.
Philadelphia Phillies
Last offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies proclaimed that they were ready to spend an insane amount of money to upgrade the roster. They did exactly that with the lineup, but the rotation still needed work.
The Phillies did address that need during free agency this year. Zack Wheeler gives Philadelphia a solid 1-2 punch with Aaron Nola. However, the rest of the rotation is a major question mark. Jake Arrieta is not nearly the pitcher he once was. The rest of the rotation is filled with pitchers that showed flashes, but may ultimately be better off in a relief role.
That is where the Kansas City Royals could work as a trade partner. Duffy would upgrade the middle of the Phillies rotation, giving Philadelphia that needed piece to truly make a run for a championship. Meanwhile, a pitcher such as Nick Pivetta or Vince Velazquez could be an enticing long term option for the Royals pitching staff.
The Royals could also solve another issue for Philadelphia as well. They currently have Whit Merrifield listed as their starting center fielder, an option that may not be best for anyone. With that potential opening in the outfield, the Phillies could send Odubel Herrera to Kansas City, giving him the change of scenery that he may need to resurrect his career.
The Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies both have pieces the other team could use. A trade could be in both of their best interests.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals have already been linked in trade rumors this offseason, as the Bronx Bombers reportedly had an interest in Tim Hill.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are looking to make moves with their rotation as well. Domingo German is suspended for the first part of the 2020 season. New York had been looking to trade J.A. Happ before that suspension, but German’s discipline has not changed their stance.
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This could be an opportunity for the Royals. Hill and Duffy could be a part of a package deal, heading to New York in exchange for Happ and other pieces. In fact, given that Happ is due $17 million in 2020, and has a vesting option worth another $17 million for 2021, the Royals could end up getting some interesting pieces for the future as well.
Even if Kansas City does not take on Happ in a deal, they still could end up with a solid return. Duffy, who is due another $30.8 million over the next two years, could be considered a relative bargain, especially if he can return to form. A change of scenery, and the chance to be a part of another pennant race, could do just that.
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The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals were linked in trade rumors before. A larger deal could exist between the two sides.