Kansas City Royals: 3 players to trade at the deadline
The Kansas City Royals season has taken a dramatic turn over the past two months. At the beginning of May, the Royals were atop the AL Central and had one of the best records in baseball. Since that point, they have posted a 17-33 record, falling from playoff contention into a battle to stay out of the AL Central basement.
It is a disappointing result for a team that had hoped to turn things around this year. They made several moves this offseason in an attempt to be competitive this season, but have been doomed by an inconsistent offense and a bullpen that has been an outright disaster.
Three players the Kansas City Royals should put on the trade block
As disappointing as this year may have been for the Royals, it can still work out in their favor. They have several players that could be of interest to contending teams at the trade deadline, which would allow them to further stock up for their rebuild. If they can land young, controllable bullpen arms for their hoped for push next year, so much the better.
Let’s take a look at three players the Kansas City Royals should trade by the deadline.
Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor has never lived up to his potential, but he could have value at the trade deadline as a fourth outfielder for teams in need of depth.
Taylor has not exactly been stellar this season, posting a .231/.283/328 batting line in his 247 plate appearances. However, he does have a bit of power, hitting five homers this season and twice reaching the double digit mark. Taylor also has some speed as well, stealing double digit bases four times in his career.
He has also been a relatively solid outfielder throughout his time in the majors. Although most of his experience has come in center, he can play both corner spots in the outfield reasonably well. For a team looking for a budget friendly backup in the outfield, Taylor could be an option that would not break the bank in terms of a dollar amount or in prospects.
The Kansas City Royals have given Michael Taylor a chance to start this season. While he has not lived up to expectations, he could bring back a piece for the future.
Jorge Soler
Every team in playoff contention looks for a power bat, either to slot into their lineup or to come off the bench and change the game. The Kansas City Royals have such a player in Jorge Soler.
Soler has made his mark on the Royals, becoming the first player in team history to reach the 40 home run plateau when he did so in 2019. Coincidentally, he became the only player in Royals’ history to lead the league in homers, belting 48 that season.
He has not lived up that that ability since. His 2021 campaign has been particularly disappointing, as Soler has posted a miserable .183/.282/.326 batting line in his 265 plate appearances, hitting six homers and 14 doubles.
However, teams will be looking for someone that can make an impact with the bench, either off the bench or in the outfield. A change of scenery could work wonders for Soler, who could make an impact once he is out of Kansas City and finds himself in a competitive environment.
Jorge Soler has not been the same player he was in 2019. However, the Kansas City Royals outfielder could still make an impact for a team searching for a power bat.
Danny Duffy
If a team wants to get Danny Duffy from the Kansas City Royals, it will be complicated.
Duffy has repetitively stated his desire to remain in Kansas City, even infamously declaring “Bury me a Royal” when talking about his future. As he just earned 10-5 rights on Saturday, and now has full no-trade rights, he can refuse to go anywhere.
That will not stop teams from inquiring about his services. Although he missed approximately a month and a half due to injury, he has been one of the best pitchers in the American League when he has been on the mound. Duffy has posted a stellar 1.81 ERA and a 1.119 WHiP over his 44.2 innings, striking out 53 batters with 15 walks. Although it will take some time for him to be stretched back out into a starter role, Duffy would be an upgrade to virtually every rotation.
There may be ways that an interested team could talk Duffy into agreeing to a trade. They could offer an extension for such a deal to happen, or remind him of what it was like to pitch in the postseason. It is possible that he could be swayed.
Next. The plan for Danny Duffy. dark
In theory, Danny Duffy would be one of the top pitchers available on the trade block. He just needs to agree to be dealt first.