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Kansas City Royals: Trade with Atlanta Braves for Taylor Hearn confusing

By Brendan Smith

Apr 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Taylor Hearn (52) and catcher Mitch Garver (18) celebrate the victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Taylor Hearn (52) and catcher Mitch Garver (18) celebrate the victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves made a puzzling trade on Sunday, swapping infielder Nicky Lopez for lefty reliever Taylor Hearn. Hearn was recently designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers and subsequently acquired by Atlanta for cash. In a bubble, the move seems to be two struggling veterans getting a change of scenery. But, in the bigger picture, this is a puzzling move for Kansas City.

Breaking down the Kansas City Royals-Atlanta Braves trade

Lopez is under team control for two more years, but has struggled mightily since his 2021 breakout. In that season, hit a BABIP-aided .300 with 22 stolen bases, but as his BABIP returned to normal, Lopez has since posted batting averages south of .250. With his speed and defensive versatility, Lopez can easily fit on a contending roster, albeit in a smaller role than his starting role with Kansas City. For Atlanta, the move is certainly a win, every roster spot is key in pursuit of a championship.

For Kansas City, who are in a race to the bottom of the standings with Oakland, minor leaguers are a hot commodity, not relievers with career ERAs north of 5.00. While this is not a Taylor Hearn hit piece in the slightest, it is a dig at thinking of the Kansas City Royals. Hearn is certainly an intriguing arm for teams, with a fastball that lives in the upper-90s. The fact that Hearn is a lefty should earn him roster looks for another half-decade or so. Still, this is not the type of player Kansas City should be pursuing. It is true that they need warm bodies in their bullpen at all times, but those spots should probably go to prospects. Kansas City’s farm system is pretty weak on paper, and any infusion of talent would be welcomed. Giving up a Major League talent that could have returned a prospect or two for a pitcher that was available for mere cash a week ago is puzzling to say the least.

Lopez, and closer Scott Barlow, who is still on the roster, are the two most realistic targets for contenders. Now, Lopez being swapped for a reliever the same age with the same amount of team control lessens the prospect potential for Kansas City this deadline.

This is probably not the end of deadline moves for Kansas City, but they are off to a bad start for sure.

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