Kansas City Royals: Three Trades That Make Sense
While most trade discussions involve hitting depth and pitching equally, the Kansas City Royals’ marquee lineup doesn’t lack hitting. Averaging in the top 10 in most offensive categories and with three players making the All-Star team, what does baseball’s second-best team need to improve their World Series odds before July 31st non-waiver trade deadline? With spotty pitching, it’s clear what sort of player the Royals need to earn a spot in the World Series.
Johnny Cueto
Trade rumors already have the Kansas City Royals all but signing the veteran Reds ace. They’re pushing hard according to Bill Baer of NBC Sports, but with Alex Gordon falling to an unexpected (and extremely rare) injury, it may take more cash than farm club rookies to sign Cueto. Several scouts were in attendance to watch Cueto (6-6, 2.79) get chased after four innings and 94 pitches Sunday, although his abysmal outing will have little bearing on his trade value. Cueto is making $10 million this season, which most could be absorbed by Kansas City without an issue. He’d also be reunited with former-Reds teammate Edinson Volquez if Cueto is traded to the Royals.
James Shields
Kansas City balked on resigning the perennial ace this spring, so San Diego dove in head first. Obviously, the Padres have faded and would love to unload Tyson Ross, Shields and flamethrower Craig Kimbrel, The Royals don’t need a closer thanks to Greg Holland’s firm grip on that role. Shields (8-3, 3.92) wouldn’t necessarily be a rental, and he will cost Kansas City very little money as San Diego will absorb the better part of $10 million on Shields’ contract this season.
Ervin Santana
Fresh off his suspension, Ervin Santana knows American League hitters well. He pitched for Kansas City in 2013, putting up respectable numbers (211 IP, 9-10, 3.24) before defecting to Atlanta then Milwaukee. It appears Brewers executives are willing to allow anyone with an expiring contract this off-season to pack up and with him making just over $7.5 million, unloading his salary (and dramatics) may be beneficial for Milwaukee. Kansas City needs someone for spot starts, and Santana is capable of doing the job.
Another pitcher who is discussed but not showing up on any team’s radar is Scott Kazmir, who has been experiencing a career nirvana since 2014. He would also come cheap, but may command AAA pitching or outfielders that Kansas City would rather not offload.
Hitting will also become an issue if Gordon is out for an extended period of time. However, Kansas City has an excellent batting nucleus, meaning they’ll concentrate on pitching this trade season. The only team that could make bolder moves than Kansas City is the New York Yankees, who also need pitching.
[Photo by Jon Durr / Getty Images Sport]
