Earlier tonight, the Royals added a potential DH candidate when they acquired defensively-challenged slugger Peter O’Brien from the Diamondbacks, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that they also have had some “preliminary” talks with the Cardinals about first baseman Matt Adams (Twitter link).
[Related: Kansas City Royals Depth Chart | St. Louis Cardinals Depth Chart]
The 28-year-old Adams has long seemed like a potential trade candidate. The Cardinals told Matt Carpenter back in November that he was going to open the season as the everyday first baseman, and Adams has never lined up anywhere else on the diamond in either the Majors or the minors. Because both Carpenter and Adams swing from the left side of the dish, there’s no potential for any kind of platoon scenario, and with a 6’3″, 260-pound listing, Adams isn’t likely to find much success in an already-full Cardinals’ outfield.
In Kansas City, though, Adams would be able to find much more consistent at-bats, presumably as a designated hitter. Currently, the Royals figure to give Jorge Soler plenty of looks there and also rotate players like Mike Moustakas and Cheslor Cuthbert into the mix from time to time. That outlook could change if the Royals deal an outfielder, thereby pushing Soler into the field with more regularity. (Jarrod Dyson has been an oft-rumored trade candidate this winter.) The Royals are actually trying to pare down the payroll a bit, but Adams is projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz to earn an affordable $2.8MM salary in 2017, so the Royals could find a way to squeeze him into the payroll (especially if any additional veterans are moved following last month’s trade of Wade Davis). As a bonus, Adams is controllable through 2018 via the arbitration process.
Adams has long been a force against right-handed pitching when he’s been healthy enough to take the field, amassing a lifetime .284/.331/.480 battling line when holding the platoon advantage. However, durability hasn’t been a strong point for Adams, who had brief DL stints for oblique and calf injuries in 2013 and 2014, respectively, before missing about half of the 2015 campaign with a torn right quadriceps muscle. He also missed about three weeks this past season due to inflammation in his left shoulder. Adams’ playing time has also been suppressed by dreadful performance against left-handed pitching; St. Louis has limited him to 280 career PAs against lefties, and the resulting .212/.243/.352 batting line and 29.3 percent strikeout rate aren’t encouraging.
The other question to address when considering an Adams trade is that the market is currently rife with sluggers bearing similar skill sets. Brandon Moss, Pedro Alvarez, Adam Lind, Logan Morrison, Justin Morneau and Ryan Howard are all free agents, as are left-handed-hitting outfielders like Michael Saunders and Colby Rasmus. While most of those players figure to sign for more than Adams’ projected salary, it’s doubtful that many of the bunch will earn significantly more. And, those free agents would obviously be available to the Royals without requiring the team to surrender any minor league talent. If the Royals are simply looking for DH candidates with power that can be had on one-year deals, then a right-handed bat like Chris Carter, Mark Reynolds or even old friend Billy Butler are free-agent options as well.
Put another way, it seems unlikely that the Royals or any other team would have a strong sense of urgency to swing a deal for Adams unless the cost of acquisition was truly palatable. That’s not intended to be a knock on Adams, but the supply of this type of player greatly outweighs the demand in the current market.
he showed flashes of a potential everyday power hitter. it’s a shame he never could figure out how to go the other way and beat the shift. could have been a dangerous lefty.
Dude, they kid is only 27 years old. He still has plenty of time to figure it out. He just isnt gettingthe shot in STL. Thats why they need to move him.
“only 27”?
players prime, on average, is 25-29 (based on OPS) and peaks at 27. nothing “only” about 27
Hes speaking like he is 37
27 is THE prime season on average. I like adams, but the facts are that he just hasn’t panned out like we all hoped. I hate to see it. I rooted for him big time after Albert left. the league adjusted to him and he never readjusted at the plate. he can’t stay healthy.
the Cardinals NEED a first baseman. don’t you think the fact they won’t play him regularly anymore should tell you something?
I’ll be glad to see this guy out of the Central. Havent been a fan of his since he pushed that Reds fan in Cincinnati.
You mean that classless Reds fan with the obscene hand gesture? Par for the course coming out Cincy.
As I remember it those gestures came after he was pushed.
Cheers.
Ya Adams pushed him first.
That’s funny I remember Votto doing the same thing to a Reds fan last year. I’m not a big fan of Adams myself, but that’s because I think his abilities are limited. I think it’s pretty stupid not liking a player just because he got frustrated with one play.
Votto didnt push a fan. Grabbed the shirt pointing out the fact that they are both rooting for the same team. Later apologized. Something I’m not aware of Adams ever doing in his case.
Really a pointless argument, all told. I regret even bringing it up. Oh well.
Remember when Joey Votto pushed that Reds fan in Cincinnati?
This guy has Rangers or Tigers(if they trade Vmart) he could also go to the Rays. There are other AL teams that should be interested for sure but those are the few that I could think of off the top of my head
His limited defensive versatility makes it tough for him to draw rave reviews, that’s for sure.
He’s no o’brien
well get him over in KC, O’brien is not the answer to DH.
For some reason he reminds me of a LH Billy Butler.
Must be the looks…because he’s about opposite in offensive style.
His body plays better in the AL anyway.
For what it’s worth Adams has reportedly dropped 25 pounds so far this offseason. I know it would be best for him to be traded, but I wouldn’t give him away. He fills a need as a backup first baseman and bench power bat. Plus in the off chance he ever does develop into the hitter we originally hoped he could be, then the cards could slide Carpenter back to third base and play him at first.
The Cards announced that Carpenter has been moved to 1B full time. That puts Peralta or Gyorko at 3B.
The questions that the Cardinals will have to answer……..
1. ……”If they trade Adams……Who plays 1st when Carp needs a day off? (or gets injured)
2. ……”Is that alignment going to be more productive than Adams at 1B and Carp at 3B”
Peralta is a declining hitter. He’s terrible vs LHP. He’s not the answer at 3B. The “All-or-Nothing Gyorko (400 AB’s, 30 HR’s, .306 OBP, 96 K’s) is considerably WORSE than Wong defensively……and about the same as Peralta (not good). 2016 was the 1st time that Gyorko had a positive DWAR (0.7). Peralta’s was -0.7……..Carp was at -0.7 too……….Adams was in the same category, but offers more offensively than Peralta (Adams actually hit LHP better than RHP in 2016…..Hmmm…..)
Interesting stat……………………..If the goal is really to “Improve the Defense”………..There aren’t many “better options” than what they already have. Cardinals. Out of ALL of the 1B starters in MLB, that played MORE than 100 games (21 games)……….ONLY 2 have a positive DWAR……….Belt (0.1) and Rizzo (0.2).
Apparently, NONE of the 1B’s that play every day are really that good defensively……LOL.
Keep Gyorko as a Super-Sub…….Lose Peralta (and at least half of his salary……Padres looking for a stop-gap SS)……….Leave Carp at 3B…….Play Adams at 1B vs RHP and Gyorko there vs LHP…..???
You’re badly misusing dWAR. It has a position adjustment in it, so by design a 1B (the easiest position) is not going to add a lot of defensive value. That does not mean they are are bad defensive 1B.
I really wish the Cardinals would trade Adams but for what it’s worth he’s be a solid platoon guy when healthy you can’t deny that fact. I was hoping he was going to head to another team with a pitcher or two for an outfielder but with the signing of Fowler that makes that moooooooot
FWIW, he’s a career .330 (33 for 100) pinch hitter with 7 HR and 18 RBI. Never hit below .300 as a PH in any season. So if he stays in St. Louis, if that’s his primary role, it’s one he thrives in. But if they can get something for him, then go for it.
Trade him to the Jays. They can turn him into the next EE.
I will always remember Matt Adams as the guy who hit the go-ahead 3 run HR off of Kershaw.
+
I’d much prefer Chris Carter or Colby Rasmus at DH for KC though
Can anyone explain to me why Matt Carpenter is getting yanked around the diamond with no definitive position. He’s already a good contact hitter but as an outsider to Cardinal fandom, I feel like he could be a much better player if the organization left him alone at either second or third base.
Is his defense bad where he needs to be moved around? What’s going on?
I agree. Carpenter does not have the numbers that I would like to see at first base. He would be a stellar second baseman with well above average numbers, but with Wong around, they feel like keeping him at first. But come opening day.. it’ll change once people get injured. Cardinals are notorious for having their players play multiple positions frequently. I’d love to see them trade some infield pieces and maybe some decent prospects in order to get a premier power hitter or a solid 1 or 2 starter. But it’s Mozeliak, so that won’t be happening.. just some wishful thinking. They are prime to make a great trade deadline move this next season though.
he is a better 2B than anywhere else on the diamond. he was moved from there for the need of a 3B when freese seemed to not be able to cut it anymore and wong was coming on strong in his rookie campaign. but, as it turns out, his arm is really not strong enough for 3B which caused too many errors either from rushing or not throwing with enough accurate strength. in short, the cards have nowhere to put peralta and his 10 mil salary and they have too much time and money invested in wong at 2B. he is the most likely person to play first given his best position is 2B and he will now hit third bc of Fowler. that makes the since for the cardinals organization for why he is ready to play first.
I feeling like the Cardinals would be better off trading him for young pieces that they could use either in the minors or instantly. Since he profiles better as a second baseman, well isn’t that what the Dodgers are looking for? And they have a good farm system from which to draw.
Or perhaps the Cards would not want to give up that type of offense.. Either way, I think his career is being jerked around by not having a permanent position to play.
He is the best hitter on the team. They aren’t going to trade him.
what should happen is a trade for Frazier involving prospects and peralta. wong, wacha, bader, Rosenthal, for hosmer at the deadline and their is your playoff lineup and defense.
Wong , Wacha , Bader and Rosenthal for 1/2 a season of Hosmer? ok, deal , We can just resign him and keep the players, lol this trade won’t happen though
you are not resigning hosmer bc he is going to go to the highest bidder. kc is not going to be the highest bidder. you are better off keeping moose and putting him at first
That’s a terrible idea. Hosmer is not nearly worth all of that. Nor is he an upgrade over carpenter. They only need to upgrade 3rd and starting pitching to become high playoff caliber.
the sad part is that is what the trades are going for these days. but it will never happen. the cards are done improving til next year.
He is not the proficient 2nd baseman that everyone claims he is. The starts he made at 2nd last season were some of his worst defensively, producing errors. He’s a good batter, and a decent defensive player at 1st and 3rd but not 2nd. Wong is far better defensively, and operates with Diaz very well. He’s very much overhyped at 2nd, and I wish it was recognized, because if he was every day at second you have a terrible infield, with Peralta at 3rd and adams/gyroko at 1st.
His defense at second was ok, but they wanted to give kolten Wong a chance at second so that pushed him to third. He’s not a very good defensive third basemen. First base I think is a great spot for him. His versatility to move around in different infield alignments is a plus. His willingness to do so is to his credit. He would fit even better with a manager that would use him in a Ben zobrist type role.
Carp’s 2016 DWAR was -0.7………….he’s not in the lineup for his glove. He’s a marginal 2B…..always was. Maybe the move to 1B will provide an opportunity for a better glove at 3B (at least Gyorko was at +0.7 DWAR)……….It’s really a shame that they whiffed on Justin Turner……..
How do you wiff on a player that has zero desire to leave his hometown and current team? Turner never considered other teams…
His defense doesn’t get rave reviews at either 2b or 3b. Lol
Don’t do it KC.
I can’t recall when there were so many fairly similar players available as FA’s at the same position. First basemen who bat .240 and hit 15 HR’s with a low WAR are aplenty this offseason. Napoli and Joey Bats better take any decent offers they get as there are too many back-up options for teams. Teams can just keep playing the waiting game.
Nobody’s really mentioning this but it’s gotta be discouraging to be a Royals fan right about now. Two straight World Series, then miss the playoffs completely, then (so far) no significant free agent signing or meaningful trade. Soler is not significant. They’ve lost Morales. Encarnacion was the absolute perfect scenario for them- a right-handed beast for just a few years, under a 100mil, for what is shaping up to be a pathetic ‘on the cheap’ DH spot. Signing him would have shown confidence in the team from the front office. A chance to fight off the Indians. The Royals have defencies in several areas, and if anything happens to Herrera all of a sudden the bullpen is a problem too. Players like Cuthbert, Moose, Orlando, Dyson don’t make the rest of the AL scared, and they need an ace in the rotation as well.
Well, sure….but a little success doesn’t mean the owners are suddenly not cheap. If anything, success while being relatively cheap probably encouraged them to keep doing what they were doing before….aiming for the middle and hoping to get lucky.
I said this about David Glass all along…people forget that he ran this team like walmart for 20 years. Lucked out because a gm with player development skills was willing to come back to his home region….but Glass hadnt shown a willingness to maintain a team. I hope the Royals have a plan…because 2018 looks ugly.
And they’re on the cusp of a rebuild
Why? Two straight pennants and in the hunt for the wild card up until the last week with the core returning is something to be discouraged about? Sure they lost Morales but they also had down years from Cain, Gordon, Moose etc and the off season isn’t over yet. Don’t cry for us.
Better get some pitching.
Adams needs to be moved. They need to add another OF. The starting 3 are fine, after that it’s Pham and a bunch of AAAA players. There’s no way the Cardinals head into the season with Pham as the only backup plan.
Adams plus what gets the cardinals dyson? Or who do royals have as bullpen help that might be available?
Why would anyone give the Cardinals much of anything when they could sign Adam Lind to do the same thing (lifetime 850 OPS vs Lefties) for 8 mil?
As a Pirates fan, Cardinals had really good pitching for years. Lately, I’ve seen them going more to offensively and abandon their strongest point on the team, pitching. I hated when Pirates played against Chris Carpenter. He owned the Bucs each and every time. He would have 10+ K’s against them each team he took the mound. McCutchen even had poor numbers against half of that old starting rotation. Cards need a few strong arms similar to Carpenter, and I think they give Cubs a good run for the division. Offense isn’t too bad, but Tony made it work. What can’t Mattheny do the same?
Been saying this forever. They’ve abandoned the starting pitching and have gone straight bats. We had strong offensive numbers last year we just had no defense pitching! I don’t see why they don’t get that. I feel they should trade off Leake before he becomes a giant waste of money, for a younger arm like Gray (cards adding prospects ofc).