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Royals Evaluating Trade Market For Middle-Of-The-Order Bat

By Anthony Franco | December 2, 2024 at 9:21pm CDT

The Royals already made one move to improve the offense, acquiring Jonathan India from the Reds two weeks ago. India will hit at the top of the lineup. Kansas City is also on the hunt for a middle-of-the-order bat, write Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.

As with India, it seems a potential acquisition will come via trade. The Athletic writes that the Royals are likelier to acquire that middle-of-the-order target on the trade market rather than a free agent splash. That’s not surprising for a small-market franchise.

Kansas City did spend over $100MM in free agency last offseason, though that was mostly concentrated in a pair of mid-level rotation investments (Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha). They’ve already made a significant commitment to bring Wacha back on a three-year, $51MM deal after he opted out of his prior contract. RosterResource calculates the Royals’ 2025 payroll commitments around $116MM, including projected salaries for arbitration-eligible players. That’s essentially where they opened this past season. It’s fair to presume they’re willing to increase spending on the heels of a surprising playoff berth, but adding an impact bat in free agency would require a significant payroll jump.

The Royals could certainly use another bat. Kansas City had a middle-of-the-pack offense despite an MVP-caliber season from Bobby Witt Jr. and a fantastic year from Salvador Perez. The Royals finished 13th in the majors in scoring. They placed between 10th and 19th in all three slash stats. Acquiring India should improve the team’s .306 on-base percentage, but he’s not likely to provide much of a power threat.

India, Witt, Perez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino comprise a strong top half of the lineup. There’s work to be done in the bottom part of the order. Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel project to play key roles despite subpar offensive seasons. The outfield has been a longstanding issue and remains a concern. Kansas City could also upgrade at third base while pushing Garcia into a utility role.

Nolan Arenado headlines the trade market at third base, but he’s under contract for another three years and is still owed nearly $70MM (not including the money the Rockies are paying as a condition of his trade to the Cardinals). Arenado also has full no-trade rights. Alec Bohm has come up in trade rumors as the Phillies look for ways to adjust their lineup. He’s under arbitration control for another two seasons and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for an $8.1MM salary. Arizona could still move Eugenio Suárez after exercising a $15MM club option.

In the outfield, the Cubs would probably welcome the opportunity to shed the $50MM remaining on Cody Bellinger’s contract, but the Royals are unlikely to assume a big portion of next year’s $27.5MM salary. Kansas City has reportedly shown interest in Angels left fielder Taylor Ward, who is under control for two more seasons and projected for a $9.2MM salary. The Halos are unlikely to move him unless they get MLB talent in return.

The Giants could deal Mike Yastrzemski, who’ll make $9.25MM in his final year of team control. Cleveland could move Lane Thomas but is unlikely to trade him to a direct AL Central competitor. The White Sox are open to offers on anyone, including center fielder Luis Robert Jr. Yet as MLBTR’s Steve Adams explored last week, a deadline trade involving Robert seems likelier than selling low this offseason.

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View Comments (81)
Post a Comment

81 Comments

  1. sean-11

    7 months ago

    Or just spend money and keep the talent

    4
    Reply
    • LFGSD619

      7 months ago

      Spend money? We don’t wanna do that!

      2
      Reply
  2. sad tormented neglected mariners fan

    7 months ago

    Bellinger would help that outfield and he and vinnie would be their good lefties

    5
    Reply
    • Big whiffa

      7 months ago

      I agree. But he’s not available. Cubs would need Perez in return to fill roster void

      Reply
      • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

        7 months ago

        He’s not available??? Have you read any of these articles on this site???

        13
        Reply
        • El Kabong

          7 months ago

          At this point, free agents Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernandez are better middle-of-the-order options than Bellinger. I realize the Royals don’t like to spend. But if you want to win, sometimes you have to.

          6
          Reply
        • twentyfivemanroster

          7 months ago

          Pretty sure they’ve spent already (Witt, Perez, Wacha) It’s how much more can they add.

          2
          Reply
        • El Kabong

          7 months ago

          They want to add if they’re looking for a middle-of-the-order bat. As a baseball fan, I’d like to see a team like the Royals take their shot by making a sensible decision by acquiring the right guy. Santander would seem to make sense for their lineup.

          2
          Reply
        • TurksTeeth

          7 months ago

          Well, prognosticators suggest Santander is going to get 4-6 years at 20M-25M AAV on his next contract. With the QO, he also gets the Royals’ second rounder in next year’s draft.

          That’s far more than Bellinger would cost. Do the Royals pay out nine figure contracts with draft capital attached?

          2
          Reply
        • El Kabong

          7 months ago

          That’s a good question. When they signed Witt to the extension, the Royals intended to build a winner around him. This seems to be an excellent time to put that plan into action. They should be able to withstand the loss of one draft pick. And the first two years of a Santander deal would be no more than what Bellinger would be making. Flags are forever, as they say. And who knows when or if the Royals will have this chance again during the Witt era.

          2
          Reply
  3. mynameispepe

    7 months ago

    I thought they were in on Soto?

    2
    Reply
    • mlb fan

      7 months ago

      “In on Soto”…They’re “in” on Juan Soto in the same way that I’m “in” on Tom Brady’s ex, Giselle Bundchen.

      9
      Reply
      • mynameispepe

        7 months ago

        I actually wonder which one of those options is the likelier one.

        2
        Reply
        • rct

          7 months ago

          If the internet is to be believed, Gisele is dating a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and she’s pregnant with their first child. I would still put it more likely that mlb fan can get with her than the Royals signing Soto.

          5
          Reply
    • El Kabong

      7 months ago

      It’s Kansas City. They were in on Toto, not Soto.

      21
      Reply
      • unpaidobserver

        7 months ago

        “I’ll get you my pretty”–Wicked Witch of the East

        2
        Reply
        • El Kabong

          7 months ago

          The first time I saw that movie, I started bawling when the winged monkeys appeared. It was three years before my mother let me take another crack at it. Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolfman were no problem. But those winged monkeys… wah!!!

          4
          Reply
        • BBB

          7 months ago

          Nah, that was West. East got a house dropped on her.

          2
          Reply
  4. GO1962

    7 months ago

    Too bad the Royals no longer have Brett Rooker.

    9
    Reply
    • Mets Era Thumping Soto

      7 months ago

      Him behind Witt would have been awesome.

      6
      Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      7 months ago

      I think they also had Ryan O’Hearn, who normally bats cleanup for Baltimore now I think.

      Reply
      • Just Rob

        7 months ago

        Only against righties

        Reply
  5. HalosHeavenJJ

    7 months ago

    Taylor Watd isn’t really middle of the order, but he’s pretty good.

    2
    Reply
    • DirtyWater04

      7 months ago

      Anyone can be middle of the order if you’re brave enough

      10
      Reply
      • Hammerin' Hank

        7 months ago

        Ron Washington made Kevin Pillar middle of the order

        2
        Reply
    • ohyeadam

      7 months ago

      None of these guys are really middle of the order bats.

      3
      Reply
      • arty! Believes Jevon Belcher Quit on the Chiefs

        7 months ago

        Not with that attitude they won’t.

        They’re Americans not Americants

        5
        Reply
        • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

          7 months ago

          Cheesy bro! Made me laugh though.

          Reply
  6. cgallant

    7 months ago

    Masa Yoshida could be a fit if the Sox eat some of the contract.

    Reply
    • showmebb

      7 months ago

      I don’t think Yoshida qualifies as a middle of the order bat.

      4
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        7 months ago

        Look at the other names in the article. He qualifies. Whether you want him in that role is another issue.

        2
        Reply
      • Salzilla

        7 months ago

        I’d take Yoshida over Ward and Yaz, maybe even Robert and Thomas.

        1
        Reply
        • Rexhudler86

          7 months ago

          @salzilla. Is that you Dayton moore.

          1
          Reply
        • Salzilla

          7 months ago

          I’m a sucker for the Japanese players, what can I tell ya.

          1
          Reply
        • Cardsfanatik redux

          7 months ago

          lmfaoooo

          Reply
      • 14thor

        7 months ago

        Yoshida isn’t much of an outfielder either. They’d be better off targeting Henry Davis of Pittsburgh.

        1
        Reply
      • bwmiller79

        7 months ago

        Probably moreso than Yastrzemski.

        Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      7 months ago

      It’s hilarious how Red Sox fans have envisioned a trade scenario for every single team now in regards to Yoshida. Haha! Poor guy has no love in Beantown.

      1
      Reply
      • DirtyWater04

        7 months ago

        Got nothing at all against the guy, I’m sure he is a nice person and all. He’s a victim of circumstance is the problem. He was given a bad contract by a bad GM who is no longer employed by the franchise, and while he is a decent player his skill set is rather limited and in continuing to be on the roster he is blocking Devers from shifting over to DH where he belongs, and as a lefty hitting “outfielder” he probably stands in the way of Roman Anthony getting promoted – or if he doesn’t, probably requires them to find a trade partner for Wilyer Abreu.

        Given this team’s glut of left handed bats (as well as potential options to put together a quality outfield) I’m not opposed at all to trading Abreu. But given he was just one of the better rookies in the sport and won a gold glove with decent batting numbers, the reason to trade him would be if it helps fetch an elite starting pitcher which we sorely need. You absolutely do not push out a quality young player like that just to keep a Yoshida around. He is still good enough to be a useful player, there’s just not room for him in Boston anymore. Can certainly debate whether or not KC would have any use for him, but both Yoshida and the Red Sox would be better off if they ate some of that contract and find him a new home this winter.

        1
        Reply
        • RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame

          7 months ago

          They should just kick in some cash, trade him straight up for Cronenworth, and call it a day on Yoshida’s time in Boston.

          Reply
        • DirtyWater04

          7 months ago

          I’d be perfectly fine with that.

          1
          Reply
        • RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame

          7 months ago

          As a Padres fan, I would too. Solves problems for both teams.

          1
          Reply
        • Javia135

          7 months ago

          The Padres don’t want Yoshida anymore than the Sox do.

          Reply
        • RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame

          7 months ago

          The Padres value low K guys, have an OF/DH spot available, and surely want to move Cronenworth. I could 100% see them making that deal..especially since Preller went after Yoshida before he signed with the Sox.

          2
          Reply
  7. MontrealRays

    7 months ago

    No yaz or ward , they need to get Bohm or nothing , maybe max Muncy , we need an impact personality more than a bat , Muncy for Renfroe and maybe a AAA pitcher

    1
    Reply
    • El Kabong

      7 months ago

      The Dodgers love Muncy, and they have him on a team-friendly contract. There’s no way they would trade him for someone like Hunter Renfroe.

      6
      Reply
    • Hammerin' Hank

      7 months ago

      Impact personality, lol! You fit right in here at MLB Trade Rumors, my man. This sounds like something Samuel or Avenger would post. Or as Dewey would say, “WAR doesn’t measure personality.”

      1
      Reply
      • Samuel

        7 months ago

        Hammerin’ Hank;

        I wouldn’t post that.

        I wouldn’t even get into this stupid conversation about nothing – other than to keep my name clean.

        Go make up something about someone else…..better yet,
        take a night class in basic baseball at the local high school evening program for unemployable adults.

        Reply
      • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

        7 months ago

        It’s kinda hard for Samuel to keep his ” name clean” when he has already muted 90% of MLBTR users. Buddy your name has been besoiled since at least 2022. Now you are worried about your reputation?

        2
        Reply
    • Salzilla

      7 months ago

      Journeyman Renfroe??? And maybe a AAA pitcher? Nah, LAD ain’t biting, not even a nibble.

      2
      Reply
      • MontrealRays

        7 months ago

        Kudrna and 1 year of Renfroe for 1 year of Muncy , I think LA is biting

        Reply
        • This one belongs to the Reds

          7 months ago

          I wouldn’t bet on it.

          1
          Reply
  8. westcasey

    7 months ago

    Austin Hays.he had miserable season in 2024 ,but dealt with multiple health issues.. Back healthy he is worth a shot.

    6
    Reply
    • Salzilla

      7 months ago

      I can see the fit.

      1
      Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      7 months ago

      Andrew Benitendi from the WS. Didn’t he play in KC for a second and was successful?

      Reply
  9. LFGMets (Metsin7) #BannedForBeingABaseballExpert

    7 months ago

    The Royals will never get a true impact middle of the order bat. 2 Reasons why. First reason is that they are cheap. Second reason is that they like to prospect hug. They are essensially that Odd Couple episode where Felix asks the guy who runs the rent lot what a $10 bill can get him while trying to bribe the guy. The man responds with “Yeah, it will get you two $5s”. The Royals don’t understand that you can’t just trade garbage for good players, only garbage for garbage

    1
    Reply
    • kcpaul

      7 months ago

      Funny getting advice from a Mets fan when we’ve actually won a World Series this century and have a better playoff record with a 1/3 of the payroll expenditure. But, hey, lash out! You’re a Mets fan.

      8
      Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      7 months ago

      What do you have under dripping pipes? Puddles…

      Reply
    • Hammerin' Hank

      7 months ago

      The Mets know a thing or two about acquiring garbage. And overpaying for it

      5
      Reply
    • rct

      7 months ago

      “The Royals will never get a true impact middle of the order bat.”

      They actually already have one. His name is Bobby Witt, Jr. They just happen to bat him 2nd in the lineup.

      3
      Reply
    • dankyank

      7 months ago

      Have you looked at Piccolo’s trades since the 2024? There’s been no prospect hugging whatsoever. In fact, the team has made repeated overpays in the name of being in “win now mode”.

      Win now mode often translates into mortgaging the future for short term gain. Just go to Houston and ask Dana Brown.

      2
      Reply
      • dankyank

        7 months ago

        *Since the 2024 offseason, excuse me.

        Reply
      • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

        7 months ago

        They overpaid for Harvey Hunter at the deadline and then he broke down. They gave a lot for Erceg but he was lights out. Great pickup.

        Reply
  10. Big whiffa

    7 months ago

    Trade Caglianone for Luis Robert

    1
    Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      7 months ago

      That might get some attention from the Pale Hose which suggests it could be an overpay.

      Reply
    • dankyank

      7 months ago

      You’re both nuts. Caglianone ended the season in Single A. In what world is that an overpay, much less a fair return for Chicago?

      2
      Reply
      • shark stitches

        7 months ago

        The real world. Caglianone has more value than Robert right now.

        Reply
    • Salzilla

      7 months ago

      Probably what it’ll take.

      Reply
    • Blackpink in the area

      7 months ago

      How about Robert and Benintendi with the White Sox paying all of Benintendis contract for Caglianone. I think that would make sense.

      Reply
    • bwmiller79

      7 months ago

      As a Sox fan that would be excellent news.

      Reply
  11. Jtc96

    7 months ago

    Can have Yoshida for a flyer

    1
    Reply
  12. stubby66

    7 months ago

    You just wait Weimer is going to take a step forward and become a 20 homerun guy

    3
    Reply
    • Dash 2

      7 months ago

      and a 200 strikeout guy, unfortunately.

      Reply
      • Boston’s Alignment

        7 months ago

        He is the next Jose Siri.

        Reply
  13. Blackpink in the area

    7 months ago

    The perfect fit for the Royals would be a switch hitting outfielder who is good defensively and has the ability to play center even if it’s not everyday.

    Now who is that guy?

    Jasson Dominguez is that guy. I dont think he’s available but he’s that guy.

    That stadium is big. They have poor defenders at the corners they need athleticism out there. Yes they want a moto bat but they need defense too. Maybe they get 2 players instead of 1 to cover those needs.

    1
    Reply
  14. Skell 2

    7 months ago

    Joc would be a good fit for KC

    1
    Reply
  15. HatlessPete

    7 months ago

    Kind of like Tyler O’neill for them. Plus power potential, not a big defensive liability compared to other free agents with strong bats, probably a bit cheaper than comparable options at the cost of more injury risk.

    4
    Reply
    • DirtyWater04

      7 months ago

      Agreed. I hope the Red Sox find a way to keep O’Neill, but if they don’t or if he doesn’t want to stay, I would think the Royals would be a very sensible fit for his services.

      2
      Reply
  16. Dash 2

    7 months ago

    Not really a middle-of the order bat, but we need a CF who can hit., I wonder what the Rockies would ask for Brenton Doyle?

    Reply
  17. Jimmy Garbagebag

    7 months ago

    Tyler O’Neil maybe??? Or a trade for Triston Casas or Arenado?

    1
    Reply
  18. Javia135

    7 months ago

    A middle-of-the-order bat who plays quality CF defense and is cheap to sign or trade for? Those don’t exist. Dalton Varsho was that kind of player last year. He cost the Blue Jays the #6 overall prospect in MLB along with Lourdes Gurriel Jr, yet had a 98-OPS+ this year. I guess the Sox could pursue a trade for Duran, Merrill, Ramos, Doyle, Bleday or Carroll, but I seriously doubt any of those players will come cheap. Good luck.

    Maybe the Sox should consider Jurickson Profar. He may be reasonably inexpensive.

    Reply

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