With the MLB trade deadline now less than two weeks away, the Kansas City Royals are firmly in the conversation. Sitting at 43-60, they have plenty to sort through before the Aug. 3 deadline, and the roster has several names that could draw interest.
That was the focus on the latest episode of "One Royal Way," where Joel Penfield, Jordan Foote and Josh Keiser dug into the Royals’ deadline possibilities and the players most likely to be involved.
Michael Wacha came up first as Kansas City’s hottest trade chip. He has already shown up in plenty of mock deals, and the hosts floated a few more of their own.
The one that stood out most involved the Pittsburgh Pirates and would have sent outfielder Yostinson Garcia and right-hander Wilbur Dotel back to Kansas City. Even with that kind of return on the table, Penfield said he does not expect the Royals to move Wacha because the starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries.
The bullpen, though, looks much more likely to change. Daniel Lynch IV drew strong support as a trade candidate, with all three hosts agreeing his value may be as high as it will ever get.
They tossed around names like Seattle Mariners infielder Brock Rodden, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller and Houston Astros pitcher Miguel Ullola while discussing possible returns. Penfield’s view was blunt: quality relievers do not help bad teams, which makes Lynch a player worth cashing in.
John Schreiber was another reliever the group saw as a natural fit to move. Again, the conversation turned to possible returns, with Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Alex McFarlane and Houston Astros reliever Alimber Santa emerging as the main names discussed.
The hosts also spent time on Michael Massey. They agreed he has grown into a solid everyday player, but still chose to trade him in their scenarios. The headliner in the proposed deal was Washington Nationals left-handed pitching prospect Jackson Kent.
Starling Marte was the other veteran name the trio was willing to move. They viewed him as a rental who could help a contender, while also noting they would not expect a huge return. Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Sandro Santana was one possible piece mentioned in that kind of deal.
As the deadline gets closer, the speculation around Kansas City is only going to pick up.
In Other News...
Royals Fans Need To See This Bobby Witt Jr. Update
Salvador Perez has already tied George Brett with 317 career home runs as a Royal, so every trip to the plate now carries a little extra weight for Kansas City. At the same time, the Royals recent move to add Nate Pearson gives the bullpen another arm to sort through, while the organization continues to monitor the health of several players who matter to the roster picture.
The bigger concern for fans, though, is the latest injury picture around the lineup and infield, with Bobby Witt Jr. still part of the conversation as the club tries to keep its season on track. Add in the fact that Kendry Chourio, Josh Hammond and Angeibel Gomez showed up in the latest FanGraphs top 100, and there is plenty for Royals followers to track beyond the box score as the next wave of updates comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Royals Make Another Outfield Move Fans Have Seen Before
Kameron Misner is on the move again, and this one sends a familiar name from Kansas Citys outfield pipeline to Philadelphia for cash considerations. The Phillies optioned Misner to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and cleared a 40-man roster spot by designating Steward Berroa for assignment, a straightforward transaction on paper but one that fits a broader pattern for a player the Royals have already cycled through once.
For Kansas City, the move is another reminder of how quickly outfield depth can turn over, especially with players in their final minor league option year. Misners time in the majors with the Royals was brief, and Berroa now enters a familiar roster squeeze of his own, with the possibility of staying in the organization if he clears waivers and is outrighted to Triple-A. [Read more 🡒]
Royals May Have Finally Found Their Outfield Answer In Brewers Trade
The Royals decision to bring in Isaac Collins and Nick Mears has started to look a lot more interesting as Collins keeps carving out a real role in Kansas Citys outfield mix. What began as a trade addition has turned into something closer to a lineup solution, with Collins giving the club a left-handed bat and a steadier presence in a spot that had been looking for answers.
For Milwaukee, the timing only sharpens the contrast. Right field has been the Brewers weakest position this season, and Collins recent surge has only made it easier to imagine how much he might have helped there. Kansas City, meanwhile, has reason to believe it may have landed not just a useful piece for now, but one it can keep building around for years to come. [Read more 🡒]