Royals Rumors: Ian Kennedy and Yovani Gallardo Talks Heating Up
By Scott Dillon
Royals Rumors were active again early this morning with multiple sources confirming the Royals are in talks with free-agent starters, Ian Kennedy and Yovani Gallardo.
It’s no secret that the Royals have been looking for starting pitching this off-season to fill the hole that was left by the departure of Johnny Cueto. They’ve already filled one piece by re-signing Chris Young, but there are still question marks in the rotation.
Signing a pitcher like Kennedy or Yovani Gallardo would also most likely mean that the Royals are going to seek to fill the right field vacancy internally with either a platoon of Jarrod Dyson and Paulo Orlando, or with prospects like Brett Eibner, Reymond Fuentes, or Jose Martinez should they have a strong spring training.
Ian Kennedy was involved in Royals Rumors shortly after they re-signed perennial left fielder, Alex Gordon. At that time it appeared there was only a developing interesting in the starting pitcher, but multiple reports would indicate talks appear to be getting serious.
Ken Rosenthal, an MLB network insider and reporter for Fox Sports, tweeted the following earlier today:
Sources: #Royals talking to Gallardo as well as Kennedy. Either would cost KC 1st-rounder. #Padres would get comp pick after 1st round.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2016
Last week I evaluated the pros and cons of signing Ian Kennedy in a piece that can be located here. Let’s take a look at what Yovani Gallardo brings to the table and weigh the good with the bad.
Next: The Good