Royals Rumors: Realistic Trade Targets For KC Royals

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) – Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

More Possible Rotation Targets for the Royals

The Padres had a busy off season, acquired a lot of talent, only to watch it fail miserably. If they’re not there yet, they’re very close to being in sell-mode. Ian Kennedy had a miserable start to the 2015 campaign, but since May 28th, his ERA has plummeted from 7.15 to 4.91.

At 15.5 games out of the National League Central race, the Reds will undoubtedly start looking to deal, and Mike Leake is a prime candidate as his contract expires at the end of this season. He’s managed to put up solid pitching numbers throughout his career despite pitching half of his games in that Cracker Jack box of a stadium in Cincinnati.

At this point it might just be a question of who gets dealt first between Cueto or Leake.

Jeremy Hellickson would be intriguing for the Royals because the Diamondbacks are going nowhere this season, and Hellickson isn’t eligible for free agency until the 2017 season. He was once a solid pitcher for the Rays who have earned their reputation at developing starting pitchers.

Hellickson has suffered quite a few injuries, but if he’s put that behind him, he’s a decent pitcher who pitches to his defense, which would bode well in Kansas City.

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