Royals Rumors: Five Pitchers To Target In Free Agency

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Mike Leake (13) – Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

During last season’s trade deadline, there was a member of the Cincinnati Reds who I really wanted the Royals to acquire. No, it wasn’t Johnny Cueto, but the guy I’m about to talk more about in Mike Leake.

I liked Leake more than Cueto because he just seems like a Royals-type of pitcher in that he’s not necessarily an ace, but he can be used as one if need be. Leake spent the first six years of his career with the Reds and then was traded to the San Francisco Giants during the deadline.

There was a report that the Diamondbacks were close to signing Leake to a deal, but that was before the team acquired Shelby Miller through a big trade with the Atlanta Braves.

Leake didn’t fare all that great with the Giants, and they missed the playoffs so we didn’t get to see him in the biggest spotlight of all, but he’d still be a great fit for Kansas City. He finished 2015 off with a 3.70 ERA in 30 starts, 190.2 innings pitched, and he had two complete games during that span.

As much as I’d like to see the Royals and Leake lock up some kind of a deal, I doubt it happens honestly. Leake has reportedly said he’d give the Arizona Diamondbacks a discount, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Leake played his college ball at Arizona State.

There was a report that the Diamondbacks were close to signing Leake to a deal, but that was before the team acquired Shelby Miller through a big trade with the Atlanta Braves.

The Cardinals and Giants also appear to be in the mix for the Leake, but no mention of the Royals. Bummer.

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