Kansas City Royals: Five Reasons They Miss Playoffs in 2016

Lack of trading pieces

Last season, the KC Royals did something they hadn’t done in a long time at the trade deadline: Make a big trade. Actually, they made TWO big trades.

Not being able to add a mid season boost will hurt the Kansas City Royals’ chances of contending.

The Royals sent three left-handed pitchers, including former Wild Card hero Brandon Finnegan, to the Cincinnati Reds for their ace, Johnny Cueto. They later sent two more pitching prospects to the Oakland Athletics for utility man Ben Zobrist.

Sending five prospects in two trades has really hurt the Royals this season. Four of those guys have been starting for their new teams, and the Royals really could have used that help.

The Royals need starting pitching this season. They’ve also been linked with several outfielders. The problem is that the Royals really don’t have many prospects to land anyone worth trading for.

Not being able to add a mid season boost will hurt the Kansas City Royals’ chances of contending. While the Indians or Tigers can add names like Aroldis Chapman or Sonny Gray, the Royals will likely have to sit back and watch as their rivals grow stronger down the stretch.

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