Kansas City Royals: Five relief pitchers to target at trade deadline
By Ben Almquist
Kansas City Royals RP Trade Targets
Tony Watson – Pittsburgh Pirates
Another struggling closer with bullpen value is Tony Watson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Kansas City Royals could especially use another left-handed arm in the bullpen, and that’s what Watson brings. He may be a very coveted asset as the trade deadline approaches.
What works in the Royals favor here is that they don’t necessarily need a closer. While Kelvin Herrera has struggled some this year, he isn’t a lost cause by any means. That keeps Watson on their radar where many teams needing just a closer will likely look at other options.
The value on Tony Watson shouldn’t be too much. This is another low-risk, high-reward situation for the Royals to pursue. At the very least, you are talking about a veteran bullpen arm. That is the kind of acquisition that really comes in handy in late September and October.