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Royals Rumors: J.D. Martinez could solve problem at designated hitter

By Leigh Oleszczak

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 13: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Detroit Tigers runs to first base after hitting a solo homerun during the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 13, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 13: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Detroit Tigers runs to first base after hitting a solo homerun during the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 13, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Royals rumors are going to keep going full speed ahead until the trade deadline is over. One of the most recent Royals rumors involves the Royals looking into trading for Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez.

It’s interesting when looking at the Kansas City Royals roster because their biggest needs are mostly at the pitching position. Both the rotation and the bullpen need an extra arm apiece and neither of those acquisitions will come cheap.

The other glaring weakness on the Royals roster is at the designated hitter spot, which currently belongs to Brandon Moss. Jorge Soler was sharing the role with him, but was recently optioned back to Triple-A Omaha. The designated hitter is a very important position to the Royals because it’s their one guy they should count on to knock runners in.

In years past, guys like Billy Butler and Kendrys Morales have held it down as the DH for the Royals. Butler was declining in 2014 and the team didn’t re-sign him and Morales’ slow start in 2016 likely hampered the Royals wanting to sign him for three more years.

Related Story: Royals Linked to J.D. Martinez

The Royals went out and signed Brandon Moss this past offseason and he has been terrible. They also traded for Jorge Soler and he’s somehow been worse than Moss, which explains why he was sent back to Omaha.

The Kansas City Royals have been discussed when it comes to where J.D. Martinez of the Tigers could land in the coming weeks. Martinez is a hot hitter at the plate and could instantly become the Royals every day designated hitter.

Not only that, but Martinez plays decent defense too. He could easily fill in out in right field and the Royals could move Jorge Bonifacio to designated hitter if need be.

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Moss isn’t going to just be dumped by the Royals. He’s owed a lot of money over the next season and a half and the Royals can’t afford to be out all of that dough. He’ll have a role on this team, but just won’t see as much playing time as he has been to this point.

Soler, on the other hand, could become an intriguing name to watch for. He’s been bad this year, but being only 25 years old and having three more years of club control on his contract, perhaps a team would be interested in trading for him? I’m doubtful on that, but hey… The Royals traded for him, so maybe another team is willing to.

Back to J.D. Martinez, the current Tiger is slashing .308/.389/.636 with 16 home runs in 198 at bats. His injury history is a little concerning, as he missed over a month earlier this season with a foot injury. He appears to be recovering just fine though, which is good to see if the Royals do indeed go after him.

Another concerning area is that Detroit is a division rival. There aren’t normally a lot of trades made within the division, simply because you face that team nearly 19 or 20 times a year. Trading top prospects to a divisional foe is a huge risk because if that prospect pans out, you’re witnessing it first hand on a frequent basis.

J.D. Martinez would definitely fill a hole or two in Kansas City. He can hit the baseball, which automatically makes him a better designated hitter candidate than Moss and Soler, and he has the ability to play in the outfield. His versatility and what he can offer this team makes him a solid player to go out and trade for.

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