Royals Rumors: Trading for another starting pitcher seems logical

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Starting pitcher Lance Lynn #31 of the St. Louis Cardinals (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

LET’S GET REALISTIC

When it comes down to it, I see the Royals going after names like Marco Estrada and Lance Lynn. Both are free agents after this season, but could provide a boost to this Royals rotation. Estrada is having a rough year in Toronto, posting an ERA over five while Lynn is doing well in St. Louis with an ERA just over three.

I also wouldn’t be opposed to the Royals looking at someone like Andrew Cashner, but he’ll only hit the market if the Rangers decide they’re sellers in the next week. Cashner has a 3.64 ERA, but as MLB Trade Rumors mentions, the rest of his numbers aren’t great. He’s the definition of a number five pitcher, however, and is easily an upgrade over what the Royals did have before trading with the Padres.

Someone like Jesse Chavez of the Angels could be a nice option too, as he’s a notorious innings eater, throwing 107 so far this season. He has an ERA of 4.88, but could help save the bullpen on days when it’s desperately needed (like recently).

I’ve been on the Lance Lynn train for awhile now, but that one is tricky because the Cardinals aren’t out of anything just yet. They’ll likely only be competing for their division, as the Wild Card (barring some type of huge collapse) will probably belong to Arizona and Colorado, but the NL Central is just as weak as the AL Central is.

The Cardinals aren’t the type of team that gives up this early in the season, but if they are willing to shop Lynn, teams will be there to listen. He’d be a great addition for the Royals.

I don’t want to see Kansas City trade for Marco Estrada, but if it happens, it happens. His 3.13 ERA in 2015 and 3.48 ERA in 2016 show that he’s talented, but just hasn’t had it this year, as showcased by that ugly 5.52 ERA he’s sporting in 2017.

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