Royals Rumors: Mike Moustakas trade brings back two prospects

Royals rumors crept up late last night and for those still awake shortly before midnight, the news of Mike Moustakas being traded to Milwaukee became official.

Kansas City Royals fans waking up this morning might have some surprises on their Twitter timeline, as Mike Moustakas was flipped to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Brett Phillips and Jorge Lopez. Jeffrey Flanagan had the news first.

Royals fans knew pretty much as soon as Moustakas had re-signed a one-year deal last spring that this day would come, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Moose has been with the Royals organization since he was drafted second overall in 2007.

Since that time, Moose, like most other major leaguers, has had his ups and downs, but Royals fans adored him. From the MOOOOOSE calls to some of the outrageous defensive plays he made, Moustakas was easily one of the most popular Royals from that golden era of Kansas City baseball.

The Brewers seemingly came out of nowhere for Moose’s services, but the Royals got back two decent prospects in return. Phillips, a 24 year-old outfielder, has spent time in the majors, slashing .257/.331/.413 during that time. He can play anywhere in the outfield, but spent the most time in right field for the Brewers this season.

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Jorge Lopez is a 25-year old pitcher out of Puerto Rico. He’s pitched in ten games this year and has an ERA of 2.75 in 19.2 innings thrown. Lopez has only been used in a relief role for the Brewers, not starting a game since the 2015 season.

With these prospects, it looks like the Royals want to speed up the rebuild a bit. Both players have spent time in the major leagues and are in their mid 20s already. It’s not a trade that is going to wow anyone right now, but the Royals had to take whatever they could get for Mike Moustakas.

Royals fans love their guys so obviously they thought Moose was worth more, but Dayton Moore couldn’t overvalue him at this point. Moustakas is a free agent at season’s end and teams don’t pay as much for rentals anymore, especially ones that will be 30 in September.

Right now, the Brewers obviously “won” this trade, but it’s still way too early to really conclude that. They pretty much have to either win a World Series or re-sign Moustakas to for sure win the deal. The Royals got two major league ready players in return and hopefully they pan out. Both hit free agency after the 2023 season, so the Royals have them for a long time.

It’s sad to see Mike Moustakas go and it’ll certainly be strange seeing him in a different uniform, but now he’s reunited with Lorenzo Cain in Milwaukee. Royals fans will definitely be pulling for the Brewers down the stretch.

Thanks for everything Moose!