Kansas City Royals: Early season trade scenarios for four players
By Cullen Jekel
The Red Sox seem to be in some kind of hangover after winning the World Series last season. Jackie Bradley Jr., the team’s center fielder, is currently hitting .149 with an OPS of .442, which equals to a horrifying 21 OPS+.
The team’s other outfielders, Andrew Benintendi and Mookie Betts, are picking up the slack. But Boston also completely lacks offensive depth. For example, Steve Pearce, last year’s World Series MVP, somehow has a negative OPS+, which I didn’t know was a thing.
Suffice it to say, Alex Gordon could really help the Boston Red Sox.
In return, I have the Royals receiving Danny Diaz, an 18-year-old Venezuelan third baseman. Diaz is extremely raw right now as he’s played little professional baseball. But his tools are such that MLB.com ranks him as the Red Sox number 11 overall prospect.
Then there’s right-handed pitcher Travis Lakins, who made his Boston debut last month in a loss against Detroit. In that game, Lakins threw 2.2 innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out two and walking none.
Throughout his time in the minors, Lakins has been primarily a relief pitcher, starting less than half of his 83 career appearances, and only six times in the past two seasons.
https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/1120871064618377216
Lastly, is 23-year-old catcher Roldani Baldwin, who also has experience at first base and third base. His versatility and solid pop would come in handy for an organization that lacks a quality back-up backstop, values defensive versatility, and could always use more power.
Making this deal for Gordon would bring back two players ready to contribute in Kansas City in Lakins and Baldwin while adding a fascinating grooming project in Diaz, who could develop into a star.