Kansas City Royals: Time to be honest about rebuilding
By John McCarty
What other names could be moved at the deadline?
SCOTT BARLOW- A bullpen that has been bad this season has had a highlight in Scott Barlow, who has been one of the better arms in the bullpen. The 26-year old made a few appearances last year and has established himself a part of the bullpen this season.
Despite not being a free agent until 2025, Barlow is already 26 and bullpen arms have a way of not lasting long. Do the Royals try to cash in on a cheap bullpen arm with multiple years of control?
JORGE SOLER- What kind of demand does a right fielder that isn’t good in the field and strikes out a bunch, but can hit home runs get in a trade? Soler is already 27 years old and continues to struggle to get on base consistently.
Soler is not a fit with the Royals in the field and could be an option to be moved if the organization’s top hitting prospect can turn things around in AA Northwest Arkansas. Does a team look for a power hitter to play designated hitter and also ask to play a smaller right field area?
HUNTER DOZIER- Hunter Dozier? Yes, I put him on the list.
Having never done anything in his professional career resembling what he is doing now, the opportunity to get something in return could be at the best right now. That is, if you believe his performance will regress towards what he’s been in the past. If you don’t, well, perhaps don’t trade him. Dozier turns 28 later this summer and may very well be on wrong side of 30 by the time the Royals are ready to compete for the postseason again.
SALVADOR PEREZ- There is no reason for him to be on this team on the injured list, as it makes zero sense to hold on to an aging catcher. Imagine a team in the NFL paying big money to a running back. That’s what the Royals are doing.
He turns 30 next year and combined now with his serious arm injury, the Royals have squandered the value in Perez. The Royals can’t trade him currently, but should look to move him as quickly as they can once he reestablishes his health.