Royals Rumors: Players most likely to be traded at 2019 deadline

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 23: Alex Gordon (right) of the Kansas City Royals celebrates with Nicky Lopez #1 after scoring on a Hunter Dozier home run in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 23, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

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Jake Diekman #40 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

JAKE DIEKMAN

Jake Diekman being traded seemed like a sure thing this time last month, but things have changed. What once looked like the Royals would be parting ways with their best reliever have now turned into them hoping Diekman can figure things out again so they can get something in return for him.

Diekman is currently posting a 5.06 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 32 innings pitched. For awhile, Diekman was the setup man out of the bullpen, but he’s been struggling as of late.

What will help Diekman’s cause is that he’ll be on the cheaper side to acquire, seeing how he’s on a one-year deal. Teams won’t have to give up much at all to bring him in, especially if he’s still posting an ERA over five.

Teams with bullpen issues could look to bring Diekman in at the trade deadline. He looked great a month ago, but a few shaky outings have made his ERA balloon to over five and the hope is that he figures out his command, so the Royals can trade him next month.

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