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

As of now, it looks like the Kansas City Royals will probably only be trading away pitchers at the deadline. None of their position players look to be realistic trade pieces, but you never know.

The four individual entries on here were Homer Bailey, Jake Diekman, Danny Duffy, and Ian Kennedy, all of whom are pitchers and all of whom could be wearing different jerseys by season’s end.

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Bailey and Diekman are the most likely players to be sent elsewhere due to only being signed through the end of this year. Teams don’t have to give up as much to acquire them because they’re essentially rental pieces.

While Duffy and Kennedy could still be dealt, it’s not as likely.

Duffy is signed through the 2021 season, meaning a team would have him for two full years plus the rest of 2019. He’s not an ace, like the Royals seem to see him as, but he’d be a serviceable three or four starter in a playoff rotation. He’s also pitched out of the bullpen during the postseason before, which could come in handy.

As for Kennedy, he’s signed through the 2020 season, meaning teams would have him in their bullpen for a full year. Kennedy has found new life as a reliever and teams covet quality relievers this time of year. His contract is ridiculous, but KC might opt to eat some of it in order to get Kennedy and the initial deal off the books.

Royals rumors should be exciting this year. Let’s hope that whoever the Royals ship off results in quality prospects coming to the organization and helping get the boys in blue back to the top of the mountain in the coming years.