Kansas City Royals: Where did it all go wrong in 2019?
By Cody Rickman
The KC Royals did benefit from a few of their off-season signings. What went right:
- Martín Maldonado (Catcher) – Traded to the Cubs for pitcher Mike Montgomery, who provided .227/.291/.366 in 238 ABs and respectable defense in the absence of Salvador Pérez. Montgomery, since coming over from the Cubs, has looked like he’s solidified himself in the starting rotation for the 2020 season.
- Terrance Gore (Outfielder) – Traded to the Yankees for cash, provided .275/.362/.353 and 5/11 SBs in 51 ABs. Even with high than expected hitting, Gore’s base running errors caused his departure for cash considerations.
- Homer Bailey (Starting Pitcher) – Traded to Oakland for infielder Kevin Merrell, and provided 4.80 ERA and 1.411 WHIP in 90 innings as a starter. Merrell is a prospect with a ton of speed, but needs to find his way at the plate in order to utilize that speed on the base-paths.
- Jake Diekman (Relief Pitcher) – Traded to Oakland for pitcher Ismael Aquino and outfielder Dairon Blanco, provided 4.75 ERA and 1.344 WHIP with 63 Ks in 41.2 innings of relief. Aquino is a prospect with a big fastball with relief potential and Blanco could be a solid fourth outfield option in the future.