KC Royals: Five trades that need to happen this winter
By Cody Rickman
Cash Considerations to Tampa Bay Rays for RHP SP José De León
27-year-old RHP starter Jose De León has been recovering from a UCL injury in 2018 for the past 2 years. De León once a highly rated prospect, hasn’t been able to find his velocity or command since coming back from injury and may be roster casualty this offseason for a Rays organization that needs to store burgeoning talent on the 40-man roster.
De León couples a 92-mph fastball with an outstanding 81-mph change-up and middle of the road breaking ball options (slider and curveball). He’s primarily used his fastball and horizontal change-up (fun to watch) in his outings in 2019. If De León is made available for the Royals and finds his command he would be a welcomed upgrade to the starting rotation (potential number three type starter if he finds his form).
Cash Considerations to Los Angeles Dodgers for RHP RP Jordan Sheffield
Another MLB team loaded with talent and burning questions about who to retain on the 40-man roster for 2020, the Dodgers may leave 24-year-old RHP reliever Jordan Sheffield available for the rule 5 draft.
Sheffield has struggled to find the plate in 2019. He brings a high 90s fastball in the mix with an exceptional breaking ball and average change-up. He generates lots of strikeouts, but has had trouble with high walk rates in the minors. Sheffield would still need some seasoning in the minors to release his potential as late-innings reliever.
Next. Five Underrated Royals Prospects. dark
The Kansas City Royals currently have a full 40-man roster themselves which I look for them to trim down and find some high upside talent this offseason. There are several players on the current roster that lose their jobs as the Royals gear up in hopes of being competitive in 2020 and beyond.