Kansas City Royals: Way too early 2020 rotation predictions

2020 Offseason Transactions

• Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY – Trade)
• Jose De Leon (TB – Trade)
• Brett Anderson (OAK – Free Agent)

If the Royals decide to find a trade partner this offseason for Danny Duffy a target could be the New York Yankees. The key return in a Duffy to New York trade would be Clint Frazier, but the Royals would be wise to add Jonathan Loaisiga to return offer.

If the Royals can get Loaisiga from the Yankees, they would be getting a 25-year-old (November) with nasty stuff who will get the opportunity to stick in a starting rotation with the Royals.

Jose De Leon is another trade target the Royals could get from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. De Leon was once a top prospect, but has struggled to regain his velocity the past couple of years recovering from injury.

There is a mechanics issue with De Leon where he tends to throw the ball on a flat plane, which leads to an elevated HR/9, but if the Rays make him available this offseason the Royals should take the gamble and give him a shot.

Brett Anderson, a free agent this offseason, relies heavily on his command to generate weak contact. A pitch to contact type pitcher, Anderson could utilize the Royals defense and difficult hitting environment to his advantage. Anderson would be an upgrade to fill out the bottom half of the rotation.