Kansas City Royals: Offseason trade targets from AL East
By Cody Rickman
The Kansas City Royals are in the position to explore the offseason trade market to address roster needs. In this five-part series, I explore possible trades with teams in the AL East, AL West, NL East, NL Central, and NL West.
Once the 2019 MLB playoffs are officially over, the Kansas City Royals will embark upon one of their busiest offseasons in recent memory. Since trades rarely happen within the same division, I will omit any possible trades with the AL Central in these series of posts.
Here are several links highlighting several offseason changes and moves the team should make:
Upcoming big changes in organization
Prospects ready for 2020 action
AL East Trade Targets
New York Yankees
Clint Frazier, Outfielder
Clint Frazier, the 25-year-old outfielder, has put together a productive 2019 season slashing .267/.317/.489 with 12 home runs this season for the New York Yankees.
If the Royals decide to part ways with left fielder Alex Gordon this offseason, Frazier would be an outstanding option to replace the long-time Royals outfielder. Frazier has slightly above average hitting potential (.260 average), significant power potential (23-27 homers per year), slightly above average base running (5-8 steals), and a plus arm in the outfield.
Frazier has had some significant difficulties in the outfield defensively for the Yankees this season, but he is athletic enough to be at least an average defensive outfielder when he’s focused. Acquiring Frazier and substantially increasing his playing time could make him into a cornerstone for the Royal’s offense for the next 4 years.
The Yankees have an impending roster crunch this offseason and may be willing to depart with Clint Frazier and several other pieces to make room on their 40-man roster. The New York media has discussed the Yankees desire to part ways with Frazier during the season and his omittance from the Playoff roster should be another sign the Yankees front office doesn’t believe he’s capable of being an asset to their roster.
Possible trade offer: Carlos Hernandez RHP or Danny Duffy LHP (+50% salary retention)