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Kansas City Royals: Offseason trade targets from AL East

By Cody Rickman

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Anthony Alford #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats in the second inning during MLB game action against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Alford
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Anthony Alford #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats in the second inning during MLB game action against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 12, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Anthony Alford /
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Anthony Alford #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Anthony Alford #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Toronto Blue Jays

Anthony Alford, Outfielder

Anthony Alford, the 25-year-old outfielder, climbed the Blue Jays system quickly in 2017, getting plate appearances at the A+, AA, AAA, and the MLB level.

Alford was a standout football player before being drafted as one of the younger players in the 2012 draft. Alford showed immediate promise with potential plus hit, power, plate discipline, running, and defense tools. His struggles at the MLB level could be attributed to his injury plagued years in 2017 and 2018.

The Blue Jays have been reluctant in giving Alford a legitimate chance at starting for a full season. The Royals could take advantage of the Blue Jays’ impatience and give Alford the chance to blossom into an above average MLB regular.

Alford has shown the potential to be a .260 hitter (with an added 70 points via OBP), with 15-18 home runs, the athleticism to provide plus defense, and steal 20+ bases a year. He hasn’t been healthy and injuries to his lower half have drained his ability to tap into his power and speed.

Worst case scenario on his outcome is a solid fourth outfielder option. He still has plenty of potential and could reach it with a team that has the patience to give him the playing time he needs to develop.

Possible trade offer: Cash Considerations

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