Kansas City Royals: Offseason trade targets from AL West

Texas Rangers

Andy Ibanez, Infielder

Andy Ibanez, the 26-year-old infielder, has put together a fine season for AAA Nashville Sounds hitting .300/.375/.497 with 30 2Bs, 1 3B, 20 HRs, 7/14 stolen bases.

Ibanez was a standout prospect on the Cuba international team before signing with the Rangers in 2015. Ibanez has a short compact swing, which makes him difficult to strikeout and produces solid gap-to-gap power. Ibanez has had some issues with breaking balls, but he has produced consistent hitting numbers during his minor league career (.285/.352/.443 in 1,732 minor league at-bats).

The Rangers have yet to add Ibanez to their 40-man roster and he’s a likely trade candidate since the organization needs to add several prospects to the 40-man roster to protect them from the rule 5 draft.

Ibanez has a high floor and is likely to be at least an average MLB regular. He has shown positional versatility and can play average defense at second base, third base, and first base. He’s seen some time at shortstop, but his athleticism and arm are limited in that role.

The current Rangers infielder has the potential to be a .270 hitter (with an added 60 points via OBP), with 11-14 home runs (better gap power hitter), the athleticism to provide average defense at multiple positions, and steal 7-10 bases a year.

He has been healthy the last two seasons and could be excellent addition to the Royals roster, especially if they decide to part ways with Whit Merrifield this offseason.

Possible trade offer: Ian Kennedy (50-75% salary retention) or Cash Considerations