Royals Rumors: Yankees could be interested in trading for Danny Duffy
By Cody Rickman
The Kansas City Royals may need to eat up to 50% of Duffy’s remaining contract to get a better trade return, something the Royals front office hasn’t shown a willingness to do in the past.
The New York Yankees have the deep pockets to not feel the effects of Duffy’s remaining contract. Several former prospects litter the Yankees roster and the Yankees may look to move them to obtain another starting pitcher.
CLINT FRAZIER
Outfielder Clint Frazier has been mired in purgatory with the Yankees not being able to find playing time for the powerful Frazier. The Yankees are having injury issues in the outfield in addition to the pitching staff, so Frazier may be off the table as trade option. Frazier has the potential to hit 30 home runs if he gets enough playing time.
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The Yankees may have gotten frustrated with Frazier’s development in 2019 and sent him down to AAA late last season. A straight-up trade of Duffy for Frazier is a possibility without the Royals having to retain any of Duffy’s remaining contract. Frazier has one remaining minor league option.
JONATHAN LOAISIGA
Pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga is another possible trade option. The 25-year-old Loaisiga possesses two plus pitches with his 97-mph fastball and plus slider that has horizontal and vertical movement.
Loaisiga’s change-up still projects to be an above-average third offering if he can throw the pitch with lesser velocity than currently (88-mph). Loaisiga has a good history of strike-out numbers, but has struggled with command in the strike-zone leading to an inflated HR/9. More consistent command could unlock Loaisiga’s potential to be a future number three type starter. Loaisiga has one remaining minor league option.
TYLER WADE
Infielder Tyler Wade is a possible addition to sweeten a trade with Frazier or Loaisiga. Wade has one minor league option remaining and has shown an ability to play multiple positions around the infield. Wade has flashed above-average contact ability and consistent patience at the plate (hovering around 9.0 BB%). Wade has plus speed and could be a super utility player.
MICHAEL KING
Number 25 prospect pitcher (according to MLB pipeline) Michael King has shown good command of his three-pitch arsenal that features an above-average fastball (mixes movement with cut and sink), an average change-up, and average slider.
King throws strikes, limits hard contact, and generates a good number of groundballs. At 24-years-old, King has a high-floor as a prospect with a role as a back of the rotation type starter.
JOSH BREAUX
Number 23 prospect Josh Breaux has plus power and a plus arm from the catcher position. There is potential for 30+ home runs if he shows better swing selection. He still needs work on his footwork and transfer behind the dish, but there aren’t many catching prospect with his type of arm.
Breaux being a right-handed hitter may appeal to the Royals as a trade option as many of their upper level catching prospects are left-handed hitters.