Royals Rumors: Jurickson Profar would give Royals versatile defender

Royals Rumors continue with Dayton Moore eyeing Jurickson Profar.

Dayton Moore isn’t slowing down when it comes to the Royals rumors, as the Kansas City Royals general manager is now showing interest in utility player Jurickson Profar, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. Profar, who turns 28 in February, fits the Royals to a tee, as he’s someone who can play all over the field.

Profar was once a highly-regarded prospect but never fully lived up to that hype. He was quite good in 2020, however, slashing .278/.343/.428 with seven home runs and 25 RBI in 202 plate appearances for the Padres. He mostly spent time in left field, which is vacant right now in Kansas City due to the retirement of Alex Gordon.

Moore is looking to add another left-handed bat who could spend time in the outfield and at third base. That sounds like Profar, doesn’t it? The Royals certainly have a wide array of outfielders heading into 2020, but if Profar’s 2020 numbers are any indication as to what kind of player he is, he’d be a great fit in Kansas City.

The recent name tied to Royals rumors is Jurickson Profar, but can the Royals get him?

The Padres are also linked to Profar and that’s where he spent the 2020 season. He spent the first five seasons of his career in Texas, then spent a year in Oakland, and last year he was a member of the fiery Padres who made it to the playoffs and are most definitely a contender to do so again in 2021. Maybe that could play into Profar’s decision as to where to sign.

The Royals are being aggressive this offseason. If Profar came to Kansas City, he’d be their fifth free agent acquisition, joining Mike Minor, Michael A. Taylor, Carlos Santana, and Greg Holland (who yes, spent last season with the Royals, but he’s still a free agent who signed with KC). Moore is showing that he believes in the 2021 Royals and is furthering that belief by bringing in key contributors.

While Profar is obviously appealing due to the versatility he’d bring along with his stellar 2020 numbers, he hasn’t always had success at the plate, so that’d be something to worry about. In 2019, the utility man hit just .218 in 518 plate appearances, but also blasted 20 home runs in that time (this was with the Athletics, for what it’s worth).

Jurickson Profar would make a lot of sense with the Kansas City Royals and if Dayton Moore gets him, it’ll continue to be an impressive offseason for the boys in blue.