The Top Three Trade Candidates from the Kansas City Royals

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: Sebastian Rivero #48 and Scott Barlow #58 of the Kansas City Royals celebrate a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians in game two of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on September 20, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

1. Scott Barlow

While I noted that relief pitching needs help, trading one of the more underappreciated closers in baseball may be best for both parties. Last season Scott Barlow was stellar as the KC Royals closer, putting up numbers like a 0.48 HR/9, 2.63 FIP, and accruing 2.1 WAR as a reliever. Barlow was really good for the Royals last season and his trade value is relatively high, being a reliever kind of lowers the value.

Trading Barlow also kind of makes sense for both parties as the Royals have other relievers who can close and Barlow’s value is not going to be higher, barring he continues being good this year. This is also the last year of team control for Barlow as 2022 is the last year he is arbitration-eligible, so trading him might make sense if management believes in the other closer options.

Another trade candidate is a Royals fan favorite and for the past 3-4 seasons has seen his name be in trade rumors.

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