3 Royals Who Won't Survive the Trade Deadline

2. MJ Melendez

Speaking of bats that aren’t cutting it, cue MJ Melendez. 

He’s struggled all year and it’s not getting any better. Melendez currently sports a .191 batting average and a horrendous .255 on-base percentage.

However, he does have some good qualities that give him a leg up on the likes of Frazier. Melendez has hit 10 home runs, ranking in the 80th percentile in average exit velocity in MLB.

He also has a great arm in the outfield (94th percentile arm strength) and above-average speed.

That’s fine for a defensive replacement late in games, but he is near the top of the list when it comes to batters on the brink of being demoted.

3. John Schreiber

Schreiber had an impressive start to the season, but that only gets you so far. 

He’s imploded over the last two months, allowing 31 hits over his last 21 innings as his ERA has risen from 0.59 all the way to 4.33.

And it’s not as if this rough patch is much of a surprise. Schreiber has had a WHIP over 1.40 in four of his five MLB seasons, and the underlying numbers don’t point to a turnaround this year.

He ranks in the 33rd percentile or worse in: expected batting average, fastball velocity, average exit velocity allowed, chase percentage, whiff percentage and strikeout rate.

Though other relievers, like Chris Stratton and Will Smith, have also struggled this season, they’ve both bounced back nicely from rough starts and earn more money – making it far easier for the Royals to cut bait with Schreiber.

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