4 Likely Royals Trade Targets Revealed by ESPN Insider

The Kansas City Royals have struggled lately, which complicated their plans for the trade deadline.

But it would be a shame for them to not at least explore the options on the market, especially with a lack of teams truly competing for the Wild Card in a top-heavy American League.

ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan isn’t sure what Kansas City will do but does have a few players in mind who could help.

KC Royals Seeking Outfield Hitting and Relief Pitching in Trade Market

The Royals don’t have a terrible offense – averaging 4.58 runs per game (11th in MLB) this season. However, there are certainly some massive holes in the lineup.

For example, these players are batting .200 or worse for the season: MJ Melendez (.179), Hunter Renfroe (.198) and Nelson Velasquez (.200). It’s pretty easy to upgrade at least one of those hitters via the trade market.

The bullpen has been ugly as well. James McArthur (13-for-17 in saves, 4.70 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) is one of the worst closers in baseball and there aren’t any better options. 

These relievers have an ERA worse than 4.00: McArthur, John Schreiber (4.02), Chris Stratton (4.54), Will Smith (4.94) and Nick Anderson (4.13). 

That’s resulted in the Royals allowing the MOST runs in MLB from the 6th through 9th innings this season (2.28 per game). 

Here are some players who Passan thinks could help turn these stats around: