4 Likely Royals Trade Targets Revealed by ESPN Insider
Taylor Ward, OF
Ward has been stuck on the Angels since 2018 and it’s about time he goes to a team that has a chance to compete.
He’s only batting .241 this season – his worst batting average since 2019 – but is hitting the ball with authority when he makes contact.
Heyman’s best guess for where OF Taylor Ward ends up is with the #Royals. https://t.co/Otw1LA6kuC
— Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) June 14, 2024
Ward has more home runs (13) than any Royals player and his OPS (.757) would be third-best, behind Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez.
If you slotted him into the lineup alongside Witt Jr., Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino, the Royals would have one of the best top four hitters in the AL.
Tanner Scott, RP
There’s no doubt that the Marlins will make Scott available at the trade deadline, and he’s certainly an attractive option.
Scott’s 1.64 ERA is two-plus runs better than EVERY Royals reliever except for Angel Zerpa (3.49 ERA).
Tanner Scott says he always wants the ball in the ninth inning, so he was ready to go back out to the mound and get the first six-out save of his career Tuesday night. #MarlinsBeisbol pic.twitter.com/ycuu1LINUS
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) June 12, 2024
And Scott is a reliever you can rely on. He’s currently on a two-year run that’s seen him put up some of the best numbers in baseball.
Last season, he had a 2.31 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP across 78 innings. Though he struggled with his command to open this season, he’s tightened it up lately (11 walks over his last 24 ⅓ innings).
He also has experience closing out games, converting 21-of-27 opportunities over the last two seasons.