5 Royals Already on Thin Ice Through 40 Games
![Sep 30, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Nelson Velazquez (17) has been awful to open the 2024 season. Sep 30, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Nelson Velazquez (17) has been awful to open the 2024 season.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7218,h_4060,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/220/01hxj3vdr5xp6j2arh0b.jpg)
In past seasons, Kansas City would have the luxury of allowing players to break free from elongated slumps, but that’s no longer the case for a team in the hunt for an AL Central crown.
The offense has scored the most runs in the division, but there are still some players who are holding the lineup back, without even mentioning a couple of relievers having disappointing starts to the season.
If Kansas City is truly serious about competing for a spot in the postseason, it will have to consider dumping some of these players.
Slumping Royals Players In Danger of Losing Playing Time
The MLB trade market has already been active despite the season barely being a month old, and that means Kansas City can’t afford to wait – potentially losing out on acquiring quality assets.
Here are the top five players that the Royals should strongly consider moving to the bench or even the minor leagues: