Royals Looking To Buy At The Trade Deadline

[Matthew Lenz]

Lately, we've been covering teams who the Twins could make a deal with to make up ground and win the division. Or, at the very least, stay at the top of the Wild Card standings.

Well, assuming they will be buyers, they are not the only AL Central team looking for the same results. Per The Windup Podcast and shared by MLB Trade Rumors, the Royals GM (J.J. Picollo) revealed that the Royals will be in search of bullpen and utility depth. The Royals bullpen ranks near in the bottom third of the league in WAR, ERA, K rate, and BB rate. While we think the Twins are in need of bullpen help, the Royals have a far greater need but don't have the farm system to match the asking price of some of the power arms that may be available in a month.

On the offensive end, the Royals are similar to the Twins in that they love to play matchups and splits. While they need OF help specifically, Picollo noted that they're looking for utility bats that can deepen their bench and fit with their matchup based philosophy. Unlike the bullpen, the Twins and Royals likely won't in the market for the same offensive additions in the trade market.

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[Matthew Lenz]

UPDATE via MLB Trade Rumors: Royals Prioritizing Bullpen Help Over Outfield Bat

[Dman]

I get the Royals kind of needing to go all in to grab a playoff spot as they haven't been in this spot in a long time.  Bullpen additions shouldn't have to cost them too much unless they go super high end.  They don't have a great farm system so I can't see them going high end.  I think they'll run the numbers and go the value route in the end.

I don't feel like the Twins should add to the pen or position players.  Yeah I get that there are upgrades to be made but for me the cost versus what those upgrades get you isn't worth it.  The only deadline deal I would be interested in would be an ace type starter.  Something that could push them a bump higher for the playoffs.  If that can't be done I would just stand pat.  The pen can beefed up with starters for the playoffs.  They have young bats that can step in if role players aren't getting it done.

I don't think high cost trades to get marginally better are worth it for this team, but we'll see how things look around the deadline.

[nicksaviking]

Good for the Royal fans that this team is competitive again, but I don't see them doing anything impactful. They made a lot of offseason moves that raised some eyebrows, but the guys they got were all pretty 'meh'. Not to say some haven't played better than expected (Seth Lugo), but I don't think they'll target needle movers. More Michael Wachas and Chris Strattons may get them to the playoffs, but it won't win them anything meaningful.

Though I suppose if they build enough excitement it's possible they'll recall the Dayton Moore era and put it all on the line.

[old nurse]

On 6/25/2024 at 11:38 AM, nicksaviking said:

Good for the Royal fans that this team is competitive again, but I don't see them doing anything impactful. They made a lot of offseason moves that raised some eyebrows, but the guys they got were all pretty 'meh'. Not to say some haven't played better than expected (Seth Lugo), but I don't think they'll target needle movers. More Michael Wachas and Chris Strattons may get them to the playoffs, but it won't win them anything meaningful.

Though I suppose if they build enough excitement it's possible they'll recall the Dayton Moore era and put it all on the line.

With 2 win and 3 win series all it takes is a couple of peak performances by your pitchers to advance, A wild card win is always possible with Reagan’s and Lugo’s pitching,. Then, a little luck and they are in the league championship series. Closers cost good players set up do not.