The Kansas City Royals are gearing up for a strategic trade deadline, with a focus on moving rental players and those on expiring contracts. This approach is a smart move, as it allows the team to capitalize on the current market while also planning for the future. The Royals' strategy is particularly intriguing, as they seem to be prioritizing players who can contribute to next season's contention, rather than those who are long-term building blocks.
One of the key players in this strategy is Lane Thomas, an outfielder who is a surefire trade candidate. Thomas has been a solid contributor this season, with a .324 on-base percentage and a .394 slugging percentage. However, his production has been heavily influenced by his platoon-heavy performance, with a .205/.293/.367 line against right-handed pitchers and a .265/.368/.434 line against lefties. This makes him an ideal platoon outfielder/backup center fielder for a contending club, and the Royals are likely to cash in on his value before making him a qualifying offer.
Another interesting player is Kris Bubic, a left-handed pitcher who has been sidelined by an elbow issue since mid-May. Bubic has the potential to be a top rental asset, but his recent health struggles have cast doubt on whether the Royals will risk a roughly $23MM qualifying offer. The team's focus on rental players rather than long-term commitments is a smart move, as it allows them to capitalize on the current market without tying themselves to expensive contracts.
The Royals' strategy is not without its risks, however. Other rentals on the team, such as John Schreiber and Matt Strahm, have minimal value and are unlikely to command a high return. The team's focus on moving rental players rather than long-term building blocks is a smart move, but it also means that they will need to carefully consider which players to target in free agency and which to develop internally.
In my opinion, the Royals' strategy is a smart and calculated approach to the trade deadline. By focusing on rental players and those on expiring contracts, the team can capitalize on the current market while also planning for the future. However, the team will need to carefully consider which players to target in free agency and which to develop internally to ensure that they are building a strong and sustainable roster for the long term.
