The MLB Trade Deadline is fast approaching on July 31, and as a result, trade rumors are flying across the league as talks heat up. Now that the Kansas City Royals find themselves on the fringes of the playoffs, they plan on being aggressive and acquiring some help at the deadline. Here are three possible trades they could make in the coming week and a half:
1) Do whatever it takes to land Sonny Gray
Kansas City has had their eye on Gray, who is now the best starting pitcher available on the open market. Oakland has all but guaranteed that he will be dealt. As such, pretty much every contender is interested in acquiring him, which means the Royals will likely have to part with several of their top prospects to land him.
For Gray, it makes sense. Gray has two more years of arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent following the 2019 season. Yu Darvish could also be available, but with his contract up after the season and it doesn't make sense for Kansas City to part with future assets for a rental.
Gray is 5-4 with a 3.74 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 15 starts this season.
2) Trade prospects for Dee Gordon
While the Royals want to find that top-tier starting pitcher, they are also interested in Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon. Kansas City has been a fan of Gordon's for several years and view him as the leadoff man their lineup needs. He is under contract through the 2020 season (with an option for 2021), and it's rare to find talented players with such stability available at the deadline.
Gordon is batting .290 with 19 RBIs and 32 stolen bases in 91 games so far this season.
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3) Trade Eric Hosmer to Yankees for high-level prospects
If the Royals struggle over the course of the next week and decide to be sellers at the deadline, this is an under-the-radar move that makes sense. Hosmer is having a bounce back year after a terrible 2016 season, increasing the likelihood that he receives a mega-offer from someone as a free agent this offseason. And, chances are, Kansas City won't be able to afford him.
Getting something in return for him certainly makes sense in this scenario. The Yankees are looking for an upgrade at first base and want to add another bat to the lineup, both of which Hosmer would accomplish. He is batting a career-high .314 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs so far this season.
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