The Kansas City Royals have already been linked to several outfield free agents and trade candidates this offseason, including young Boston Red Sox standout Jackie Bradley Jr. However, there's another outfield name that hasn't been mentioned in connection with the team until now who could prove to be a more reasonable fit from a cost standpoint -- right fielder Gerardo Parra.
Per Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, "the Royals are looking not only at Jackie Bradley Jr. but free agent Gerardo Parra as possible replacements. They don’t feel they need to replace (Alex) Gordon with a power hitter, given the dimensions of Kauffman Stadium, but rather a run preventer. Parra and Bradley would fit that description."
Parra, 28, would be a cost-effective alternative for Alex Gordon if the Royals are priced out on the open market. Likely to come at a overall number 50-60% less than that of Gordon, Parra is a lefty swinger/thrower who has spent significant time at all three outfield positions. He has two Gold Gloves to his credit (2011, 2013) and hit a career-high 14 home runs splitting time between the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles last year.
He'd fit right into Kansas City's mold of defensive-minded outfielders, ranking sixth among all MLB outfielders over the past seven years with 65 defensive runs saved. He'd also serve as a fantastic table setter for the heart of Kansas City's order if manager Ned Yost decides to use him that way, with a career .321/.355/.568 slash line in the leadoff spot.
Parra is likely to command in the neighborhood of $8-9 million per year on a two- to three-year deal.
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