Dodgers and Royals Could Ignite MLB With This Surprise Trade

No established timetable for the MLB's return has been provided yet as the nation continues to attempt to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. All fans really have to look forward to is the euphoria that will be felt once play resumes, whenever that is.

With the league announcing its suspension in the middle of Spring Training, it's likely that most bombshell free agent signings and blockbuster trades already transpired.

However, there's no reason to think that a few clubs couldn't be brainstorming a deal behind the scenes. With all of this free time, the Los Angeles Dodgers should be looking to acquire right-hander Ian Kennedy from the Kansas City Royals.

According to a source, the Royals have had some interest in some of their controllable pieces - Ian Kennedy, Tim Hill and Richard Lovely - but no deals appear to be close.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2019

The Dodgers would have to cough up utility man Matt Beaty and another prospect. Beaty projects to be an everyday starter for KC, so the Royals shouldn't really ask for a top youngster. 25-year-old Mitchell White, who is LA's No.11 prospect according to MLB.com, should satisfy Kansas City.

Los Angeles is going to need all hands on deck in the upcoming shortened campaign, and Kennedy, 35, can prove valuable either as a spot-starter or long-inning reliever. The USC product recorded 30 saves in 2019, so he's more than capable of weathering the stress in late-inning scenarios.

#Royals announce Jorge Soler as their hitter of the year from 2018 season, Ian Kennedy as pitcher of the year and Whit Merrifield wins special achievement award
— Joel Goldberg (@goldbergkc) January 21, 2020

The Royals were reported to be shopping Kennedy at last season's trade deadline, so there's really no reason to think the team shouldn't be open to dealing him now. In return, they'd be getting two players that will hopefully emerge as key contributors to their rebuilding efforts.