Royals' Full Trade Deadline Plans Reportedly Revealed
By Parker White
The MLB trade deadline is still a few weeks away, but the Kansas City Royals are already active and traded catcher Martin Maldonado to the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.
It's no shock that the Royals are sellers heading into the deadline. They are clearly rebuilding and will look to move veteran players to continue to beef up their farm system.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Royals will look to trade veterans like Billy Hamilton, Jake Diekman, Lucas Duda and Ian Kennedy in the coming days and weeks.
After trading Martin Maldonado last night, the Royals are in sell mode. According to a source, the focus over the next two weeks will be moving Billy Hamilton, Jake Diekman, Lucas Duda and Ian Kennedy.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 16, 2019
Does that mean they won't even consider moving All-Star second baseman Whit Merrifield? Well, unless you are willing to give up several MLB-ready players in return, Kansas City won't even entertain the idea of moving arguably their best player.
More on the Royals: according to a source, Jorge Soler might be available at the right price, but as far as Whit Merrifield, KC “would have to be blown away” to trade him and his team-friendly contract. Feeling around the league is Merrifield is staying put.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 16, 2019
The Royals plan to be open for business, but really only at the margins. Merrifield is likely staying put, and even a slugging outfielder like Jorge Soler is unlikely to be moved unless Kansas City is blown away at the offer they receive.
That being said, we can't wait for Hamilton in the postseason. You know he's got a pinch-running appearance in him.