Fansided

Power Ranking each MLB team in aftermath of Trade Deadline

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) hits a two run homer against Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals left fielder Ben Zobrist (18) hits a two run homer against Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

1: Kansas City Royals

ACQUIRED: RHP Johnny Cueto (from Reds), INF/OF Ben Zobrist (from Athletics)

TRADED: LHP Brandon Finnegan (to Reds), LHP Sean Manaea (to Athletics), LHP John Lamb (to Reds), LHP Cody Reed (to Reds), RHP Aaron Brooks (to Athletics), RHP Joe Blanton (to Pirates)

The Kansas City Royals came into the trade deadline sporting the best record in the American League, but also had some very glaring holes. From a rotation that has underperformed to a sudden need in left field due to an injury to Alex Gordon, the Royals had a very specific plan in place for how to make a return trip to the World Series.

They executed it nearly flawlessly.

In adding Johnny Cueto, the Royals acquire the ace the pitching staff was lacking in 2015. Coincidentally enough, they add him to provide a great 1-2 punch with Edinson Volquez, hearkening back to the days when both were teammates on the Cincinnati Reds.

The Royals also picked up the versatile Ben Zobrist, who will man left field for now while the team awaits the return of Gordon, but his true worth will be present when he slides to second base when everyone is healthy.

Unfortunately, Kansas City sacrificed a lot to land just two pieces at the deadline, perhaps due to their eagerness to strike early and not get into a bidding war. The losses of Manaea, Lamb, and Reed will be especially painful to their farm system, especially for rental players.

That said, you would have liked to see them add another arm for the rotation, but given their bullpen strength, they have enough capable arms to succeed in short-series play. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Royals are again representing the American League in the Fall Classic.

(h/t MLB Daily Dish for Transaction Names)

Next: MLB All-Time 25-Man Roster

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