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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) tags out Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) on an attempted steal during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) tags out Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) on an attempted steal during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Royals: Trading for Brandon Phillips

Kansas City’s all-in moves to get Zobrist and Cueto more than paid off, resulting in a World Series title. While it was obviously worth it, the deals have put the Royals in a tricky position this year.

The Royals currently sit at 19-19, third place behind Chicago and Cleveland in the AL Central. Kansas City has a few holes to address, particularly in the starting rotation, and little prospect capital to work with.

Once again, the Royals will be looking for an upgrade at second base, provided they haven’t completely fallen out of contention. Omar Infante has been poor again, posting a 57 wRC+ mark so far according to FanGraphs.

The easiest trade target would be Phillips from the Reds if he is willing to waive his no-trade clause. Phillips is hitting .277/.312/.485 per FanGraphs, far better than the numbers Infante is producing.

As much of an upgrade as Phillips would be, the Royals have to wonder if a second basemen worth 0.3 WAR thus far would be enough to make a difference. Instead, Kansas City could get a more meaningful upgrade by using what few trade chips it has left for the starting rotation, or stand pat in what could be a lost year by then.

Everything had to go right for the Royals rotation last year, and with Yordano Ventura, Chris Young and others struggling, there might be too many holes to fill to make any rental worth it.

Next: Los Angeles Angels: Trading Mike Trout

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