MLB Power Rankings: Each team’s best trade ever

Kansas City Royals

One could argue that the best trade that the Kansas City Royals have ever made was made back in 1969 when they traded for Lou Pinella. Pinella was the Royals’ first legitimate star. That might be the case, but let’s go with the trade that helped the Royals win the 2015 World Series. Kansas City traded ace Zack Greinke to the Brewers along with disgruntled infielder Yuniesky Betancourt in exchange for outfielder Lorenzo Cain, shortstop Alcides Escobar, relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress, and starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi.

Cain and Escobar were both important parts of the Royals’ 2015 World Series run, though Cain obviously had a more prominent role, finishing as a finalist for the American League Most Valuable Player award in 2015. Escobar’s role as an excellent defensive shortstop and timely hitter cannot be ignored though.

Jeffress never panned out and was later sent to the Blue Jays. Ironically, he currently pitches for the Brewers. Even Jake Odorizzi played a part in the Royals two American League pennants in 2014 and 2015. He was traded with Wil Myers in the trade that sent the Royals James Shields and Wade Davis, who was viewed as a throw-in at the time of the trade. Turns out Davis might have been the crown jewel of the trade.

Without this trade, the Royals don’t win the 2015 World Series. No question.

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