Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades Royals should make

By Parker Hurley

Jul 9, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) hits a one run double in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) hits a one run double in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
June 14, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar (6) rounds third to score a run in the first inning against Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 14, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar (6) rounds third to score a run in the first inning against Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Yunel Escobar

The Angels have to be hurting for prospects in the worst ways. They should be selling this offseason and listening to anyone who can make an offer. If the Royals are serious about competing this year, buying for a player like Escobar could work out.

To start, Escobar can lead off. It is not like Ned Yost seems to care, but Alcides Escobar (no relation to Yunel) has a .271 on-base percentage when hitting out of the leadoff spot this season. This year, Yunel Escobar has an on-base percentage of .368 when hitting leadoff. If the lead off hitter were getting on 10% more something tells me the offense might score more.

Escobar also plays third base, the position where Moustakas, who tore his ACL, plays. Escobar has a club option this year, and it is only $7 million. A team that is looking to cut costs like Kansas City should understand the value that Escobar brings.

He can finish the season at third while the Royals try to stay in it. Moustakas is no guarantee to start the season healthy next year, so Escobar becomes a temporary replacement. Escobar has also played shortstop and second base in his career, so when Moustakas is healthy, he will still be able to find innings all over the field. It makes dealing with the major injury a much smaller problem, and answers a bunch of the depth questions that this team will face during the off-season.

Next: 3. Eduardo Nunez

Home/Kansas City Royals