2. Kansas City Royals
The Royals are in a tough predicament when it comes to deciding whether to buy or sell over the trade deadline. They currently sit eight games behind the Indians for the division, and six back in the Wild Card. It may lead them down a path towards staying put, but Longoria can keep them in it this year, and be a piece that keeps them competing in the direct future.
The Royals need a third baseman this year if they are going to compete. Mike Moustakas tore his ACL which ended his season, and put the start of next season in jeopardy. While Moustakas has been a solid third baseman in the past few runs, Longoria is an upgrade in every way. He provides a fix for a huge immediate hole.
When looking to the off-season, the Royals will then have a ton of options. Moustakas is no guarantee to start the season healthy. Kendrys Morales, the Designated Hitter is also a free agent. The Royals can bring in Moustakas and Longoria, and give the two veterans rest by mixing them in and out of the DH spot next season. Longoria obviously will start in the field while Moustakas recovers, and Moustakas can push Longoria to DH to give much needed rest for the veteran.
They could also head into the off-season with intentions of trading either highly touted third baseman. Longoria is signed on longer than Moustakas, and while the injury will hurt his value, they could still find a decent piece for Moustakas.
All in all, this keeps the Royals window for a championship open a few more years. They will have major financial decisions involving Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer and more in the next few years. Adding Longoria to the core, and at a reasonable price gives them incentive to push this thing as far as they can.
Next: 1. Miami Marlins