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2016 MLB Trade Deadline: 5 biggest losers

By John Buhler

Apr 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) prepares for an at bat against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Wade Davis (17) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals beat the Indians 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Wade Davis (17) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals beat the Indians 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 7. . American League. Central. Kansas City Royals. 2

The 2016 Kansas City Royals have been far and away the most massively disappointing team this season. How does the defending World Champion and two-time reigning American League Champion find itself with a sub-.500 record and in fourth place in its own division?

While there is belief that the Royals can get hot down the stretch and pull off a miraculous comeback to make the American League postseason, Kansas City had an opportunity to move arguably the best setup man in baseball in Wade Davis this trade deadline, but elected to hold on to him.

To be fair, Kansas City may just be having a down year and could reemerge as a contender next spring, but the Royals front office had the opportunity to pounce on an unsuspecting team still in the playoff mix and get so much in return for an eighth inning guy, albeit an elite one, in Davis.

It has been depth in bullpens that has dictated who is a contender and who is not in the last few postseasons. Davis may still be magnificent for Kansas City, but the Royals have to be expecting diminishing returns from him at some point, right?

They could have sold Davis to a contending team for a handful of prospects by stating that Davis can anchor their bullpen in both 2016 and 2017. Davis’ value has never been higher, and middling Kansas City seems to have missed the boat on trading their star relief pitcher in an effort to reload for 2017.

Next: 1. Miami Marlins

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