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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 veterans who are prime trade candidates

By Rucker Haringey

Sep 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 29: Kansas City Royals designated hitter Mike Moustakas (8) throws to first for an out during a MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals on April 29, 2018, at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO. Kansas City won, 5-4. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 29: Kansas City Royals designated hitter Mike Moustakas (8) throws to first for an out during a MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals on April 29, 2018, at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO. Kansas City won, 5-4. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

player. 7. . 3B. Kansas City Royals. Mike Moustakas. 2

Royals fans should savor their memories from the team’s 2015 World Series championship run. Kansas City may not be contending again for the foreseeable future.

That’s why holding on a talented impending free agent like Mike Moustakas would be so foolish. The Royals are playing bad baseball, but Moustakas certainly isn’t. He’s already mashed eight home runs on the season and is sporting a solid average of .302 to go along with his power.

The reality of Moustakas’ situation was that he never expected to be back in a Royals uniform this year. He hit free agency last summer and expected to land a massive contract. The market for him just wasn’t there. He ended up re-signing with the Royals on a very modest deal.

It’s safe to assume he’ll look for another big deal this summer. Teams are cautious in their valuation of Moustakas because of his typically low .OBP. He’s a bit of a feast or famine player. Moustakas either squares the ball up for solid contact or he heads back to the bench.

That weakness might cool his market a bit in the summer, but teams desperate to add power to their lineup will overlook it in the middle of the year. The time is right for the Royals to cut Moustakas loose in an effort to reload their farm system.

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