MLB rumors: 3 potential trade suitors for Oakland A’s Cristian Pache

MLB rumors: Kansas City Royals could be a suitor for Christian Pache

Another former Atlanta Braves outfield prospect will not be on an Opening Day roster either, but not for the same reasons. While the Oakland Athletics are moving on from Christian Pache due to lack of performance, Kansas City Royals centerfielder Drew Waters will not be on the field on Thursday either. But Waters will be missing Opening Day because of injury.

Waters was the key piece of a trade with Atlanta Braves last season that saw KC give up a Competitive Balance draft pick. Waters was one of Atlanta’s top prospects last season, but an oblique injury will land him on the IL to begin the season. Those types of injuries are oftentimes difficult to predict and Waters could be out of the lineup until May at the earliest.

The Royals may be forced to roll with Kyle Isbel in center field until Waters returns or former Boston Red Sox standout Jackie Bradley Jr. The veteran outfielder signed minor league deal with KC earlier this spring and is likely to make the 26-man roster.

But Christian Pache could be a nice addition to a Kansas City, much like Cincinnati, who’s not expected to contend for the division crown in 2023. At worst, Pache could be a stopgap until Waters returns to the lineup.

There are likely to be other teams who will show interest in trading for Pache. There’s too much talent left for the outfielder to go unclaimed. But, if that does occur, Oakland could send him to Triple-A Las Vegas.