The Kansas City Royals are in urgent need of enhancing their outfield, particularly at the corner positions, as their current lineup is underperforming dramatically this season. The combination of players such as Hunter Renfroe, Jonathan India, MJ Melendez, Drew Waters, and Mark Canha has resulted in a disappointing -1.8 bWAR. This performance is concerning for the Royals, especially given their aspirations for improvement.
A potential solution may lie in promoting top prospect Jac Caglianone, who has recently transitioned to right field in Double-A. However, bolstering the team with experienced major league players could provide a safety net for Caglianone’s development and ensure that the Royals do not face setbacks in production.
The trade market appears to offer promising opportunities, particularly highlighted by Joel Reuter’s assertion that acquiring a “run producer” should be a priority. Reuter notes that outside of a few key players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino, the Royals are still short on dependable run production. Specifically, their right fielders have recorded a mere .176 batting average, contributing just one home run and six RBIs this year.
Among potential candidates, Reuter suggests Baltimore Orioles’ Cedric Mullins as an excellent trade prospect. Mullins, a 2021 All-Star, is off to a strong start this season with a 125 OPS+ and could bring significant value to the Royals. With the Orioles currently struggling at the bottom of the American League East, they may be open to trading Mullins if their trajectory does not improve.
This situation presents a fortuitous opportunity for the Royals. Adding Mullins would not only address immediate production issues but also infuse the outfield with a dynamic offensive player capable of contributing in any of the three outfield spots. His $8.7 million contract is justifiable considering the potential impact he could have on the Royals’ lineup.
The Royals must act swiftly and consider engaging with the Orioles regarding Mullins, as every setback for Baltimore could increase the likelihood of making this acquisition. By securing a player like Mullins, Kansas City could significantly enhance their competitive edge as the season progresses.
Overall, a proactive approach in addressing their outfield concerns could help set the foundation for a more successful season ahead.