No one, not even essentially the most optimistic followers, noticed the Kansas Metropolis Royals being this good.
After an abysmal 56-106 document in 2023, the Royals have already matched that win complete earlier than the commerce deadline. At 56-46, they maintain the third American League Wild Card spot, and the division-leading Cleveland Guardians are solely 5 video games forward within the standings.
So many issues have gone proper in Kansas Metropolis; particularly, Bobby Witt Jr. changing into an MVP candidate. However the lineup will get skinny fairly rapidly after Witt and the Royals may have to search out one other bat to strengthen their playoff hopes.
Because the July 30 deadline quickly approaches, it appears to be like as if the market will probably be low on premier hitters. However in keeping with one insider, that should not cease the Royals from touchdown one of many massive fish.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield wrote a bit predicting the place the most important “commerce dominoes” would fall, together with slugger Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics. Schoenfield believes the Royals are the staff greatest suited to land Rooker in a possible blockbuster.
“He is the most effective bat on the market,” Schoenfield mentioned of Rooker. “The Royals have a variety of good vibes going and the AL Central race has tightened. Get Bobby Witt Jr. some assist.”
Rooker, 29, is a really fascinating commerce candidate. He solely acquired to the Athletics as a result of the Royals waived him on the finish of 2022, when he was a profession .200 hitter in 81 video games. However he is blossomed in Oakland, making an All-Star staff in 2023 and leveling up once more in 2024.
Usually, a hitter of Rooker’s caliber would command an amazing prospect package deal, particularly with three extra years of staff management. However he is principally restricted to designated hitter duties and the Athletics’ bleak future outlook virtually necessitates buying and selling him at his peak worth.
To the Royals, although, Rooker may very well be a life-saver. His .948 season OPS is tied with Rafael Devers for seventh in MLB. And the Royals have had virtually no offensive contributions from their DH or nook outfield positions, so Rooker may change their total outlook.
Competitors for Rooker will probably be stiff, however the Royals may have the urgency wanted to get a deal throughout the end line. They have till 6 p.m. on Tuesday to make it come to fruition.
Extra MLB: Why Athletics should commerce celebrity nearer at deadline, per insider
