KC Royals Rumors: Rangers Want Edinson Volquez

KC Royals starter Edinson Volquez has drawn interest from the Texas Rangers, as the Royals continue to struggle with the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaching.

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning New reported the Rangers interest in their former pitcher, who last played for the Rangers in 2007 as a 24-year-old who had yet to establish himself in the league.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told Grant:

"“I think that’s the only thing that’s really changed is that I was hoping we wouldn’t have to consider rentals,” Daniels said Sunday, alluding to pitchers who can be free agents at the end of this season. “I think if we had a healthy rotation, we’d only be looking at guys who are controllable past this season. [Rentals] would not be our preference, but we’ve got to be open.”"

Volquez, how is now 33 years old, was traded to the Red before the 2008 season in exchange for Josh Hamilton. Volquez earned his only All-Star bid in 2008 for a year in which he finished 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA and ate 196.0 innings.

More from Kings of Kauffman

Volquez pitched against the Rangers on Sunday, holding Texas to one earned run in six innings in a no decision. He’s been quite good his last five starts, compiling 2.87 ERA in 31.1 innings pitched. Overall, Volquez’s numbers aren’t very impressive in 2016 with 4.56 ERA and 8-8 record, but his stat line has been inflated by one historic bad outing in which he gave up 12 earned runs in 1.0 innings pitched.

Throw out that one terrible game, and Volquez’s ERA goes down to a much more palatable 3.79—which puts him in solid mid-rotation category. Volquez’s 4.11 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) also suggests he’s been better than his current results.

Of course, Volquez will only become available if KC Royals general manager Dayton Moore decides to sell at the deadline. Moore would likely want near-MLB ready assets to help load up for another playoff run in 2017. However, I’m not sure that the Rangers have any near-MLB ready assets that they would be willing to deal for Volqeuz.

Next: Royals Look To End Homestand On Positive Note

One possibility would be RHP Luke Jackson, who is the Rangers no. 16 rated prospect according to MLB.com. Jackson is pitching for Round Rock in the Pacific Coast League and has moved to the bullpen while posting a 2.45 ERA in 16 games. Jackson would be a good fit for the KC Royals, whose bullpen depth has failed them in 2016.

Stay tuned Kansas City Royals fans, Dayton Moore will soon decided whether to buy or sell.

Home/KC Royals Rumors