Kansas City Royals Trade Targets – Left Handed Relievers

Last season, the Kansas City Royals bullpen put together a 2.55 ERA, the lowest on an American League team since the Oakland A’s back in 1990. The success of the bullpen was a major part in the Royals posting their best season since 1989.

This season, however, the bullpen has not been nearly as effective. While Greg Holland has still been one of the best closers in baseball and Wade Davis has been nothing short of spectacular, the only other reliable reliever thus far has been Kelvin Herrera. Francisley Bueno has pitched well, but has dealt with injury problems and his 3.9 K/9 does not exactly inspire confidence that he will be able to continue to pitch at this level.

However, Bueno is the only lefty that the Royals have that has pitched even decently. Tim Collins is in AAA after posting a 4.15 ERA and a 1.558 WHiP. Neither Justin Marks nor Donnie Joseph impressed during their one game with the Royals, and both were sent packing for monetary considerations. Bruce Chen is more of a long reliever, and has not been effective this year either.

Given that possible deficiency in the bullpen, the Royals could look to add another left handed reliever before the trade deadline. Here are a few possible trade candidates that the Royals could take a look at.