Kansas City Royals Trade Targets – Left Handed Relievers

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Outman – Cleveland Indians

It is difficult to think that a pitcher with a 3.28 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 24.2 innings of work would not be a vital part of a team’s bullpen. However, Josh Outman was outrighted by the Cleveland Indians a week ago. While Outman has been able to strike hitters out and has allowed only 22 hits, he has also walked 16 batters leading to a 1.541 WHiP. Suffice to say that he has been an adventure on the mound.

While those numbers are far from stellar, Outman could still be of interest to the Royals as a lefty specialist. This season, left handed batters are only hitting at a .180/.293/.380 rate against Outman. The three home runs that he has given up to lefties in 50 at bats are troublesome, but Outman would likely benefit from pitching in Kauffman Stadium.

Currently toiling in Columbus, Josh Outman likely could be had at minimal cost, perhaps being able to be had for a lower level prospect. Like Miller, Outman is still arbitration eligible, and would be more than a one year rental should the Royals have interest in retaining his services.