Kansas City Royals Trade Targets – Left Handed Relievers

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Thatcher – Arizona Diamondbacks

Like the Cubs, the Diamondbacks are one of the few teams to already be in sell mode. One player that is likely to get attention would be Joe Thatcher, who has produced a 2.74 ERA and a 1.130 WHiP, striking out 25 hitters in 23 innings. The most impressive part of Thatcher’s season has been his control, as he has only walked three hitters, with one intentional walk.

Thatcher is another lefty who relies on control and movement more than velocity, featuring a mid 80’s cutter and a slider that averages 79.3 MPH. That combination has been devastating to lefties, as they have batted at a .241/.250/.407 rate against Thatcher this season. An extreme flyball pitcher, getting three flyballs for every groundball, Thatcher would likely thrive in Kauffman Stadium.

A free agent after the season, Thatcher would be a true rental for the Royals. He is also expected to attract plenty of interest from other clubs, and may be the subject of a bidding war. Even with that, Thatcher may be a piece to help solidify the Royals bullpen.