Kansas City Royals: Looking at Potential Trade Partners
By David Hill
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Brewers
If the Kansas City Royals are going to be looking for pitching help beyond this season, the Brewers may be the team to speak with. Having already parted with Yovani Gallardo at the start of the season, the Brewers are also reportedly looking to trade both Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza. Interesting.
Looking at their performances this season, neither would appear to be much of an upgrade for the Royals rotation. Lohse has produced a 6.50 ERA along with a 1.380 WHiP. Garza has a better ERA, coming in at 5.52, but has a 1.532 WHiP. Neither would seemingly inspire confidence.
The thought is that getting either pitcher away from Milwaukee could resurrect their careers. There is something to be said for players who need a change of scenery to thrive, and both Garza and Lohse could well be in that category. It may not even take much to pry them from the Brewers to find out.
Lohse may be a more reasonable gamble, as he is only signed through this season and is earning $11 Million. Trading for him would not cripple the Royals payroll. Garza, however, is signed through 2017 for another $25 Million, with a vesting option for 2018 at $13 Million. That vesting option can be a team option at $5 Million if Garza pitches in 110 games in the first four years, is not on the disabled list at the end of 2017 and pitches at least 115 innings that year. Is Garza worth the gamble?
If the Kansas City Royals look to add a starting pitcher, Kyle Lohse may be a solid option. It may not even cost the Royals that much to find out if he truly needs a change of scenery.
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