KC Royals: James Shields Trade Carried High Cost

May 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres batter

bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

OF WIL MYERS

Just 22-years old at the time of the trade, Wil Myers was the centerpiece of the deal from the Tampa Bay Rays point of view.

He quickly justified their faith in him. Wil Myers won the 2013 American League Rookie of the Year Award for his .293/.354/.478 debut season with 13 home runs and 53 RBI’s in 373 plate appearances.

But, Myers wallowed in 2014 after breaking his right wrist. Wil Myers slash line crashed to .222/.294/.320, and the Rays ended up dealing him to the Padres in a second mega-trade.

Myers felt like the Rays gave up on him.

While the Padres miscast Myers as a centerfielder, his bat speed has returned to slash .291/.340/.493. Myers once again looks like he will be a productive major-league hitter for many years to come at age 24.

Now, the Padres just need to find a place to play him in the field. Myers has played some games at first base for San Diego, but with Yonder Alonso‘s return, that adjustment looks short-lived.

No matter his recent struggles in the field, Wil Myers bat will play somewhere. Myers can flat out hit.

Given Kansas City Royals RF Alex Rios‘ recent problems coming back from HIS broken left hand, Wil Myers would look mighty good in the KC  lineup.

Just imagine having Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Wil Myers, Lorenzo Cain, and Salvador Perez as your offensive core for the next few seasons. Now that would be a young lineup.

Feeling a touch of regret yet? It’ll get worse.

Next: Jake Ordrizzi Is Becoming A Top Of The Rotation Starter