KC Royals: Top Trade Targets To Replace Alex Gordon

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Apr 6, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost (3) receives his American League championship ring from general manager Dayton Moore before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

There you have it, KC Royals fans: my top six trade possibilities to plug the Royals outfield gap while Alex Gordon heals.

The Kansas City Royals could, of course, weather the storm with internal options like Jarrod Dyson and AAA outfielders such as Whit Merrifield, Jose Martinez (.375 BA, 1.015 OPS in the Pacific Coast League) and Brett Eibner (.292 BA, .840 OPS in the PCL).

Or, Dayton Moore could strengthen his starting rotation, and infield depth, rather than the outfield. There are also other outfield possibilities he could consider. For example Jeff Francoeur is in Philadelphia and we all know how much Dayton Moore loves Jeff Francoeur.

I didn’t have the heart to torment Royals fans by suggesting Frenchy return to Kansas City, which is why I failed to include Francoeur on this list. Francoeur, however, plays for a down-and-out team, is familiar with the city, fits in the clubhouse, and should cost almost nothing.

Of the possibilities mentioned above, I see Gerardo Parra and Marlon Byrd as the most likely fits. Dayton Moore has built the KC Royals system for the long-haul. He hopes to remain in contention for many years to come. I don’t see him embracing the boom/bust/selloff model made famous by the Miami Marlins. He wants to win 15 division titles in a row, like his mentor John Schuerholz did with the Atlanta Braves.

Thus, I doubt Moore is willing to pay the price in prospects that a Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, or a Justin Upton will cost.

Stay tuned, Kansas City Royals fans. July just got very interesting.

Next: Luck Saved the Zack Greinke Trade

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