KC Royals Rumors About Ian Kennedy And Yovani Gallardo Not Credible

KC Royals rumors are again swirling about free-agent starting pitchers Ian Kennedy and Yovani Gallardo.

The initial reports came from CBS Sports insider Jon Heyman this morning:

Royals seem very focused on Kennedy. Good yanks connection there w/excellent pitching coach eiland. Others still in tho.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2016

Then MLB.com’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed Heyman’s report:

Source confirms: #Royals serious about signing free-agent RHP Ian Kennedy. Would forfeit No. 24 pick in draft. First reported: @jonheyman.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2016

#Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland helped develop Ian Kennedy in the Yankees’ system, and was his pitching coach with the Yankees in 2008-9.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2016

Rosenthal also tweeted that the KC Royals are also still talking to Yovani Gallardo:

Sources: #Royals talking to Gallardo as well as Kennedy. Either would cost KC 1st-rounder. #Padres would get comp pick after 1st round.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2016

I simply don’t buy it. Of course, I could be a bit biased since I recently expressed the opinion that Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore was unlikely to sign any pitcher that cost the team their first round pick. Obviously, I want to think that I was (and am) correct. Kings of Kauffman staff writer Aaron Todd suggested that the Royals should look at the big picture before pursuing a deal with Kennedy.

In my own defense, I will point out that Heyman was also the guy who reported that the KC Royals had “no chance” to re-sign Alex Gordon if things don’t change. Much like my analysis in The (Alex) Gordian Knot , I suspect Heyman and Rosenthal are getting their information from Kennedy’s and Gallardo’s agents (or someone connected to their agents).

Scott Boras (Ian Kennedy) and Bobby Witt (Yovani Gallardo) both do not want to see their clients get close to the February report dates without a contract, because their bargaining leverage will wane. They have every incentive to inflate any contact they have had with the KC Royals in order to spur interest from other teams.

More from Kings of Kauffman

As the defending champs, the Kansas City Royals do have some “role model” status among their peers. Further, with the KC Royals demonstrated success the last few seasons finding bargain bin pitchers, their interest validates Kennedy’s and Gallardo’s future prospects.

Right now, the Kansas City Royals first round pick is number 24. But that number can go up if teams between their no. 24 pick and below the top 10 (whose picks are protected) sign any of the remaining free agents with qualifying offers. I would not be surprised to see that no. 24 pick become no. 17 (or even higher) come June.

The other big reason I am skeptical about the KC Royals wanting to sign Ian Kennedy and Yovani Gallardo is that both are really mid-rotation innings eaters. The Royals have signed a whole lot of rotation depth this winter in Dillon Gee, Chien-Ming Wang (former two-time 19-game winner), and John Lannan. They also have lefty prospect Brian Flynn who is returning from injury. Further, top prospects Kyle Zimmer and Miguel Almonte both pitched in AAA last season and could emerge in the spring. Jason Vargas is also set to return in June from Tommy John surgery.

All of this depth is in addition to the purported rotation of Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez, Danny Duffy, Kris Medlen, and Chris Young.

Next: Royals Bargain Rotation Targets

With that many potential arms, why would Moore chase a mid-rotation solution with upside guys like Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum, and Mat Latos still on the market?

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