KC Royals: 6 Trade Targets After Losing Moustakas, Gordon

May 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yunel Escobar (6) throws to first base for an out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

3) Los Angeles Angers 3B Yunel Escobar

I fully expect the KC Royals to give Cheslor Cuthbert the first crack at replacing Mike Moustakas. Behind Cuthbert, 24-year-old Hunter Dozier crushed AA and is now thriving at AAA Omaha with a .297/.324/.521 triple slash after two mostly lost seasons stuck at AA.

However, if neither prove up to the job, and utility infielder Whit Merrifield also fails, the Kansas City Royals could seek help on the trade market.

Really the only appealing candidate that figures to be available in the near future is the Angels Yunel Escobar.

Los Angeles is 21-26, and if they continue to wallow as the trade deadline approaches. 33-year-old Escobar could be an attractive trade chip. Escobar, who has played shortstop most of his career, is currently slashing a fine .314/.371/.427 with 12 doubles and 3 home runs after hitting .314/.375/.415 for the Nationals last season.

Escobar is signed for this season at a very palatable $7 million, in addition to a $7 million team option in 2017.

The added bonus is that Escobar is someone very familiar to Dayton Moore since Escobar was drafted and developed by the Braves while Moore was Atlanta’s player personnel director.

Next: A Young Ace To Headline Rotation

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