KC Royals: 5 Potential Trade Targets for Yordano Ventura

Potential Trade Target #4: Ervin Santana

Look, I know the Twins are a division opponent so if Ventura ever lives up to his potential, the Royals would regret this trade. I also know that it could put Royals hitters in mortal danger several times in a season. But other than that this trade makes a ton of sense right now.

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First of all, Santana was very good the year he was in KC. Santana is a fly ball pitcher and his game plays well at the K. He is under a relatively cheap contract for a player of his caliber averaging $13.5M per year with a team option in 2019.

Because of his age, and his so/so start to the 2016 season with an ERA of 4.50, the Royals may not have to give up much beyond Ventural to land Santana. Santana has also been an innings eater over his career throwing more than 200 innings in 6 season which would sure help an already tired Royals bullpen.

Getting Santana is only really worthwhile if the KC Royals good defense causes him to revert to his 2013 performance. If he remains a mid-rotation pitcher like he’s been over the last two seasons, he’s not really that helpful.

ON the upside, the Kansas City Royals knows that he fits in the clubhouse, which is important for a team wanting to make hay in the post-season.

Likelihood Score (1-10): We give this one an 6.

Next: Potential Trade Target No. 5