KC Royals Rumors: Evaluating The Pitching Trade Targets

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Jul 16, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Moore

Twenty-seven year old Matt Moore is another Tampa Bay Rays pitcher who has disappointed this season. Moore, however, should come cheaper than Chris Archer due to the fact that he’s suffered a ulnar collateral ligament injury and has undergone Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

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Thus, Moore carries more injury risk going forward.

However, Moore’s contract only includes three more years of team control after this season ($5 million), not five like Archer. Those options come in at $7 million in 2017, $9 million in 2018, and $10 million in 2019.

Moore has also been better than Archer this season, with a 6-7, 4.31 ERA season. However, he doesn’t miss as many bats as Archer with a 7.6 K/9, but he’s not walking as many batters (2.6 BB/9). The two pitchers are giving up a similar 1.5 HR/9.

Matt Moore is also a former All-Star, earning the nod in 2013 for his 17-4, 3.29 ERA season before tearing his UCL in 2014. Thus, Moore has top-of-the rotation upside like Archer, but carries more injury risk. His prospect price should be less expensive than Archer, but he’s still not going to come cheap.

Again, the Tampa Bay Rays don’t HAVE to sell. Which means they can afford to demand a high price for their starting pitching options. Tampa is in a sell-high position and they’re going to exploit it for all it’s worth. Still, recent reports indicate the KC Royals have been scouting the Tampa Bay starters pretty heavily.

Clearly, Dayton Moore is interested and probably has already had some discussions with Tampa’s front office. A deal could happen at any time, if the Kansas City Royals decide to pay the price.

Next: Tampa Bay Option No. 3

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