KC Royals: Four Possible August Trade Additions

The KC Royals have pulled back into the race by winning 13 of their last 16 games. Could general manager Dayton Moore help out his team with an August trade acquisition?

With one week to go before the September 1 deadline for players to eligible for the post-season, the Kansas City Royals will need to make a trade in the final week of August if they are to add players than can help in the playoffs.

Teams can still make deals past the non-waiver trade deadline. The key difference is that the players involved must clear waivers before they are dealt. Or, alternatively, a team can put a player on revocable waivers; and, if someone claims him, they can cut a deal with the claiming team. Note that teams in the same league get waiver priority, so it’s easier to make trades with teams in your own league.

Just what kind of help could the Kansas City Royals use? The short answer is the KC Royals would like to find a fifth starter, offensive help at second base, and perhaps a platoon bat for Paulo Orlando in right field.

Players The KC Royals Won’t Add

First, let’s talk about some players that might be available, but I don’t think the Kansas City Royals will get. Yes, James Shields has cleared waivers, but would the KC Royals want him? Shields has an awful 5.98 ERA this season, with an even worse 7.49 ERA since returning to the American League when the White Sox acquired him from the Padres in June.

Scott Kazmir cleared waivers, but the Los Angeles Dodgers just put him on the disabled list. He’s struggled this season anyway, putting up a 4.59 ERA in the National League. Ervin Santana would be a nice pickup, but he’s got two years remaining on his deal and I doubt Minnesota wants to help a division rival obtain more pitching.

On to my possible August trade targets:

Next: Trade Target No. 4