KC Royals Acquire OF Daniel Nava From Angels

The KC Royals acquired switch-hitting outfielder Daniel Nava from the Los Angeles Angels Monday night in exchange for a player to be named later.

Major League Trade rumors reported the trade Monday night. The Kansas City Royals assigned him to AAA Omaha immediately after the deal.

Thirty-three year old Daniel Nava struggled this season for the Los Angeles Angels, slashing a mere .235/.309/.303 in 119 at bats this season. The Angels sent him down to AAA, where he has rebounded somewhat to hit .333/.390/.427 in 105 plate appearances.

Nava helped the 2013 Boston Red Sox win the World Series. He slashed .303/.385/.445 with 29 doubles, 12 home runs, and 66 RBIs while playing both corner outfield positions and at first base.

He hasn’t really been the same since, moving on from Boston to Tampa Bay in 2015 and signing with the Angels in 2016.

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I’m surprised that the KC Royals made this deal. However, I’m guessing the front office sees Nava as a useful bench bat that can help in the final month of the season. I expect we’ll see him in Kansas City as soon as rosters expand to 40 in September.

Nava also provides insurance that Paulo Orlando doesn’t turn into a pumpkin and against injury.

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The Nava trade is hardly an exciting deal, but he might help win a game or two down the stretch. He also has post-season experience, which suggests he won’t wilt under pressure from a playoff chase.