KC Royals: What is Wade Davis Worth on the Trade Market?

With relievers in high demand, just what could the KC Royals get back in a trade for closer Wade Davis?

MLB.com ran a story Friday looking at five different hypothetical trades they suggested would benefit all teams involved. Trade No. 4 on their list was Wade Davis going to the Nationals for three of Washington’s top prospects: Reynaldo Lopez (Nationals No. 3), Andrew Stevenson (No. 8) and Austin Voth (No. 9).

Is that realistic? Would a team give up three of its top-10 ranked prospects – and in Washington’s case, a top 100 MLB prospect in Lopez – for one season of Davis , who is scheduled to make $10 million in 2017?

That sounds crazier than giving $30.5 million to a guy who went 1-7 with a 3.93 ERA in just 36.2 innings last year.

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Cecil’s four-year, $30.5 million deal with Cardinals resets the market

Brett Cecil’s deal with St. Louis is likely an indicator of what free-agent relievers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon will sign for later this offseason. All three should blow past the four-year, $50-million deal that the Phillies gave Jonathan Papelbon between the 2011 and 2012 season.

Davis isn’t a free agent yet, but those numbers show the value teams are placing on reliable bullpen pieces.

The Royals would be wise to cash in on Davis before he leaves via free agency. Would San Francisco part with RHP Tyler Beede (Giants No 2 prospect, MLB No. 98) and 1B Chris Shaw (Giants No. 4) after its bullpen imploded last year? Could the Dodgers be enticed to give up RHP Jose De Leon, MLB’s No. 32-ranked prospect, if they don’t land a free-agent closer?

Next: Cruz Released, Payroll Picture Becomes More Clear

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Davis and will always cherish what he did during the 2015 championship run. But I’m not sure his trade value will ever be higher AND I’m scared to death he’ll get hurt before the Royals can make a trade. Here’s hoping Kansas City makes a move sooner than later.