Kansas City Royals: Three Bold Offseason Predictions

2. Brandon Moss Traded Away

With Hosmer back, Brandon Moss becomes even more expendable than he already is. The team is going to need to come up with some cash after inking Hosmer to that brand-new deal. It would also make more sense to let someone like Jorge Soler or Hunter Dozier get some reps at designated hitter during this semi-rebuilding year.

The Kansas City Royals signed Moss last offseason to add power to the lineup. With a .428 slugging percentage on the year, it is clear that he didn’t live up to those expectations. Whichever young player replaces him should at least replicate his 2017 numbers. If they don’t, it ultimately doesn’t matter. Because the Royals aren’t going anywhere in 2018.

In order to get a potential suitor to take on the majority of Moss’ $7.25 million contract, Kansas City will likely have to throw in a worthwhile prospect. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn and catcher Chase Vallot are blocked at the major league level and have higher-upside players behind them in Nick Pratto, Samir Duenez and MJ Melendez. Adding one of the two should land a reasonable deal.

With Moss off the team, the Kansas City Royals have more breathing room with the 2018 payroll. They also can use the DH spot to rotate players around and give more of the young guns a chance to play. This scenario improves the long-term and short-term outlook of the team. Paying an aging veteran too much while the future sits on the bench doesn’t help anybody. Moore knows this and will rectify the problem this offseason.