Royals Rumors Roundup: Mike Minor to bolster Astros bullpen

The Kansas City Royals have plenty of highly sought-after free agents. One of those players, Mike Minor, could be a key add for the world champion Astros.

Based on most assessments, the Kansas City Royals have three of the top 10 free agents on the market. The team also has one of the more underrated targets, too. Mike Minor looks set for a solid payday after resurrecting his career in the bullpen this season.

A starter his entire career, Minor missed 2015 and 2016 recovering from shoulder surgery. He made a virtually seamless transition to the bullpen in 2017. His performance has likely caught the attention of clubs across baseball. One of those clubs seems to be the Astros. According to MLB.com’s Houston beat writer Brian McTaggart, the biggest need for the Astros this winter is the bullpen — particularly a left-hander.

McTaggart mentions Minor, as well as Boone Logan and Tony Watson, as a possible target. Minor makes perfect sense for a Houston team with almost everything. His biggest asset would seem to be his versatility. He could start out as more of a left-handed specialist. However, given his success as a setup man and closer for the Kansas City Royals, Minor has shown he can pitch effectively at the end of games.

Morrison wants to return home

If Eric Hosmer leaves, the Kansas City Royals should already have his replacement lined up. Ideally, the team should have a contingency plan in place at this moment. In the off-chance they didn’t, Thursday should have cleared up any doubt about a Plan B: Go sign Logan Morrison.

In an article by MLB.com columnist Jon Morosi, the Kansas City native reportedly told MLB Network he would welcome a chance to play first base for the Royals. It’s not so wild to think Morrison would be an adequate substitute for Hosmer. In fact, Morrison could provide more bang for his buck if he replicates his 2017 numbers. The left-handed hitter socked 38 home runs and drove in 85 runs. He trumps Hosmer in power but not average. The 30-year-old hit to a line of .246/.353/.516 for the Rays.

Morrison will seek a substantial pay raise this offseason. He signed a one-year deal worth just $2.5 million prior to the 2017 season. A contract for the next two or three years would benefit Morrison and the Kansas City Royals quite nicely. With no minor league players ready to take over at first base, finding a relatively cheap free agent fill-in would make sense. Should the team go that route, Morrison should be atop the list.

Good fits for Hosmer include … Detroit?

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There have been several major-market teams rumored to be interested in Hosmer. Boston seems to be the most likely of those places to chase him. There is even the possibility of Hosmer signing with a midsize market like Colorado. A different midsize market makes more sense, though, according to Jonathan Bernhardt of FanRag Sports.

Bernhardt wrote about the three best fits for Hosmer. No one should be surprised the Kansas City Royals and Red Sox made the abbreviated list. The third team — the Detroit Tigers — is a big surprise. The way Bernhardt sees it, the Tigers could see Hosmer as a piece to shorten the rebuilding process. After letting its roster get too old, Detroit looks set for a rough stretch. Bernhardt says Hosmer — right or wrong — would be a player the organization believes could help shorten that rough patch.

Next: Best pitching seasons in Royals history

What do you think? Would Minor be a good fit in Houston? What about Morrison as a replacement for Hosmer if he signs elsewhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.