Kansas City Royals: Is Mike Moustakas the next to go?

The Kansas City Royals kick started the beginning of their rebuild by trading away Kelvin Herrara to the Washington Nationals.  That move was only the beginning. According to an MLB Trade Rumors article, the focus has shifted to Mike Moustakas.

In his twelfth year as a part of the Kansas City Royals organization, it looks like Mike Moustakas may be leaving. He was the second overall pick in the 2007 draft, and he has been with the Royals since. The MLB Trade Rumors article claimed that now that Kelvin Herrara is gone, the focus has shifted to “finding a taker” for Moustakas.

With a rebuild already in the works, it makes sense to get rid of some older guys to make room for younger talent.

His Statistics

Moustakas has hit 14 home runs on the year, and he has knocked in 48 RBI’s. His career batting average sits at .252, but so far this season, he is hitting .263.

He has sort of stalled offensively this month. He did hit a home run last night, but he hasn’t been as productive at the plate as he would have to be in order to get as good of a trade return as the Kansas City Royals are hoping for.

Potential Trade Partners?

There may not be many suitors for the 30-year old. His trade value has gone down, and he’s only getting older. He has the potential to play first or third for a multitude of teams, but the Royals obviously are going to want some good young talent for a player like Moustakas.

He’s been slipping offensively, which is causing teams to be less interested. He is good defensively. Perhaps the best plan of action for the Royals, if they are serious about trading him away, is trying to boost his value by starting him at first some more.

Most teams, with the exception of maybe the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies, have a good third baseman. Both the Phillies and the Cleveland Indians are interested in Adrian Beltre, so Moustakas could fit those squads. The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to fill a void at first base, which could potentially be filled by Moustakas. That is, if he is willing to make the position switch.

As the trade deadline grows closer, more will develop. We’ll get a better idea of where Moustakas could end up.

Next: Royals Draft Flashback, Part 7 (1998-2002

The Kansas City Royals are going out with the old and bringing in the new. Though it may mean parting ways with Mike Moustakas, it is a necessary move for the rebuild.