Royals Rumors: Interest shown in Ryon Healy of the Mariners

Jeff Passan reported Monday that the Kansas City Royals have shown interest in engaging in a trade with the Seattle Mariners for Ryon Healy. Healy is a first baseman who is likely to lose playing time when Robinson Cano returns from suspension.

With the rebuild seemingly in full swing, it was thought that the Kansas City Royals were going to solely be interested in selling. But, then they traded away a Single A pitcher for Brian Goodwin in a trade with the Washington Nationals. And now, they are reportedly interested in trading for Ryon Healy.

MLB Trade Rumors posted a report Monday afternoon. With a Mike Moustakas trade inching closer by the day, it’s becoming apparent that there is going to be a gap to fill at third base. Hunter Dozier is listed as the backup in the Kansas City Royals depth chart, meaning he would likely shift there. He got the start in Monday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers there.

The Situation

Salvador Perez took on the role of playing first in Monday’s game. If Dozier does have to shift over to third, there is less depth at first. That’s where Ryon Healy would fit in nicely.

Healy is slashing .244/.274/.466 in the 2018 season. He has power, with 20 homers on the season. Healy is also controllable through 2022, which is favorable for the Kansas City Royals. It bodes well for the rebulid.

For comparison purposes, Dozier is slashing .206/.263/.328, and Duda .246/.314/.411.

Plus, Lucas Duda is 32, and he becomes a free agent at the end of the season anyways. Healy is a bit younger, at 26 years old.

He was with Oakland in 2016 and 2017, where he put together two decent seasons at the plate. He is a good option to look into, as long as the price is not too high. It isn’t worth it to send away too many prospects, especially with an already depleted farm system. But, they hope is that if the Kansas City Royals choose to go through with this, they get a steal.