KC Royals: Making the case, Chicago Cubs free agents

One of the free agents from the Chicago Cubs is a former KC Royal who had a brief stint with the team.

His time in Kansas City might not sting as bad if the Royals had been able to flip Billy Hamilton for a prospect.  Instead, his $4.25 million salary provided the franchise with an OPS+ of 46 and being placed on waivers.

It looked like the speedy but on-base shy outfielder saved his reputation when Atlanta picked him up to finish 2019, however, he was atrocious with the New York Mets in 2020 before the Cubs gave him 11 plate appearances to close the year.  Let’s not revisit this nightmare.

Cameron Maybin was in his third go-round with the Detroit Tigers at the beginning of this year before being traded to the Cubs.  He had a fantastic year with the New York Yankees in 2019, his first solid campaign since 2016.

Maybin never quite got on track this summer and while he could be a decent backup player the Royals really need a veteran who is ready for a full-time role.  He should still draw interest from other teams.

The former Tampa Bay Rays slugger, Steven Souza Jr., will hit the market after a .148/.258/.333 slash in Chicago.  A big fall from the guy who clubbed 30 bombs in 2017.  Like Maybin, there is not a good fit for him in the Kansas City clubhouse.

Possible back up for Perez

After a decent year with the Oakland A’s in ’19, Josh Phegley signed on with the Cubs but did not produce as hoped in just 16 at-bats.  He has pop in his bat and does some great things defensively having thrown out 33% of attempted base stealers.

Phegley also led the American League with 15 passed balls last season with the A’s so you take the bad with the good.  It could be a nice under the radar signing giving Salvador Perez some days off without a drop in veteran presence behind the plate – and not exposing Phegley with too many opportunities to let balls roll to the backstop.