KC Royals Trades: 4 high-value potential deals

The KC Royals could swap outfielder Michael A. Taylor for a starting pitcher.

Taylor’s value per Baseball Trade Values: 4.20

Michael A Taylor has been phenomenal in 2022—per Fangraphs, his walk rate is up to 13.2% from just 6.3% in 2021, his strikeouts have dropped from 27.3% last year to 19.4%, and his 120 wRC+ would be the best of his career over a full season. He still plays an outstanding center field.

With such a modest contract commitment to go with those excellent numbers, many teams will come calling for Taylor this summer, with these three perhaps needing him more than others:

• Milwaukee: 28th in CF fWAR
• Boston: 25th in CF fWAR
• Atlanta: 23rd in CF fWAR

Royals trade Taylor (4.20) for Small (4.50)

Small could be the fourth pitcher acquired by Kansas City in this version of perfect trade deadline results. Trading Taylor to Milwaukee for Small capitalizes on Taylor’s value, opens the door for Kyle Isbel in center, and adds another young, promising arm.

Small, 25, was the Brewers’ first-round draft selection in 2019. His fastball-changeup combination is deadly; he also throws a curveball and slider.

Over nine Triple-A starts this year, he’s 3-2, 2.41 with an 11.0 SO9 and could be an immediate option for the Royals’ major league bullpen with enough potential to develop into a solid mid-rotation starter.