KC Royals Trades: 4 Andrew Benintendi deals to ponder

San Diego has a history of trading with the KC Royals and might deal again.

There’s been no deal shortage between the Padres and Royals. And it seems their relationship may be ripe for another transaction, this time involving Andrew Benintendi.

The East Village Times reported last month that San Diego was exploring a trade for Benintendi. The Padres, currently in second place in the rugged National League West, could use him as they try to chase down the Dodgers. Acquiring Benintendi could help them close the gap.

And the return for Kansas City? San Diego’s farm system isn’t as heralded as it once was, but still stocks talent the Royals might like.

Consider this potential deal:

This trade brings the Royals a haul of pitching talent including former Cy Young winner Snell. Although Snell is 0-5 this season with a 5.13 ERA, he has an 11.2 SO9; the results are mixed, but his 3.71 FIP suggests a turnaround might be on the horizon.

The other two pitchers in this deal are former top prospects. Morejón, currently on the Injured List, is 3-2 in his big league career with a 5.65 ERA in 36.2 innings. Injuries have limited his contributions to the Padres but he has a career 9.3 SO9 and 2.5 BB9.

Weathers, just 22, hasn’t had promising results despite ranking as MLB Pipeline’s No. 5 San Diego prospect in 2020. He’s thrown 98.1 major league innings and is 4-7, 5.49.