KC Royals Trades: 3 potential Scott Barlow deals

A National League contender could benefit from trading with the KC Royals.

With injuries riddling their bullpen, the Dodgers should be in the market for relievers. And they have talent to give—LA’s farm system is well-rounded and includes six of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects.

However, it’s hard to imagine the Royals acquiring any of those six without packaging Barlow, who the Dodgers drafted and signed in 2011, with another impressive player. But they could go for quantity over quality in a trade with the Dodgers:

Quality does exist here, even if it doesn’t include a Top 100 prospect. Righthander Knack, 24, was a second-round pick of the Dodgers in 2020 and is 2-5 with a 4.07 ERA and 12.6 SO9 in 10 Double-A starts this season.

Jackson is LA’s No. 11 Pipeline prospect. He appeared in three games for the Dodgers last season and gave up three runs in 11.2 innings (2.31 ERA). At 26, he should be close to being ready to face big league bats; although he’s struggling in Triple-A this season (0-6, 6.31 ERA in 13 starts), the talent is definitely there.

Outman was a seventh-round draft pick in 2017. He’s 25 and should be ready for major league action. MLB Pipeline says he’s “One of the best athletes in the system…” and “…provides plus defense at any of the three outfield spots.” He’s slashing .283/.384/.526 with 17 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A.