3 KC Royals who survived the trade deadline but will get dealt this offseason

OF MJ Melendez

2025 ZiPS projected stats: 136 G, .250/.327/.454, 23 HR, 25.1% K%, 10.3% BB%
2025 contract status: First year of arbitration

There are just some people who need a change of scenery or a fresh start to revitalize their MLB career. Kansas City has some history of being on the wrong end of this mindset, with players like catcher John Buck and recently slugger Ryan O'Hearn. But that should not stop Kansas City from shopping outfielder MJ Melendez this offseason, if it is what is best for the team and player.

Although his transition from behind the plate to the outfield was challenging to witness in 2023, he has since evolved into an average outfielder. While Melendez may not be a Gold Glove contender this year, his improvement in the outfield remains noteworthy and commendable. That fact has him starting 82 of his 91 games this season in left field, his career-most for any one position.

But Melendez is still struggling to find his footing at the plate. He started 2024 strong but overall hasn't been a positive at the plate. His 76 wRC+ is a career low, while his .195/.255/.397 line isn't winning over any Royals fans. Melendez has become productive in the last month though, but it may be too little and too late for the Florida native.

Royals fans knew Kansas City needed to improve the outfield this trade deadline, and they did not. That remains a priority, whether Melendez is on the roster or not. Despite his remaining team control and potential, the 2025 Royals should be looking for an immediate improvement in the outfield.

I believe Melendez will have a longer MLB career than many think, thanks to his work ethic and bat-to-ball skills. But Kansas City could package him with other players to bolster the team this winter.

RHP Brady Singer

2025 ZiPS projected stats: 7-9, 25 G, 137 IP, 8.21 K/9, 2.76 BB/9, 4.47 ERA, 4.07 FIP
2025 contract status: Second year of arbitration

This is going to be an unpopular addition to the list, especially after pitcher Brady Singer's bounceback 2024 season. But there is a scenario and other factors that make the righty an enticing trade target this coming offseason.

Singer has the least amount of team control remaining on this list, which is one of the major factors fueling this speculation. The 28-year-old could have been extended for a song this past offseason, but his price tag is only going up as 2024 goes along. With two more years of arbitration remaining, Singer has plenty of earning potential. Whether or not Kansas City locks him down is a big question, one without a clear answer.

If Picollo and the company are hesitant about signing Singer long-term, why not look at trading him now? His value is peaking, along with the general value of rotational pitchers. Singer would be a top-two option on some teams, but a top-three option in most of the league. Besides, the Royals may have pitchers ready to take his place.

The 2025 roles and expectations for Kyle Wright and Kris Bubic throw another wrench into this dynamic. Bubic, currently coming out of the bullpen, is not transitioning to a full-time reliever but rather helping the team while the rotation remains full. Wright, acquired this last offseason from the Atlanta Braves, is scheduled for a normal offseason. He will be pushing for a rotation spot come next spring, no matter who is or isn't in Kansas City.

Both of those players also ignore Michael Wacha's possible opt-in for 2025 or any other offseason acquisitions. The Royals starting pitching riches are the envy of MLB, so why not pull from the overflowing cup to fill a barren one?

Singer is performing so well that I do not want him to be dealt right now. But his value in doing so could help Kansas City be a more well-rounded squad and competitive for years to come. The possibility is valuable enough that Picollo cannot make Singer an untouchable player this winter.

RHP Carlos Hernández

2025 ZiPS projected stats: 4-5, 45 G, 74 IP, 8.39 K/9, 3.77 BB/9, 4.62 ERA, 4.35 FIP
2025 contract status: Second year of arbitration

It is imperative for the Royals to make roster adjustments by clearing some 40-man spots at the bottom of their roster. The Venezuelan once had promise in the rotation, then in the bullpen, but all that evaporated across a rocky end to 2023, and that continued into 2024. However, his raw velocity and remaining team control present challenges in considering Hernández as a release candidate from Kansas City's perspective.

Hernández has been one of the longest-tenured players in the Royals organization, signing as an international free agent in July 2016. Since then, he worked his way up through the minor league system and eventually made his MLB debut in 2020. His results since then have been shaky, at best.

Royals fans have not seen the righty since July 4 this season, following a three-walk, three-run appearance against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was a surprising output looking at his previous performances, but not a surprise considering his season as a whole. Thanks to career-worst marks in inducing swings and misses and the 1:1 walk-to-strikeout ratio, every appearance felt like a disaster waiting to happen.

Hernández has performed inconsistently with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers ever since that July 4 performance. His 3.33 walk-to-strikeout ratio is much more acceptable, but the runs keep coming. He has allowed a .259 batting average in his six games since returning to Omaha, but two consecutive shutout appearances provide some hope that the Strom Chasers reprieve has aided Hernández.

But that hope is not strong enough for the Royals to depend on. Hernández has had plenty of chances and still cannot solidify his position as an MLB reliever. He couldn't do so in some abysmal Royals bullpens, so where does he fit if Kansas City invests in the bullpen this offseason? My belief is he is the first reliever removed from the team this offseason.

Hernández is not a free agent until 2028, placing him under team control for his presumed best playing years. That control has value around the league, even if Hernández isn't a high-leverage pitcher. Finding a trade partner for Hernández shouldn't be terribly hard, as long as Kansas City is willing to take anything in exchange for that 40-man roster spot.

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