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

More than a week removed from the MLB trade deadline, it is safe to say the KC Royals had a solid showing. They added a pair of rental players as well as two impactful bullpen arms for 2024 and beyond. Kansas City managed these additions without sacrificing any players on the 26-man roster, opting instead to make room by demoting others.

It was improbable, but thinking Kansas City would leverage some of their MLB talent in trade packages wasn't uncommon. The team had specific roles to address, and giving up some of their depth in the infield or starting rotation was one way to ensure impactful acquisitions before August.

Ultimately, prospects and the 39th overall pick in this year's MLB Draft fueled Kansas City's deadline moves.

The KC Royals will have chances and trade assets to improve this offseason.

No matter how the remainder of 2024 goes, Kansas City will be active this coming winter. Their name was among the most common in the deadline's headline moves, like outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. or reliever Tanner Scott. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo is committed to improving this team, and he is just getting started.

Given that, there shouldn't be more than a few untouchable players in offseason trade talks. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is locked up long-term, while veterans like catcher Salvador Perez and starter Seth Lugo helped turn this team around quickly. However, there are plenty of players lower down the pecking order who may not be on this team come Opening Day 2025.

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 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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