3 outfield trade candidates to help the KC Royals make a playoff push

Miguel Andujar, Oakland

The Oakland Athletics seem to be a team always looking to offload somewhat expensive veterans, at least for their pocketbook. While Andujar isn't yet 30, he is getting a bit pricey for the A's financial comfort level. He's also only under team control for another season and a half, so he probably doesn't fit into the team's long-term plans.

Andujar is slashing .328/.352/.431 with two home runs and 14 RBI in just 29 games this year. He had a torn meniscus he was recovering from to start the season, so his first game was delayed by nearly two months. However, he's more than making up for lost time. Andujar has played only left field so far, but he's seen time in right field before and has some experience at first and third bases during his eight-season big league career.

Andujar's defense has been bad throughout his career, but the Royals wouldn't be trading for his glove. He boasts a 128 wRC+ this season; that figure would place him second, behind only Bobby Witt Jr., among Royals who are playing regularly.

Andujar won't come cheap, as he's still arbitration-eligible for one more year, and he's been stout offensively in 2024. But he'd be cheaper than other options on the market, like Luis Robert Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Brent Rooker, another Oakland outfielder the Royals might consider.

Taylor Ward, Angels

The Los Angeles Angels are going to be sellers this year; that much is certain. They have two relievers who might be nice additions to the Royals' bullpen, but one outfielder, Taylor Ward, could provide a boost to the offense.

Ward, 30, is a late bloomer. Drafted in 2015 out of Fresno State, he didn't play full-time in the majors until 2022. This season, he's slashing .242/.326/.442 with a team-leading 14 home runs and 41 RBI. Ward walks frequently — his 11.1 BB% ranks in the 83rd percentile, and his hard contact, average exit velocity, and chase rates are all near the top of the majors. Suffice it to say, Ward is one of the best all-around hitters in baseball.

Defensively, he profiles best as a corner outfielder; he's not much of a burner, so he likely won't be chasing down balls in center. Ward is probably an average defender at best this season, and that's been the case for his entire career up to this point.

Ward won a $4.8 million 2024 salary in arbitration and still has two more years of arbitration eligibility. If he continues to perform at his current level, his cost could increase. Given his team control and offensive output this year, he is a strong candidate for a trade, although acquiring him could be costly for the Royals in terms of prospects. Nevertheless, it would be wise for Picollo to reach out to the Angels.

Bryan De La Cruz, Miami

Bryan De La Cruz is fresh in fans' minds after he just visited Kauffman Stadium with the Marlins. Although the Royals held him to one hit in the three-game series, De La Cruz is a corner outfielder who bats left-handed in the heart of Miami's order. He'd likely do the same in Kansas City.

De La Cruz is slashing .245/.294/.428 on the season with 14 home runs and 39 RBI. He's prone to strikeouts but his power output balances out his tendency to swing and miss.

Despite a strong arm, De La Cruz is a negative defender. He's been worth -4 OAA in left field and -1 OAA in right field this season, perhaps explaining why the bulk of his appearances have come as a designated hitter. His lack of defensive value would make his inclusion on Kansas City's roster a bit of an issue—manager Matt Quatraro would have to balance offense with defense between De La Cruz, Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez.

De La Cruz is in his final pre-arbitration year, giving whoever he plays three more years of team control after this season. He presents an intriguing offensive profile for the Royals, but his lack of defensive viability makes him less appealing as a trade candidate.

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