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

The major league trade deadline is a little over a month away — July 30 to be precise. Although they've been struggling, the KC Royals are still likely to be buyers, at least for the time being. General manager J.J. Picollo said as much recently on MLB Network Radio:

But I will say that I feel an obligation personally to the guys that committed to this team and chose Kansas City, and to the Salvador Perezes and the Bobby Witts who have chosen be here long term to add to this club. So, we will be aggressive, and we’ll look at anything and everything.

Two pressing needs for the Royals remain bullpen help, particularly on the back end, and an outfielder with a strong offensive profile. With so few dedicated sellers this year, the options to fill those holes will be limited. Picollo's aggression will have to pay off.

The KC Royals' outfielders aren't good at the plate

As of this writing, the Kansas City outfielders' 72 wRC+ ranks 28th in the majors. From left to right, MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe have been getting the most reps, and not one has been an above-average player offensively this year. A change must be made in the outfield, and the trade deadline period presents an easy opportunity to improve the weakest part of the lineup.

So, where might Kansas City find some outfielders? The Chicago White Sox, previously identified by Kings of Kauffman's Jacob Milham as a possible source of outfielders for the Royals, and the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies are locks to be sellers this summer. The Toronto Blue Jays are nearing a point of desperation as well.

With the outfield in desperate need of an upgrade and a potential glut of serviceable outfielders available at the deadline, Picollo could make some shrewd moves to beef up his roster for a playoff push.

Let's look at some possibilities...

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.

More about the KC Royals from Kings of Kauffman