3 surprising trade targets who could transform KC Royals 2024 roster

OF Jarren Duran

Reason for this trade: Relegate Kyle Isbel to ideal fourth outfielder role

When it comes to position groups, the Royals outfield arguably has the lowest ceiling. Kyle Isbel has been the most valuable player in the outfield over the past two seasons, while fans love to disparage the glove-first center fielder. MJ Melendez is a defensive liability no matter where he plays, but he has the offensive potential to keep him in the lineup. Keep going down the line. Hunter Renfroe, Drew Waters, and Tyler Gentry are all not well-rounded outfielders. If Kansas City wants to shock the MLB world, they will enter the trade race for Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

The 27-year-old, who just finished a breakout season, will be under team control for five more seasons before becoming a free agent. He looked like a well-rounded center fielder in 2023 for the Red Sox, a team middling between being a buyer and a seller in the crowded AL East.

Duran had a.295 batting average with 44 extra-base hits, including eight home runs, 40 RBI, and a .828 OPS (121 OPS+) in 102 games before undergoing season-ending toe surgery in late August. He showcased his speed with 24 stolen bases and had the best defensive year of his young career for the Red Sox.

This would not be a cheap trade for the Royals, for numerous reasons. But if Boston is making him available to teams like the San Diego Padres, Kansas City should at least inquire about the asking price. There is a logjam of outfielders on the Royals 40-man roster, but offloading one and additional players for Duran would at least give Kansas City an upgrade in center field for the foreseeable future.

RHP Edward Cabrera

Reason for this trade: Make rotation the best in AL Central

The Royals made the most improvements to their rotation in comparison to their AL Central competition. Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha are two proven veterans, but they are not guaranteed solutions beyond 2025. Kansas City is betting on prospects like Frank Mozzicato and Ben Kudrna being ready for MLB starts by that time, but what if they aren't? If the Royals want some more future certainty, they could do worse than trade for Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera.

Cabrera feels like the most moveable starter in the Marlins rotation, in return for some infield help. While Maikel Garcia's or Nick Loftin's role in a possible trade remains to be seen, Cabrera would be an immediate boost to Kansas City's rotation.

Cabrera still managed to end the season with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP over 99.2 innings. Those are less-than-stellar marks, but his 10.66 K/9 as a starter last year remains impressive and shows his potential. Additionally, Cabrera's fastball consistently reaches the upper 90s, and he has a devastating changeup that can generate swings and misses. With some adjustments and development, Cabrera could become a valuable starter and provide stability to any rotation for years to come.

In terms of his potential, Cabrera is seen as being one small step away from being a truly great pitcher. His pitch usage is unique among MLB starting pitchers, and he has the foundation to be a dominant pitcher if he can put all the pieces together. However, his control issues need to be addressed for him to reach his full potential. If Kansas City wants to invest in a starting pitcher who isn't a free agent until 2029, Cabrera is their guy.

RHP David Bednar

Reason for this trade: Answer the closer questions for 2024 and beyond.

The Royals spent plenty of their resources this offseason bolstering the bullpen. Will Smith's return, coupled with Nick Anderson and Chris Stratton, should be a big upgrade for Kansas City. The team looks to have a closer-by-committee approach in 2024, with Smith, James McArthur, and John McMillon all factoring into the equation. But, on paper, this team lacks a proper closer, one that can go out in high-leverage situations and deliver nine times out of ten. If Kansas City wants to make a big splash, Pittsburgh Pirates reliever David Bednar would give them a top-five closer in baseball.

Bednar, an All-Star in 2022 and 2023, led the MLB with 39 saves last season in Pittsburgh. He revitalized his career after moving from the San Diego Padres to the Pirates after the 2020 season and hasn't looked back. He played in 66 games and pitched for a total of 67.1 innings. During that time, he gave up 53 hits, 22 runs (15 of which were earned), and three home runs. He also maintained a low number of walks, with an average of 2.81 walks per nine innings, while striking out 80 batters.

He has been the guy for a losing Pirates franchise, a la Scot Barlow during his Kansas City peak. The Pirates are paying Bednar well in 2024, but his status with the team remains questionable beyond that. They added former Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman to the bullpen alongside Bednar, a running mate Chapman is excited to work with.

Pittsburgh doesn't have to move Bednar by any stretch and may opt to move him at the trade deadline. The Royals, or any team interested in acquiring Bednar, would have to offer a very enticing trade package that Pittsburgh would find difficult to refuse. The Pirates are the betting favorite to finish last in the NL Central this year, but the organization may want to see how the season starts before moving Bednar.

Kansas City should at least inquire about Bednar's status. Although they would have to give up valuable assets in a trade, acquiring Bednar would greatly enhance their bullpen and significantly improve their chances of success in 2024.