3 surprising trade targets who could transform KC Royals 2024 roster

It is a good time to be a Kansas City sports fan. Things are going well between the Kansas City Chiefs' 2023 successes and the KC Royals extending shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to historic money. The Chiefs' Super Bowl trip quickly made many area fans forget the pain from the Royals' 2023 performance. The subsequent offseason, with several free-agent moves and the AL Central only getting weaker, has Royals fans cautiously optimistic about 2024.

Spring training is kicking off in just a few days, and there are plenty of positional battles to watch for. Whether it be the battle for the final bench spot or nailing down the bullpen hierarchy, die-hard Royals fans will be locked in to action down in Arizona. The non-roster invitees also feature some intriguing prospects, including top-30 prospects in catcher Carter Jensen and pitcher Mason Barnett.

How can the KC Royals add more talent to their 2024 roster?

Players jockeying for a spot on the 26-man roster should not make Kansas City ignore a crowded free agent and trade market. Baseball's free-agent process is commonly a slow burn, but several top-tier talents remain unsigned less than two months ahead of Opening Day. While richer teams will look to players like pitcher Blake Snell and designated hitter J.D. Martinez for help this year, the Royals payroll isn't set to dramtically increase. How this team can add more talent this month is on the trade market.

The Royals addressed some lower-level roster needs with cheaper free-agent moves while investing heavily into their starting rotation. There is no need for Kansas City to add more players to the fold, unless they know a player will be an immediate boost. Any such trade will move notable players off hte Royals roster, but the return will only add more talent and more optimism to Kansas City's 2024 roster.

If the Royals feel the need to make a big move, here are three players they should consider trading for and how each trade would impact the team.

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.