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.

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.