4 White Sox trade targets for KC Royals (not named Luis Robert Jr.)

A brand-new movie. The award-winning book on the shelf. That new town you're moving to. All of them could evoke passion, change your life, and offer untapped potential that escapes even your wildest dreams. That all applies similarly to the KC Royals ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline.

There is a lot of time between now and the July 30 deadline, and each could be that day. It could be the tweet we see announcing Luis Robert's arrival in the squad. It could be Kansas City propelling itself into a new team tier. It could be yet another moment where Royals fans must pinch themselves and ponder how special this squad is.

There is a significant distinction between those who could, should, or even will. Kansas City looks like a buyer ahead of the deadline, with some specific needs and minor trade capital to get it done. That is why they should cast their net far and wide, even within the AL Central.

The Chicago White Sox are the only clear sellers within the AL Central. Whether it be a lackluster roster, last-place record, or malleable direction, Chicago has every motivation to offload their valuable players for farm help. They have some top-tier players available, but Kansas City's more realistic targets may be a few rungs lower. Let's look at four different players and what they would bring to Kansas City.

John Brebbia

Isn't it astounding that there aren't 40 rounds in the MLB Draft anymore? Sure, 20 rounds still offer a large player pool, but that means pitcher John Brebbia may never have been drafted back in 2011.

The righty reliever is well-traveled, spending time with four MLB franchises and even rebounding from a 2014 stint in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Now 34 years old, Brebbia has honed in his slider/fastball combination, both of which exhibit above-average movement, according to Baseball Savant.

Brebbia is on a one-year deal with the White Sox, so any price tag he has is relatively low. He isn't a marquee addition to the bullpen but rather a supplemental option as Kansa gears up for the postseason push. He ranks at or above the 90th percentile in both chase percentage and strikeout rate, despite having a lower-velocity fastball and slider.

The White Sox are a defensive liability behind any pitcher, so Brebbia may enjoy joining Kansas City and their excellent defensive infield. His 3.46 FIP would rank fifth in the Royals bullpen, while his 11.77 K/9 and 0.4 fWAR would lead that same group. Brebbia is a player that Kansas City should consider, whether as a lone target or part of a larger deal.

Gavin Sheets

If the White Sox are truly open for business, then that means 2017 second-round pick and current outfielder Gavin Sheets could be on the move. At only 28 years old and in his final pre-arbitration year, Sheets is an intriguing target for any team seeking a bat-first corner outfielder.

Sheets is off to a blistering start for Chicago, batting .233/.340/.410 through 35 games, good for a 115 wRC+. It may be a mirage, considering Sheets' sub-par 2022 and 2023 seasons at the plate, but the White Sox are hoping teams forget that quickly. He is posting career-bests in walk and strikeout rate while providing solid power from the left side of the plate.

Do not get it twisted; Sheet's value lies in his bat and his bat alone. He is one of baseball's worst defensive outfielders, at least according to his -4 Outs Above Average and -6 Defensive Runs Saved in 2024. However, that isn't a problem for many MLB teams, and it may not be one for Kansas City. A lot can change between now and the trade deadline. If the Royals outfield scene shakes up in the right way, Sheets could make sense.

Unlike Robert or Pham, Sheets leaving Chicago does not feel most likely. The White Sox will need some reliable players to get them through until they begin the full-scale rebuild, and Sheets may be that player. He still has a lot of cheap team control, which increases his trade value as well.

Michael Kopech

Where there is smoke, there is fire. There is enough smoke around White Sox reliever Michael Kopech; I must believe he is the first domino in Chicago's fire sale.

Kopech has reliever stuff, but he hasn't had much of a closing chance thanks to a losing Chicago squad. He has hit his own rough patch, but any trade suitor will be buying his potential and not his production over the next two or three weeks.

Kopech's best MLB season came in 2021 as a reliever. Since then, Chicago has tried to shoehorn him into the starting rotation, with mixed results across 2022 and 2023. He belongs at the rear of the bulkhead, and that is exactly what the Royals need right now.

Kopech is affordable and manageable, and that is before we even talk about his bat-missing talent. He will make $3 million in 2024, and he will be eligible for arbitration again this winter before free agency in 2025. If any competitive club were to acquire Kopech for two pennant chases, they would have a power arm with a heater that frequently reaches triple digits, a slider that misses bats, and a cutter that has been effective thus far.

Kevin O'Brien, otherwise known as The Royals Reporter, took an excellent look at who Kopech is this season and what he brings to Kansas City's bullpen. I am likely more bullish on Kopech than O'Brien, but dang it, his stance is logical.

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