KC Royals: 2 players who will be traded this season

Pitcher Aroldis Chapman

Let's get the obvious one out of the way. Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported that the Royals are getting early trade interest in  reliever Aroldis Chapman on May 10. It is easy to understand why because the seven-time All-Star is dealing to start 2023.

Chapman has 14 appearances out of the Royals bullpen with good results. He has allowed only four earned runs in 14 games, posting a 1.1 WHIP. His 38.5% strikeout rate checks in eighth among qualified relievers this season. Opposing batters continue to swing and miss on Chapman's offerings, evident by the 15th-best swinging strike rate in baseball. Chapman has rebounded from a tough 2022 season and could be the hottest arm ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

The 35-year-old Chapman does not fit into the Royals' competitive plans and will be a free agent once again after this season. He is on a one-year, $3.75 million guaranteed contract, with up to $5 million in incentives. The Royals likely knew they would flip Chapman at the deadline this season, no matter what. It just looks like a smarter move now because Chapman is doing so well. Here is hoping he continues performing well and stays healthy, increasing his trade value in the process.

Infielder Matt Duffy

Infielder Matt Duffy has been used sparingly this season, but contenders should value the veteran's bench presence this season.

The Royals added Duffy on a minor-league deal this offseason, giving the 32-year-old a spring training invite too. This is the fifth team of Duffy's eight-year major league career and the fourth in as many years. He is a journeyman-level player, but that is okay. He holds a career 100 wRC+, keeping the pace of an average MLB batter. Duffy has performed very well at the plate in his limited opportunities for the Royals this season. In 20 appearances, Duffy has a 139 wRC+ and .863 OPS. If one of the younger Royals posted those numbers, they would be a prospective foundational piece. But, Duffy is a veteran and pending free agent and that changes his value completely.

What increases Duffy's trade value is that his bat performs well with or without consistent playing time. Contending teams will value that aspect of his game, instead of inexperienced players or batters who require a rhythm. Duffy has a career .296 batting average as a pinch hitter in 79 plate appearances. That value is not top-prospect worthy but certainly has value to a needy contender.

Also, Duffy has some great defensive versatility. He has appeared at every infield spot in his career and has multiple appearances at second and third base this season. He isn't an amazing fielder but is competent enough to be a spot starter or replace an injured player. That trait is what drives Duffy's trade value. Contenders do not want him starting most of their games, but be their safety net. If a contending team has shallow depth or injury concerns with their starters, expect the calls to come for Duffy.