KC Royals: 2 players who will be traded this season

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Look, the KC Royals bats have been unquestionably hot in May. The offensive surge offers Royals fans a glimmer of hope, but the hole is too deep already for Kansas City to climb out of. This team was looking to the 2024 season from the jump, with team leadership calling this an "evaluation season". It has made for a very young team overall, bringing equal portions of intrigue and frustration.

Trade rumors are already swirling around the KC Royals. It is May for crying out loud.

The team's early-season struggles have caught the attention of other teams too. There are some veteran players that could both help contending teams and net the Royals more prospects. Now, trades this early in the season are very rare and equally difficult. Major league free agents that sign MLB contracts receive an automatic no-trade right until June 15 of the following season under the collective bargaining agreement. While it can be waived, that is the player's decision and not the team's.

The trade deadline is not for nearly three more months, but Kansas City will surely be a seller. If the Royals had to start dealing today, who would be on the move from Kansas City?

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.

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