The Kansas City Royals emerged as one of the surprise teams in the first half of the Major League Baseball season. However, they have recently endured a quiet but humbling losing streak, jeopardizing their ambitious plans for October.
Despite this, the Royals remain in contention, finishing Tuesday just half a game behind the Boston Red Sox for the final American League playoff spot. This level of success was unexpected by most outside of Royals headquarters.
As the team comes back down to earth, the possibility of the Royals becoming sellers at the trade deadline remains. Although this is not what fans are hoping for, trading could be the best move for the long-term success of the franchise given their young core.
The next five weeks are crucial. Let’s look at three Royals players who need close monitoring as the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaches.
The Royals’ bullpen has been a notable weak spot this season, with many believing that the team needed to add to it. However, if the team’s performance declines, they may quickly shift from buying to selling bullpen assets.
James McArthur, the team’s closer, is the key player to watch. His performance could dictate the front office’s approach. If he excels and saves many close games, he could force the team to seek additional support for the bullpen. Conversely, if he struggles and blows several saves, he might find himself on the trading block.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 230 pounds, McArthur has a heavy sinker averaging 95.1 miles per hour, giving him the potential to be an excellent big-league reliever. Yet, he has struggled in the closer role, with a 4.67 ERA over 29 appearances and 13 saves in 17 opportunities.
While McArthur is the primary focus, the same scrutiny applies to other bullpen arms. John Schreiber, already traded once this year, could attract interest from contenders. Will Smith, on a one-year deal with a notable World Series streak, and Nick Anderson could also be sought after if the Royals decide to sell.
