The Kansas City Royals are interested in Johnny Cueto and Ben Zobrist, according to Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Zobrist, 34, is the perfect fit for any team with his ability to play multiple positions all over the diamond. Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane has said that he still considers his team to be in contention and is not ready to make deals yet. A trade for Zobrist is probably a month away, but you never know what general managers are thinking these days. One minute they want to keep a player and then the next minute he’s gone. Zobrist has struggled to repeat the numbers he once put up and Beane might be waiting to see if he will stay hot, which will make his trade value go up a little bit. He will have to show that consistency for Oakland to get a decent player in return. Oakland acquired Zobrist from the Rays in the offseason, and the A’s traded one of their top prospects in Daniel Robertson to acquire the versatile switch hitter. Zobrist would fit right in with the Royals if they were to get him, as he brings a winning attitude and a get on base mentality.
Cueto, 29, will cost much more for the Royals, who currently have the ninth ranked farm system according to our rankings. The right hander is still young and in his prime, but will cost a pretty penny after his season as he’s set to become a free agent. Cueto has posted a 2.98 ERA to go with a 4-4 record in 13 starts for the Reds this season. The Royals would most likely have to part ways with Miguel Almonte or Hunter Dozier to acquire Cueto. I’m sure the team wouldn’t mind trading Dozier, with Mike Moustakas having third base locked up through 2017. Alomnte is a different story though, as he’s just 22-years-old and has been extremely effective in his minor league career.
The Royals will have a tough decision to make as they make another pennant run. I personally think they should keep it the way they have it now, since everything seems to be clicking for them, but I understand them wanting to improve.
