The Kansas City Royals have had precious few homegrown pitchers work out, but Brady Singer has been an exception — becoming a mainstay in the starting rotation over the past three seasons.
However, that could be coming to an end this offseason.
A recent Bleacher Report article by Zachary D. Rymer lists Singer as the team’s best trade chip this offseason, and parting with him makes a good deal of sense.
It’s no secret that the Royals are in desperate need of hitters to pair with their dynamic trio of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez.
And it’s unlikely that major additions are coming via free agency, considering how much the Royals splurged last offseason in their additions of Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha and extending Witt Jr.
That means the path to adding an offensive boost would likely have to come via a trade, and Singer is one of the best options to use in negotiations.
“The 28-year-old has been a solid mid-rotation type in two of the last three seasons, but really nothing more,” writes Rymer. “He thus could have more value to the Royals on the trade market, where his durable arm and club control through 2026 could attract suitors with bats to offer.”
Rymer lists the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Cincinnati Reds as potential suitors for Singer, which would bring plenty of interesting batters into play.
But parting with Singer may be a step too far.
Kansas City is in danger of losing Wacha if he declines his $16 million player option for next season and Michael Lorenzen is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
If neither returns, the Royals would be left with Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Alec Marsh, and not much else.
It will be interesting to see how the Royals go about improving their roster this offseason, and Singer could be a name worth watching as trade discussions unfold.
