The Kansas City Royals took an active approach at the trade deadline, making notable additions to their bullpen and infield. They acquired right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics and shortstop Paul DeJong from the Chicago White Sox, addressing both pitching and defensive needs.
Lucas Erceg, who posted a 3.68 ERA over 36 2/3 innings with 41 strikeouts and 13 walks for the Athletics in the 2024 season, brings considerable promise to the Royals’ bullpen. Under team control until 2030, Erceg represents a long-term investment. In exchange, the Royals traded pitching prospects Mason Barnett and Will Klein, alongside minor league outfielder Jared Dickey. Barnett, ranked as Kansas City’s No. 4 minor league prospect, had started 18 games at Double-A Northwest Arkansas, while Klein debuted in the majors in April. Dickey, known for his plate patience, profiles more as a role player.
In addition to Erceg, the Royals also acquired Paul DeJong, a veteran infielder from the White Sox. DeJong had a productive season with 18 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a .706 OPS. The Royals sent Single-A right-handed reliever Jarold Rosado to the White Sox in return. DeJong, primarily a shortstop, will likely shift to third base in Kansas City, allowing Maikel Garcia to move to second base. DeJong’s power could bolster the Royals’ lineup, although his unusual reverse split, hitting worse against left-handed pitchers, and low walk rate may limit his impact.
Earlier in the week, the Royals made another strategic move by acquiring right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Texas Rangers, trading left-handed reliever Walter Pennington from Triple-A Omaha. This move came after injuries to right-handed relievers Hunter Harvey and John Schreiber. Lorenzen, despite a recent dip in performance with a 6.20 ERA over his last six games, offers versatility as a potential starter or reliever. He is viewed as a reliable backup option in case of further rotation emergencies.
The Royals’ active trading reflects a significant shift from their usual stance at the deadline, being buyers rather than sellers for the first time since 2017. This year’s trade deadline saw a high volume of activity across Major League Baseball, with 60 deals completed and no top 100 Baseball America prospects traded. The Royals’ transactions, especially the unexpected Lorenzen deal, highlight their strategy to support a rotation that lacks durability, with several starters having a history of limited innings or injury concerns.
While Lorenzen is seen as an emergency option, DeJong’s acquisition raises questions due to the presence of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. DeJong’s experience at third base and his power make him a valuable addition, yet his performance against left-handed pitchers and his tendency for low on-base percentage could be problematic. The Royals have struggled with leadoff hitters having a low on-base percentage, the worst in baseball, highlighting a need for players who can consistently get on base.
Despite these concerns, the Royals managed to improve their roster without heavily depleting their farm system. Trading away prospects like Barnett, Klein, and Dickey, who have potential but also significant developmental hurdles, allowed the Royals to address immediate needs. Notably, they retained their high-end talent, maintaining the depth of their farm system, which consists of players with high floors but lower ceilings, likely to be contributors rather than stars.
Media outlets such as ESPN, MLB.com, and USA Today have praised the Royals for their trade deadline moves, considering them winners for strengthening their team without major sacrifices. However, some analysts argue that the Royals could have done more, especially in addressing their glaring need for players who can get on base consistently. With Fangraphs projecting the Royals for 86 wins and a 55 percent chance of making the playoffs, these trades might edge them closer to postseason contention, though the unaddressed gaps could become significant as the season progresses.
The Royals’ approach this trade deadline demonstrates a balance between immediate team improvement and long-term development. By acquiring players like Erceg, DeJong, and Lorenzen, they have bolstered their roster while preserving the core of their prospect talent. This strategic maneuvering could pay dividends as they push towards the playoffs, although the effectiveness of these moves will ultimately be judged by their ability to address remaining weaknesses and sustain performance throughout the season.
