The Kansas City Royals are gearing up to be active sellers at the 2023 MLB trade deadline, as they look to bolster their prospect pool by parting ways with several veterans.
Following the recent trade of Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers, the Royals have set their sights on additional deals, with Zack Greinke emerging as a potential depth piece for interested teams.
Greinke, the seasoned right-handed pitcher, is making a promising return from a bout of right shoulder tendinitis. The Royals have announced that they have reinstated the 39-year-old from the 15-day Injured List and subsequently optioned Max Castillo to Triple-A.
Greinke is set to take the mound in his return start against the Detroit Tigers, and his performance could be a critical factor for both Kansas City’s season and any potential playoff-bound teams seeking pitching depth.
Despite his impressive track record, Greinke’s 2023 season has been challenging, as he currently sports a 5.44 ERA, a stark contrast to his 3.68 ERA last year. While there may be concerns about his recent form, teams in need of affordable and experienced pitching depth may still find the veteran appealing.
The Royals organization values Greinke’s contributions throughout his career, as he has been a six-time All-Star and played a pivotal role in the team’s past successes. However, as the franchise continues its rebuild, they are willing to explore trade possibilities to maximize returns on veteran players.
Another player attracting interest is Salvador Perez, the standout catcher for the Royals. However, the team is not actively seeking to trade him, partly due to his massive multi-year contract, which could pose challenges in finding a suitable deal.
Nonetheless, as the August 1st trade deadline approaches, the Royals’ roster is expected to undergo significant changes as they prioritize their young talent.
In addition to Greinke, veterans like Nicky Lopez and Scott Barlow could also be on the trading block as the Royals strive to build a strong foundation for the future.
Where would you like to see Greinke end up?
On a side note, do you think Greinke will end up making the Hall of Fame?