Trade Deadline Primer Excerpt: Kansas City Royals

The organization's top prospects list shows a shortage of young arms that are anywhere near ready. This looks like a classic opportunity to swap projectable minor-league pitchers for established vets.

Top Target
Josh Staumont, RH Reliever
Staumont is having a bit of a down year, at least in comparison to his tremendous career-opening run (2.93 ERA from 2019 through 2021) but he's still blowing people away with a huge fastball that routinely sits in the high-90s. The 28-year-old has been a consistent force since arriving in the majors, and the Twins are plenty familiar.

Walks have been Staumont's biggest issue this season (18 BB in 28 IP through the break) but he's still been excellent when finding the zone, with only one homer allowed. He's under control for three more seasons, so acquiring him would take a haul, but his slight decline along with the general hopelessness of Kansas City's situation could lead to an openness on this front.

Other Targets of Interest
Scott Barlow, RH Reliever
Enjoying a career year as Royals closer, with a 2.06 ERA and 16-for-18 conversion rate on saves in the first half. He's 29 and controllable for two more years – probably a bit more gettable than Staumont, but won't be cheap.

Brad Keller, RH Starter
He'd be a solid inning-eating mid-rotation guy, but little more. Not the most exciting addition but something the Twins could use, and his team control in 2023 would offer some back-end rotation stability going forward.

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Amir Garrett, RH Reliever
He was a standout reliever with big stuff in the Reds bullpen for several years but has struggled in the past couple, with command continually eluding him. A reclamation project at age 30, but one with upside, and he'd cost very little.

Sleeper Target
Michael A. Taylor, OF
Gilberto Celestino and Nick Gordon have been fine for the Twins, but I wouldn't blame the club for seeking a more reliable and experienced option to fill the role of Buxton's backup and speedster off the bench. Taylor could occupy that very nicely – he's very fast, plays a decent center field, has a respectable bat, and took part in Washington's World Series run in 2019.