Royals linked to All-Star slugger as possible reunion option at deadline

07-25-2024
3 min read
Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

Things are looking up for the Kansas City Royals.

Nobody expected that they would be as good as they have been this year but they are looking like a playoff team. The second half of the season is in full swing and the trade deadline is just days away and the Royals would be in the playoffs if the season were to end today.

Kansas City currently sits in the third American League Wild Card spot and is nine games above .500 at 56-47. The Royals have a bright future and are worth investing in at the upcoming trade deadline. It is just five days away and the Royals could use some offense in the outfield or as designated hitter. 

One player who was mentioned as a possibility is Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker by Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer. 

"If the Royals are serious about seeing their surprise contention run through to a satisfying conclusion, they need to address their offense," Rymer said. "It could use more oomph, and especially at a DH spot that has produced only a .681 OPS.

"Rooker played for the Royals in 2022, but the concept of a reunion comes with a hitch. He's not likely to come cheap, and the Royals have one of the three worst farm systems in Major League Baseball."

Rooker has experience playing for the Royals and appeared in 14 games with the club in 2022. He really stepped up his game last year where he was named an All-Star with the Athletics and has been even better this year. He is someone that could fill a need for the Royals in a major way.

More MLB: Royals urged to acquire All-Star outfielder, former Rookie of the Year