The Royals head into this week’s Winter Conferences searching for so as to add a bat to the lineup to enhance the offense. This season, Royals third basemen mixed to hit .222/.280/.324, with Maikel Garcia spending more often than not there. He regressed with the bat this yr, which might trigger the workforce to look to improve the place.
There have been rumors the workforce might have curiosity in Phillies All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm, however the asking worth from Philadelphia is alleged to be fairly excessive. In response to a report this week by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals could also be setting their targets a bit decrease, on the lookout for youthful, much less established participant.
The Royals’ desire is for a left-handed hitter. Jurickson Profar, a switch-hitter, probably shall be out of their worth vary. A extra probably goal is Josh Rojas, who was non-tendered by the Seattle Mariners. The return of free agent Adam Frazier is a chance as nicely, and a commerce for Mets third baseman Brett Baty additionally would make sense.
Baty is a former first-round decide, chosen twelfth total in 2019 by the Mets out of highschool in Texas. He was a prime 100 prospect for a number of years, making his MLB debut in 2022. He earned an prolonged look within the large leagues in 2023, however hit a disappointing .213/.275/.323 with 9 house runs in 108 video games. His numbers improved solely marginally this yr, and he ended with a line of .229/.306/.327 with 4 house runs in 50 video games, and was demoted to the minors after Could. The Mets went with Mark Vientos at third base, which can trigger them to look to maneuver Baty.
Baty is simply 25 years previous and isn’t but eligible for arbitration, so he’s younger and low-cost with some upside left. He nonetheless has an possibility yr left as nicely, giving a workforce some roster flexibility in the event that they had been to accumulate him. Baty is a left-handed bat who has struggled to hit lefties. He has good exit velocities and hard-hit charges, but additionally a excessive whiff price. He appears to wrestle notably with off-speed pitches. Baty did undergo a fractured left index finger in August that brought on him to overlook the ultimate month of the season, however he ought to be prepared by spring coaching.
As a former prime prospect who has disillusioned within the large leagues, Baty could be an fascinating candidate for a problem commerce for somebody like MJ Melendez, who’s in the identical boat. However the Mets simply acquired Juan Soto and have a crowded outfield. It would take a number of prospects – not prime prospects, however most likely prime 20 prospects to get a participant like Baty.
After a playoff look final yr, the Royals ought to be motivated to search for extra established gamers that may assist them win now. However Baty does present upside and years of membership management, and at his wage they will dedicate payroll to fill different wants.
