"Leaning toward the trade market rather than free agency is due to a desire to create some roster flexibility that the current group lacks. None of Carlos Estevez, Matt Strahm, John Schreiber, or Bailey Falter can be optioned to Triple-A. Lucas Erceg has a full slate of options but isn't going to be sent down, given his status as one of the team's top bullpen arms. Daniel Lynch IV and offseason signee are the only relievers who could plausibly be optioned right now."
"Only Strahm, whom they acquired from the Phillies earlier this winter, seems like a lock for leverage innings. While Lynch pitched to a tidy 3.06 ERA in 67 2/3 frames this past season, he did so with the third-lowest strikeout rate among all qualified relievers in MLB (leading only grounder specialist and swingman Kolby Allard). Metrics like SIERA (4.62) and FIP (4.76) are far more bearish on the former top prospect."
Kansas City aims to add bullpen help and prefers obtaining a left-handed reliever via trade to preserve roster flexibility. Several current relievers cannot be optioned to Triple-A, constraining roster movement; Lucas Erceg has options but will remain in the majors. Only Daniel Lynch IV and an offseason signee are plausible option candidates. The Royals project three lefties for Opening Day—Matt Strahm, Daniel Lynch and Bailey Falter, with Strahm the most likely high-leverage arm. Lynch posted a 3.06 ERA but ranked among the lowest strikeout rates and had poorer peripheral metrics. Falter struggled after a midseason trade. Rotation southpaws are slated to start.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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