Eight games out in the American League Central and six games back in the wild-card race, the Kansas City Royals may shop starting pitcher Edinson Volquez ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
Continue for updates.
Rangers Looking at Volquez as Trade Target
Monday, July 25
According to ESPN The Magazine‘s Buster Olney, the Texas Rangers are showing interest in acquiring the right-hander.
The Dallas Morning News‘ Evan Grant reported Sunday that members of the Rangers front office were in attendance for Volquez’s start against Texas. He went six innings, allowing one earned run and seven hits in a 2-1 defeat.
Kansas City doesn’t need to have a full-scale fire sale, but being a seller at the deadline is the team’s best move.
Volquez is a natural trade candidate. He’s technically signed through the 2017 season, but he has a mutual option for next year, per Cot’s Baseball Contracts. In all likelihood, Volquez will decline the option and become a free agent.
Rany Jazayerli of The Ringer wonders, though, if the Royals should consider holding on to the 33-year-old through the deadline:
Volquez is unlikely to bring a massive return, too. He’s on the wrong side of 30, and his performance on the mound has left a little to be desired. Through 21 starts, he’s 8-8 with a 4.56 ERA and a 4.11 FIP, per FanGraphs.
For the right price, dealing Volquez makes sense. Depending on what the Rangers or others are offering, keeping him for the rest of the year wouldn’t be a bad idea for Kansas City, though.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com