The World Series champion Kansas City Royals have a number of aspects on their roster to address and an intriguing rumor from the final day of the MLB Winter Meetings - if followed through with - could help them in a big way.
ESPN's Jayson Stark says the Royals talked to the Cincinnati Reds regarding a trade for third baseman Todd Frazier and the scenario would involve playing him in left field since third base is currently occupied by Mike Moustakas.
Although the Reds have been said to be "open for business" with Frazier being one of their big players available in a trade, previous rumors suggested it would take a lot to land the All-Star.
Stark believes it would require the Royals to give up their top pitching and position prospects - Miguel Almonte and Raul Mondesi - which may be out of the question for Kansas City since they gave up numerous top prospects in the trades that got them Johnny Cueto from the Reds and Ben Zobrist from the Athletics. Surrendering those final two top prospects would leave their system dry, it seems.
"A deal seems unlikely because the Reds are asking such a high price for Frazier -- teams that have asked about him have said the Reds wanted their top pitching prospect and top position-player prospect in return," Stark writes.
"Nevertheless, it shows how aggressive and creative the Royals could be in addressing their outfield needs."
With Gordon likely departing in free agency, Frazier would be an excellent offensive and cost-effective replacement in left field since he's under club control through 2017. The Reds, who are seemingly desperate at this point to get value for their top players after the whole Aroldis Chapman ordeal, could perhaps compromise if they feel they need to take the best possible offer on their remaining players.
However, there is a demand for third basemen throughout the MLB, so it's possible there are better trade partners out there for the Reds.
"So the Royals exited the Winter Meetings with work done, but much more to do," writes Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. "The team has not yet officially surrendered from the sweepstakes for Alex Gordon, but rival executives do not view the club as a serious contender for his services. That could change as Gordon's market takes shape, but the team must explore alternative plans."
Frazier could be wishful thinking at this point, but the Royals still have most of their young core intact and hope to make another big run in 2016. Maybe general manager Dayton Moore will go for it all one last time if he feels this move will effectively replace the potential loss of numerous free agents.
