After losing Johnny Cueto to free agency, which was long expected, the Kansas City Royals have been looking to sign another starter. They obviously couldn't afford the top names that went off the board earlier this offseason, but rumors suggest some second-tier pitchers are on their radar.
Scott Kazmir, Wei-Yin Chen and Yovani Gallardo are garnering interest from Kansas City, writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Heyman also added that Kazmir has "multiple three-year offers, probably in the $12-$13 million range." However, the Royals could be valuing the other lefty in this group of pitchers.
"The Royals like all three but may make a push for Chen, probably the top lefty still unsigned," writes Heyman. "He could represent the biggest outlay ever for the Royals if they were to do it, but in light of their back-to-back World Series appearances and Series victory this year, they are said to have some 'flexibility.'"
Both Chen and Gallardo have draft pick compensation tied to them since both declined the qualifying offer, while Kazmir does not because he wasn't eligible to receive the offer having been traded in the middle of the season. The fact that Kansas City is seemingly most interested in Chen is bizarre considering the left-hander is seeking a six-year deal in the $100 million range, which is a type of deal the Royals typically don't have room for.
Additionally, the fact that they're reportedly "lowballing" outfielder Alex Gordon with four year offers in the $50 million range while also expressing interest in Chen is a bit puzzling.
Kazmir or Gallardo are seemingly the better fit here, as both are probably in the market for three- or four-year deals in the $50-$60 million range. Check out these contract predictions for Chen, Kazmir and Gallardo from some MLB experts:
Chen
ESPN's Jim Bowden: four years, $56 million
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman: five years, $80 million
Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com: five years, $80 million
Kazmir
Bowden: four years, $66 million
Heyman: three years, $39 million
Dierkes: four years, $52 million
Gallardo
Bowden: four years, $56 million
Heyman: five years, $75 million
Dierkes: four years, $52 million
Right now it seems as if Kazmir's market is the hottest, with the Royals, Athletics, Orioles, Cardinals, Nationals and Astros considered the "finalists," according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
The Nationals and Dodgers have been previously rumored to be in on Chen, but there hasn't been much on that front ever since it was reported the veteran was seeking $85-$100 million.
Gallardo, surprisingly, has garnered the least amount of interest out of any of these starters this offseason. He had a strong campaign with the Texas Rangers in his contract year and also pitched well in the postseason against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Astros and Orioles have also been linked to the right-hander, but based on recent reports nothing seems imminent.
Thus far the Royals have made numerous cost-effective moves in re-signing Chris Young and adding Dillon Gee. They went out and gave $25 million to Joakim Soria to keep their bullpen strong due to the injury to Greg Holland. Their payroll is expected to reach $113 million, which is just around the 2015 Opening Day number.
Perhaps GM Dayton Moore will work something out, but it's hard to envision them signing a free agent such as Chen because they have a number of crucial players (free agency and arbitration) to take care of in the next couple of seasons.
