Cubs-Royals Trade Proposal Has Chicago Parting Ways with 22-Year-Old Slugger
The Kansas City Royals should explore every avenue in their search for outfield help this summer. Despite efforts over the winter, they were unable to secure a meaningful upgrade for their corner outfield spots. As it stands, they are relying on Drew Waters, Cavan Biggio, and Hunter Renfroe, which doesn’t seem like a sustainable solution for a playoff push.
With two months remaining before the trade deadline, the Royals have pitching depth that could be used to acquire a bat if they’re willing to make a bold move. Meanwhile, teams like the Chicago Cubs, which have an abundance of young outfield talent, are desperately in need of pitching help.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, Cubs prospect Kevin Alcántara is the team’s most likely trade piece. If Miller’s analysis holds true, the Royals should be proactive in reaching out to Chicago about Alcántara as the deadline approaches.
Alcántara, who had a brief stint in the majors last season, has been struggling a bit at Triple-A Iowa this year. However, the 22-year-old is still a highly promising prospect, having hit at least 13 home runs and stolen 13 bases in each of the last three seasons.
While the Cubs may be reluctant to part with him—especially with impending free agency looming for Kyle Tucker this winter, as well as Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ next year—addressing their pitching rotation is becoming increasingly urgent.
The Royals could try to make a deal for Alcántara by offering one of their major-league-ready starting pitchers. Michael Lorenzen could be a candidate, or they could deal rookie Noah Cameron while his stock is high.
If the Cubs insist on keeping both players, a trade might be unlikely until the offseason. However, an outfield bat could prove to be more valuable for the Royals down the stretch than an additional starting pitcher, especially once Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo return to the rotation.
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