“Several teams” have been in touch with the Royals about right-hander Trevor Rosenthal, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports (Twitter link). There seems to be enough interest in Rosenthal that “many expect” the veteran reliever to be moved prior to the August 31st trade deadline, Feinsand writes.
After missing 2018 due to Tommy John surgery and then struggling badly over 15 1/3 innings (with the Nationals and Tigers) last season, Rosenthal has seemingly gotten back to his old All-Star form in Kansas City. The 30-year-old has a tiny 0.87 ERA over 10 1/3 innings this season, recording six saves with a 3.50 K/BB rate and 12.2 K/9. While a .211 BABIP and a perfect 100% strand rate indicate that at least some regression is inevitable, Rosenthal’s fastball appears to be in prime form, with a 98mph velocity that actually tops his 97.5mph career average.
The Royals entered today’s action with a 11-15 record, five games back of Cleveland for second place in the AL Central and three games out of a wild card spot. As with all but a small handful of teams in this compressed season, the Royals might not have decided yet whether they’ll be buyers, sellers, or a combination of both, as one good week could get K.C. back over the .500 mark and more firmly in the postseason race.
On paper, Rosenthal seems like a logical trade candidate if the Royals did plan to sell. The 30-year-old is only under contract through the 2020 season, as per the terms of a minor league pact he signed last winter. Reaching Kansas City’s MLB roster locked in the prorated portion of a $2MM salary for Rosenthal, and with a month of games already in the books, a new team would only be on the hook for roughly $350K if they acquired Rosenthal at full price.
Could a trip to Miami be in Rosenthal’s future? MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Marlins are looking at the Royals’ bullpen as part of their wide-ranging search for bullpen help prior to the deadline, and while Rosenthal’s name wasn’t specifically mentioned as a target, it’s logical to assume that the closer would be on Miami’s radar. Greg Holland is another veteran rental who would make sense as a K.C. trade chip, while hurlers like Josh Staumont or Scott Barlow would have a higher asking price due to their extra years of control.
Reds should trade for him
Not in playoffs atm but they do need him.
I’d be a little surprised if Dayton trades Rosey unless he gets overwhelmed by an offer. He’s been raving about his leadership for all the young arms in our bullpen and he’s a Kansas City kid. Plus he has a relationship with Matheny. Personally I’d rather parlay him into whatever level of prospects we can get because I’m not sure it isn’t fool’s gold, but Dayton has a tendency to be loyal to players.
I agree but the royals are a rebuilding team and could probably get a decent enough package of prospects and the royals would only have Rosenthal for one more month.
He’s a free agent at end of the season.
If Dayton likes him that much resign him in the off-season.
Get the best return you can. He’s having a good year.
They could even package him with Duffy, who is a free agent after 2021, for a bigger return and clear that financial commitment.
He’s a $cott Bora$ client, so he’s going to want a big contract that I’m not sure I’m willing to give to a reliever with a rebuilt elbow and an age that starts with a 3.
Rays should get him
if Philly can get him ill feel like the pen is good enough to contend.
Not much left for Phily to give, but that would really give the bullpen a much needed boost.
they jusy got two rental relievers for their 21st best prospect. how do they have “nothing left to give?”
They need some talent in the already depleted farm. Which players give you Rosenthal right now? Is it even worth trading? This team isn’t close.
Philly is a laughable mess. Of course it’s obvious now it was all Kapler’s fault. LOL.
For all his hate, Kapler had his team in 1st place for a few months. This team can’t hold a 7 run lead. The manager can only do so much. It wasn’t Kapler’s fault. It isn’t Giradi’s
Don’t fall for it, other teams! He’s going to fall apart as usual or get hurt again.
One of the most hollow and shameless attempts by a team to create a trade asset out of thin air this season.
How is a guy getting his career back on track hollow and shameless? He got hurt in 2018 and struggled last year. Doesn’t seem like a pattern more than an unfortunate setback.
It’s hollow and shameless because the Royals decide on who their closer is due to prioritizing trade assets. They think it’s 1996 and that saves make relievers more attractive to buyers like they did with Ian Kennedy last year. Didn’t work there and won’t work here, either.
Who should be closing for the Royals then? Its not like they have their World Series pen.
So it’s hollow and shameless for rosenthal to be their closer? Last time I checked the royals don’t have a great bullpen and rosenthal has the most expierience out of anyone there.
VC your breath stinks, quit talking out of your butt.
He was a pretty good reliever until he got hurt. It took him some time to get back and find it, he isn’t the first pitcher that had a bump in the road coming back from a major arm surgery. Is he going to be a sub 1 guy? No. He’s not what he was last year either.
What are you talking about? I don’t think any team front office looks at saves totals anymore, unless they have like a dozen blown saves. So far, he has a .87 ERA, 2.87 FIP, .871 WHIP, a 12.2 HR/9, 3.5 BB/9, and .9 HR/9. How is that creating value out of thin air?
padres gotta be on this
He’s pitching great, but I can’t imagine trading for a guy after pitching only 11 games in a short season. He’s pitching so well, I can easily see someone over paying for him. I know each teams trade stock is limited with current rules but still. At his age and recent history (aside from 2020), id pass on him assuming the ask is gonna be high
I can’t imagine any team giving up more than an A ball type prospect. Relievers usually aren’t worth that much unless they’re a true lock down guy. Considering the shortened season, he’s a free agent, and the higher percentage of risk, if the Royals were trying to trade him, they can’t expect to get much.
also ironic he’s re-found his groove for the manager who supposedly “broke him”
So he’s come full circle huh.
Was thinking the same thing. Is it possible Matheney got a bad rap in the STL?
No
everyone in STL gets a bad rap in spite of the fact that this team is a consistent contender.
Darkside, I agree. I enjoy seeing your posts btw. One of the more logical users on here
Staumont isn’t going anywhere & Scoots, I think he might be part of a bigger package in the offseason to add a more consistent bat. They have the reserve talent to spare some pitching for example & a contact focused hitter that can draw walks would be nice. Maybe something can be done with Anaheim fir a starter like Bubic, Barlow, something else for Brandon Marsh, another top 30 prospect, & a lotto style player like José Rojas. In other words, a good ole fashion baseball trade!
Trade him to the Mets. Offer up Steven Matz, Dom Smith, Oswalt, Nido and Gsellman for Sal Perez, a higher priced starter, Rosenthal and cash.
If I were the Mets GM I wouldn’t make a trade for another closer/late inning RP for nuttin