MLB Rumors: Formerly "Untouchable" Shortstop Available On Trade Market

The shortstop free agent market is down to one big name now, with Dansby Swanson holding all the cards. But for teams who lose out and are still looking for a shortstop, there are some other names to be had. One of them is Adalberto Mondesi of the Kansas City Royals. 

Previously labeled as "untouchable" by the franchise, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic writes that Mondesi could be an option for teams left searching. 

The Royals recently signed the once-top prospect to a one-year, $3.045M contract to avoid arbitration. He'll become a free agent at season's end. 

Mondesi missed nearly the entire 2022 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in late April. Injury woes have haunted the 27-year-old throughout his 7-year career, and he's only topped the 100-game mark (102) once. In fact, he's averaged only 51 games a year. 

His knee is expected to be fully healed for spring training in February, though any team that considers taking him on should have an alternative solution on standby. 

If Mondesi could ever stay healthy, the tantalizing speed (and power) that he brings can be game-changing. He stole 43 bases in 2019 in just 102 games, and stole 34 the year before in only 75 games. 

If he stays with the Royals, Mondesi could be the team’s Opening Day shortstop, a spot held down for 98 games by rookie sensation Bobby Witt, Jr. in 2022 (he played third base for the other 55 games).

Photo: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports