MLB Rumors: Royals Listening To Trade Offers On TWO Closers

With the second-worst record in all of baseball, it's safe to say that the Kansas City Royals will be sellers at this summer's trade deadline. Everyone already knows about 7-time All-Star Aroldis Chapman being on the block, with the return of his triple-digit heat this season. He's striking out a whopping 14.6 batters per nine. 

But Chapman, 35, isn't even the Royals' actual closer. That job has been Scott Barlow for the past three seasons, and the word from MLB Insider Jeff Passan is that the Royals are now listening to trade offers on the 30-year-old flame-thrower as well. 

Barlow is holding opposing batters to a .187 average this season, has recorded six saves in seven opportunities (of course, the Royals don't get too many of those), and is limited hard contact to the point that he's in the 99th percentile is average exit velocity against, and the 94th percentile in hard hit percentage. 

On top of all that goodness, Barlow has another year of team control (arbitration) before he becomes a free agent in 2025. He's averaged 11 strikeouts per nine innings in his six years in KC, and is up to 12.4 K/9 this season. 

The royals need to trade Aroldis Chapman, Scott Barlow, and Josh Staumont

— PrimeTime KC (@PrimeTime_KC) May 29, 2023

Josh Staumont is yet another hard thrower in that KC 'pen who's closed a handful of games in recent years; he, too, could be available.  

A big-time relief arm is always one of the most sought-after commodities at the trade deadline; the Royals will be flooded with offers for their high-leverage arms.

Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports