The Kansas City Royals have made a trade to acquire A’s utilityman Ben Zobrist. The news was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
This trade will mark the second rental piece acquired by Kansas City with Johnny Cueto being the first. After trading three pitchers to acquire the former Reds ace, KC has depleted their farm system even more after sending Aaron Brooks and Sean Manaea to Oakland. Manaea was the 4th ranked prospect in Kansas City’s system according to MLB.com. The Royals are really going for it in 2015 and could risk losing both Cueto and Zobrist to free agency next season.
Zobrist, 34, could provide provide depth to the Royals possessing the ability to play everywhere except catcher. His .268 batting average could be a nice upgrade over incumbent second baseman Omar Infante if they decided to play him at his natural position. With Alex Gordon on the disabled list their was also a growing concern with the teams production from left field.
The A’s had to make this move as the team was unlikely to keep Zobrist in house after his impending free agency. Oakland devastated it’s farm system last season in an attempt at a serious postseason run last season. Just one year later general manager Billy Beane is rebuilding for the future. Having already traded Tyler Clippard to the Mets and sending Scott Kazmir to Houston, it appears the A’s may not be done wheeling and dealing. If there is anything that’s certain Billy Beane isn’t afraid to trade anyone and finds not player untouchable.
