5 Pitching Prospects Kansas City Royals May Trade During Winter Meetings

By Doug LaCerte

5 Pitching Prospects Kansas City Royals May Trade During Winter Meetings

Brian Flynn Kansas City Royals — The Kansas City Royals are still looking for a proven starter, an everyday right fielder and another right-handed bat to round out the roster before Opening Day 2015, but cash in KC is limited. Most experts think the Royals will only make one major expenditure, so perhaps one or more of these five intriguing young pitchers will be used to reel in replacements for those open holes on KC's roster.

5. Christian Binford

Christian Binford Kansas City Royals

5. Christian Binford

Christian Binford Kansas City Royals — This 21 year old is just a season or two of development away from being a legit big-league starter. He probably won’t hit 91 MPH, despite his 6-foot-6 frame, but his command of the plate and low walkout rate make him stand out in a unique way. The fact that I’m even talking about this 30th-round draft pick means he’s already provided more value for his franchise than KC could have ever expected.

4. Miguel Almonte

Miguel Almonte Kansas City Royals

4. Miguel Almonte

Miguel Almonte Kansas City Royals — Scouts salivate at the potential shown by this 21 year old. In vast contrast to the larger pitchers on this list, Almonte rounds out at only 180 pounds, but delivers a fastball that ranges from 91-95 MPH. He isn’t afraid to challenge hitters with it, as shown by successful stays through all minor league levels up to Advanced A Wilmington. Scouts project him as a No. 4 starter if he doesn't reach his ultimate potential.

3. Brian Flynn

Brian Flynn Kansas City Royals

3. Brian Flynn

Brian Flynn Kansas City Royals — This 6-foot-7 lefty is one of many intriguing younger starters that might, but probably won’t, make KC’s rotation in 2015. Flynn keeps the ball low in the zone and mixes up his pitches well, which has translated into consistently getting outs in AAA New Orleans over the last two seasons. At that level of play, this intriguing 24-year-old starter posted a 3.44 ERA over 277 and 2/3 innings. He should see a big-league rotation soon.

2. Kyle Zimmer

Kyle Zimmer Kansas City Royals

2. Kyle Zimmer

Kyle Zimmer Kansas City Royals — This first-round draft pick has overpowering stuff that will translate into swings and misses in the big leagues, and his efforts in the minors are inspiring, to say the very least. A strong groundout percentage and high strikeout rate stand out on a list of other impressive numbers that Zimmer posted prior to 2014 surgery. If he returns to his former success, he’ll be an MLB-ready starter within two seasons.

1. Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea Kansas City Royals

1. Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea Kansas City Royals — Sean Manaea finished strong with the Wilmington Blue Rocks last season, posting a 1.96 ERA after the All-Star break and striking out 76 in 72 innings. That proven success following his hip surgery may put him just ahead of Zimmer in terms of value for teams looking to upgrade right now. If he doesn't get traded, Manaea could get a look at the Royals’ rotation as early as the 2015 All-Star break.

Doug LaCerte is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DLaC67, “like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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