The Kansas City Royals have traded another one of their potential free agents, this time sending outfield speedster Jarrod Dyson to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed starter Nathan Karns, who they will control through the 2020 season. Earlier this offseason the Royals dealt closer Wade Davis -- who, like Dyson, can become a free agent at season’s end -- for right fielder Jorge Soler, who they will also control through 2020. In both moves, the Royals’ front office decided to aim for major league players instead of prospects with higher upside, since they still have a window to get back to the postseason.
The Royals still have several potential free agents to worry about after this season, including Eric Hosmer, Alcides Escobar, Michael Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Danny Duffy. However, this group is expected to stay until at least the July trade deadline -- unless someone overwhelms Royals GM Dayton Moore with an offer he can’t refuse.
Karns, 29, was 6-2 5.15 in 22 games and 15 starts this past season with the Mariners, and will compete for a starting spot at the back of the Royals’ rotation. Karns struck out 101 batters in 94 ⅓ innings, but did so with a high WHIP (1.48). That came a year after he’d put up much stronger numbers for the Rays in 2015, putting up a 3.67 ERA in 147 IP with a 1.28 WHIP. His FIP marks between the two seasons were almost identical, 4.09 in 2015 and 4.05 in 2016. If he pitches to that same level in 2017, he’ll be an asset in almost any role the Royals find for him.
The Mariners had traded Seth Smith to the Orioles for starter Yovani Gallardo earlier in the day, and quickly moved to land Dyson right after that deal. Dyson is expected to compete for playing time with Mitch Haniger and Ben Gamel in the Mariners’ outfield corners, with Leonys Martin remaining in center field.
Dyson brings the Mariners an exciting blend of skills. He’s an above-average defender with extraordinary range at all three outfield positions, which helped him generate 19 Defensive Runs Saved last year. His best attribute is his game-changing speed, as he stole 30 bases in 37 attempts playing in just 107 games for Kansas City. His blazing speed along with their previous acquisition of Jean Segura should give the Mariners not only more traffic on the basepaths but, because of their speed while on base, could help generate more fastballs for the middle of their lineup, helping high-impact hitters Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager.
The Mariners helped themselves on Friday with both of their trades. Dyson is a better fit for their outfield than Smith because of his speed and defense, while Gallardo is an upgrade over Karns in their rotation.
For the Royals, they did what they had to do in trading one-year of club control of a player who wasn’t going to be extended to get four years of control on a pitcher who could help round out their rotation.