The Kansas City Royals are going all-in. After a blistering start to their 2024 season, the team is now looking to make a deep push for the playoffs. Amid the heated race for the Wild Card spot, the Royals are bolstering their rotation. Bob Nightengale reports that Kansas City is trading for Texas Rangers starter Michael Lorenzen.
“The KC Royals acquire Texas Rangers starter Michael Lorenzen for LHP Walter Pennington”
Lorenzen will be a big addition to a Royals team that's looking to boost their starting rotation. The ex-Rangers ace has been struggling as of late, but if he can recover his form, it will do wonders.
The Royals are having a magical season so far. Behind the excellence of Bobby Witt Jr, Kansas City is making a big run this season. With the momentum on their side, it makes sense for the team to start pushing this season and capitalize on this streak of theirs.
Before the trade deadline, Kansas City was having problems with their bullpen. They have some great starters, but their relievers all too often made things more troublesome for the hitters. It's not immediately clear how Lorenzen fits into the picture, but perhaps a move from one of the starters to the pen is imminent.
Royals' goals for trade deadline
The Royals were initially linked to a couple of players on a certain team. Before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, KC was linked to Los Angeles Angels reliever Carlos Estevez. After that, they were then linked to another Angels reliever in Luis Garcia.
It's not quite clear yet how the Lorenzen trade will affect their pursuit of Garcia. The Royals' bullpen, as mentioned, has a tendency to blow leads. Adding another reliever to the mix should help them get it together for the home stretch.
Aside from pitching, the Royals are in need of extra bats. Their pursuit of division rival Brent Rooker might be in vain given the Oakland Athletics' stance, but there are other options available. A few names that are floating around are Angels' Luis Rengifo and Taylor Ward, and Washington Nationals hitter Lane Thomas.
With how good the Royals are playing this season, striking while the iron is hot is the right move. They hold a one-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the final Wild Card spot. Can Kansas City hold on and make it to the playoffs for the first time in what feels like forever?
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