This week, Dayton Moore addressed the media and said he would have to be “overwhelmed” to trade key contributors, which many assumed was a reference to Whit Merrifield, who is under club control for the next two seasons. But what about older, short-term players like Carlos Santana? The switch-hitter was brought in on a two-year deal to solidify first base and give the Royals a legitimate power source and plate discipline to their lineup.
He has done just that, hitting .236/.350/.409 with 17 home runs and a team-high 61 walks in 99 games, but at age 35, he’s not really part of the future of this franchise.