Just a month ago, few Kansas City Royals fans could have imagined that starting pitching would become the team’s biggest need at the trade deadline. The rotation had been one of the game’s best for much of the season, but injuries to Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic have rocked its foundation.
Bubic is shut down indefinitely, and while there’s a slim chance Ragans returns later this year, the Royals can’t afford to count on a late-season rescue.
The acquisition of Bailey Falter will certainly help fill one of those gaps, but there's still uncertanties beyond that.