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The Kansas City Royals acquired utility player Ben Zobrist and cash considerations from the Oakland A’s in exchange for pitchers Aaron Brooks and Sean Manaea, according to ESPN.com.
The Royals are 60-38 and hold an eight game lead for first place in the AL Central. They are well on their way to the playoffs but they wanted help when they get there. Zobrist's ability to play nearly any position should provide them with added flexibility.
Zobrist, 34, is an unrestricted free agent after this season. In his first season in Oakland, he’s dealt with some injuries. When healthy, he’s been solid. The two-time All-Star sports a .268 BA with 6 HR and 33 RBI in 67 games.
In four career MLB appearances, Brooks has been lit up. His ERA is 20.57 in seven innings pitched. Albeit a small sample size, the 25-year-old right-hander has done better in the minors. He was a starter this season in his second season in Triple-A. Brooks had a 6-5 record with a 3.71 ERA. He does know how to strike batters out since he has 92 strikeouts this season.
Manaea, 23, hasn’t been in the majors yet. The left-hander doesn’t have too much experience since he’s only in his second season in the minors. He was recently promoted to Double-A but he has a 5.14 ERA in seven innings pitched.
Both players could be future stars on the mound down the road in Oakland. Brooks could end up becoming a starter again while Manaea might continue to work out of the bullpen.
