MLB Trade Rumors: Homer Bailey to Oakland A’s

MLB Trade Rumors: Homer Bailey has been dealt to the Oakland A’s from the Kansas City Royals, per reports on Twitter. Bailey has been scratched from his scheduled start today, per Ken Rosenthal, because of a pending trade.

Bailey was dealt from the Cincinnati Reds to the Los Angeles Dodgers this past offseason in the trade that sent Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood and Matt Kemp to Cindy. Bailey was then released by LAD. The Royals signed him and put him in their rotation, where he has had a 4.80 ERA in 18 starts.

Bailey is someone who the Rangers could have possibly targeted to supplement a rotation that currently includes Ariel Jurado, Adrian Sampson and Jesse Chavez. Bailey is making league minimum, so presumably either the Rangers weren’t interested, or the Royals asking price was more than Texas was willing to part with.

UPDATE — The Royals are reportedly getting Kevin Merrell from the Oakland A’s. Merrell was the #33 pick in the 2017 draft, being picked 4 slots behind Chris Seise, and immediately ahead of Tristan Lutz and Brent Rooker. He’s currently a shortstop, but he has 80 speed, a decent hit tool and no power. There seems to be some thought he could end up in the outfield, along the lines of Billy Hamilton, who is currently with the Royals.