And the return will be interesting. First, let’s say he could be had for Bubic. Does that make perfect sense for the Royals? Bubic only has one year remaining before free agency and it’ll cost somewhere in the $6 million to $8 million range. Hoerner will cost $12 million in the final year of a three-year deal he’s on. Hoerner, in value, is probably worth more than Bubic, so that makes sense there, but does he fit what the Royals really need? I struggle with this because I think they’d be better with Hoerner than without, but is there a better deal that involves Bubic.
From what I’ve heard, the Royals think the Red Sox are going to come back off their demands for Jarren Duran and believe Bubic can be a part of that deal. It wouldn’t be the whole deal, but he’d be the central big league piece. I think Duran fits what the Royals want more than Hoerner does. I also think one year of control for Hoerner is helpful for now, but do they want to do more?