The Kansas City Royals have been active in the trade market just ahead of the trade deadline. They sent reliever Scott Barlow to the San Diego Padres.
In the trade with the Padres, the Royals received pitcher Henry Williams, a right-handed pitcher ranked #10 in the Padres farm system by MLB Pipeline, and pitcher Jesus Rios. Williams was a third-round pick by the Padres in 2022 but missed the entire season due to Tommy John surgery. He has made his debut this year in low-A ball, recording a 5.74 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 42 1⁄3 innings.
On the other hand, Jesus Rios, a 21-year old right-hander from Mexico, was pitching in the Dominican Summer League, posting a 6.38 ERA with 13 strikeouts and 10 walks in 18 1⁄3 innings.
Scott Barlow, the reliever traded to the Padres, had been a valuable asset to the Royals. Over six seasons with the team, he appeared in 277 games with a 3.39 ERA and 56 saves, making him the 15th-most valuable reliever in baseball by fWAR. Barlow is under club control through the 2024 season.
