The Kansas City Royals have made a trade ahead of the Monday deadline, acquiring left-handed pitcher Taylor Hearn from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for infielder Nicky Lopez. Hearn, who is currently on the 40-man roster, has been assigned to Triple-A Omaha following the trade.
Taylor Hearn, 28, began the season on the Opening Day roster for the Texas Rangers but spent most of the year with Triple-A Round Rock. In 24 appearances (including 2 starts) at Triple-A, he maintained an impressive 3.66 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 39.1 innings pitched, demonstrating a strong 12.4 strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9) rate. Hearn has also made appearances in five big league games this season, with four being with the Rangers and one with the Braves.
Hearn made his Major League debut with the Texas Rangers in 2019 and has recorded over 100.0 innings at the Major League level in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. In 2022, he was nominated for Texas’ Roberto Clemente Award and received the Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award that same year. Throughout his career, Hearn has played for multiple organizations since being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 5th round of the 2015 Draft. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016 and then to the Texas Rangers in 2018. Over the course of five big league seasons, Hearn has amassed a record of 12 wins, 15 losses, and 1 save, along with 219 strikeouts in 229.1 innings pitched, averaging 8.6 strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9).
On the other hand, Lopez, 28, has been a part of the Kansas City Royals organization since being selected in the 5th round of the 2016 Draft. He made his Major League debut in 2019 and earned the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award in 2021 after achieving a batting average of .300 (149-for-497) in 151 games. Additionally, Lopez was named the Royals’ Roberto Clemente Award nominee for his community involvement in 2022.
In the current season, Lopez has participated in 68 games, hitting .213 (34-for-160). He has demonstrated his versatility by making starts at various positions, including third base, second base, shortstop, left field, and first base. Over the last three seasons (since 2021), Lopez leads all positions in the Majors with 47 Outs Above Average, showcasing his defensive prowess.
