This potential Royals-Orioles trade would make sense for both teams

As spring training marches on, the Kansas City Royals could still use another outfielder, and the Baltimore Orioles need a versatile pitcher as injuries stack up. It seems a good fit for each team if the Royals send swingman Daniel Lynch IV east for outfielder Heston Kjerstad.

The Royals have pitching depth for the first time in many years, yet they are so desperate for outfield help they've been playing career infielders in the outfield this spring trying to find some help for one of the worst-hitting outfields in the majors. 

Meanwhile, Grayson Rodriguez and Andrew Kittredge are the latest two Orioles hurlers to go down with injuries. They could use a pitcher who can start or come out of the bullpen. 

Lynch has started for most of his career. The 28-year-old has 54 career starts, and he made his first 13 appearances in his major league career in 2024. His ERA has improved in each of his four seasons, and he finished with a 3.32 mark last year. He could slide into the empty spot in the Orioles rotation vacated by Rodriguez and slide into the bullpen when Rodriguez returns. 

The Orioles do not seem to have a place for Kjerstad. They brought in Tyler O'Neill in free agency when Anthony Santander left. Kjerstad might have seemed like a natural replacement, but the Orioles didn't think so. With O'Neill, Cedric Mullins and Colton Cowser firmly entrenched as starters, Baltimore added Ramon Laureano as outfield depth and has holdover Ryan O'Hearn, who can play in the outfield. 

Kjerstad hasn't excelled in his 52 games, but he's not been given a chance to play regularly, either. Kansas City might offer him a chance to win a spot, or at the very least, serve as a left-handed platoon in right field with Hunter Renfroe. 

The Royals are still looking for outfield help but don't seem inclined to add much to the payroll. They offered Adam Duvall a million dollars, but he turned it down. Alex Verdugo is still a free agent and is a better hitter than any outfielder on the Kansas City roster, but they don't appear interested. 

According to Spotrac, Kjerstad will make $800,000 in 2025 and is under team control through the 2030 season. Lynch is due to make the same this season and is under team through 2028. It seems to be a good fit on the field and financially for both teams. 

Both teams could improve their rosters by filling holes without dipping into the remaining free-agent pool. This would not affect either team's payroll in the immediate future, and it seems to make a lot of sense for both teams.