News broke last week that the Royals had agreed to a one-year contract with infielder Adam Frazier. That move, once official, would need a corresponding 40-man roster move to clear space. Over the weekend there was plenty of speculation regarding what a trade might include, or if there would be a trade at all. On one hand, the addition of Frazier makes it difficult to see where Michael Massey fits in for 2024. On the other hand, the depth that a combination of Loftin, Massey, and Frazier would provide could be a good thing for a team hoping to compete.

That speculation came to a close on Tuesday morning, as news of a minor trade between the Royals and Mariners dropped.

The trade details have been released. The deal will send Samad Taylor to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Taylor, who was originally acquired in the Whit Merrifield trade from the Blue Jays, had a standout showing in 2023 for the Omaha Storm Chasers. He was the organization’s best hitter in the minors last season, slashing .302/.418/.466 over 89 games. That success didn’t translate to Kansas City, however. For the Royals, Taylor appeared in 31 games with a .546 OPS.

Taylor provided some versatility to the Royals, being able to play all three outfield positions as well as second base. That versatility simply wasn’t required any longer with Garrett Hampson and Adam Frazier in the mix. With the move, both players received by the Royals in the Whit Merrifield trade are now no longer in the organization.