Royals, Reds Lead MLB Interest in Outfielder Jake Meyers

The Houston Astros have quietly opened a new chapter in their roster retooling by making center fielder Jake Meyers available in trade talks. As Houston looks to reinforce a thin starting rotation, several clubs in need of a cost-controlled, defense-first outfielder—most notably the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago White Sox—have emerged as potential partners.

Why Jake Meyers Is Suddenly a Hot Name on the Trade Market

Meyers isn’t a traditional headliner. But in a market short on reliable outfield options, his profile checks a lot of boxes for contenders and up-and-coming clubs alike.

At 29, he just delivered the most complete season of his career. He showed improved offensive consistency to go with his already elite glove in center.

In 2024, Meyers slashed .292/.354/.373 and cut his strikeout rate to a career-low 17.6%. He also showed sharper pitch recognition and contact skills.

The only caveat: he did it in fewer than 400 plate appearances. A nagging right calf injury limited his time on the field and, honestly, you have to wonder a little about his durability.

A Defense-First Center Fielder With Sneaky Value

Even if some of that offensive surge fades, Meyers’ baseline value comes from his glove and legs. He’s a true center fielder who can handle a premium position every day.

His range, instincts, and routes let pitching staffs attack more aggressively, especially in big ballparks. On the bases, Meyers adds another dimension.

He swiped 16 bases in 21 attempts. That’s a strong success rate and shows he can impact games even when his bat’s quiet.

This blend of defense and speed is exactly what front offices crave in an era that’s all about run prevention and athleticism.

Contract Status: Cost-Controlled in a Thin Outfield Market

What really bumps up Meyers’ trade value is his contract situation. He’s under team control for two more seasons, with an estimated salary of around $3.5 million.

For teams navigating tight payrolls or luxury tax lines, that’s a bargain for a starting-caliber center fielder. Add in a free-agent class that’s light on quality outfielders, and Meyers looks even more appealing.

For clubs unwilling to overspend in free agency or commit long-term dollars, trading for Meyers offers a short- to mid-term solution with minimal financial risk.

Astros’ Motivation: Pitching, Pitching, and More Pitching

From Houston’s perspective, making Meyers available is a calculated play. The Astros have positional depth in the outfield but clear questions in their starting rotation.

By leveraging Meyers’ value now—while he’s coming off a career year—they can target controllable arms to stabilize the staff. That way, they avoid diving into the top of the free-agent pitching market.

Which Teams Are in the Mix for Meyers?

Several organizations have been linked to Meyers, each with its own incentive structure and level of urgency. While some have the pitching depth to match up with Houston, others are more speculative fits due to their longer-term timelines.

Kansas City Royals: A Natural Match With Trade Chips to Move

The Royals are among the most aggressive suitors, openly pursuing multiple outfielders to balance a lineup still finding its identity around Bobby Witt Jr. and company. They’ve also signaled a willingness to deal from their pitching surplus, with names like:

floated as possible pieces in an outfield upgrade.

For Kansas City, Meyers would bring stability in center and upgrade the defense behind a young staff. For the Astros, a deal with the Royals could address their need for both immediate rotation depth and near-ready pitching prospects.

Cincinnati Reds: Rotation Surplus Meets Outfield Need

The Reds have more arms than rotation slots, making them a logical partner. Veteran right-hander Brady Singer is the type of established starter who could interest Houston if Cincinnati decides he’s expendable amid a wave of younger pitching.

There are limits, though. The Reds are unlikely to part with left-hander Nick Lodolo in a deal centered around Meyers, which could complicate negotiations if the Astros insist on higher-end pitching coming back.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Filling Center Field Without Blocking Prospects

The Dodgers are in a familiar spot: World Series ambitions, but questions in center field. Meyers would give Los Angeles a steady defender who can bat toward the bottom of the lineup and doesn’t need an everyday offensive role to provide value.

He fits the Dodgers’ long-range planning, too. With top prospects looming, Meyers’ two years of control make him a bridge, not a roadblock.

The challenge is price—LA may have to surrender meaningful pitching or upper-minors depth in what could become a competitive bidding scenario.

Chicago White Sox: Interest, but an Awkward Timeline

The White Sox have checked in, but their situation is complex. They remain in the early stages of a rebuild and are already light on starting pitching.

Moving controllable arms now for an immediate outfield upgrade runs counter to their long-term objectives. Unless the price drops dramatically or the deal is structured heavily around secondary pieces, Chicago’s involvement may stay more exploratory than imminent.

What Comes Next for Meyers and the Astros?

As the offseason rolls on, Jake Meyers just feels like one of those “glue” guys. He probably won’t grab splashy headlines, but he can definitely shift a team’s defensive ceiling and help with run prevention.

The Astros see him as a pretty valuable trade chip, especially now when pitching is such a hot commodity. For clubs like the Royals, Reds, Dodgers, and White Sox, Meyers is a rare chance—a solid, affordable center fielder who doesn’t come with a long-term contract risk.

It really comes down to how hard those teams push for him and how stubborn Houston gets about pitching in return. Will Meyers start 2025 patrolling center at Minute Maid Park, or will he end up anchoring the outfield for someone else? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

 
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