The Nicky Lopez period is over: the Royals have traded Lopez to the Atlanta Braves for Taylor Hearn, a 28-year-old left-handed reliever.

Lopez first debuted in 2019 after followers clamored for the intriguing prospect to be given enjoying time. He struggled mightily on the plate in his first two seasons till he had a breakout third season on the age of 26 when Lopez put up 6 Wins Above Substitute per Fangraphs on the again of nice baserunning, wonderful protection, and barely above common offense.

A fan favourite, Lopez stepped up as a frontrunner when he wanted to, most notably within the notorious Toronto Blue Jays collection final 12 months the place he was the eldest participant of the crew after Salvador Perez. As a Royal, he put up a triple slash of .248/.311/.317, stole 40 bases, and assembled a set of spotlight defensive performs all through the infield. Since Michael Massey’s emergence, Lopez gracefully transitioned right into a utility position.

Although the Giants had curiosity in Lopez, the Royals finally made a cope with Atlanta. Coming over from Atlanta is Hearn, who turns 29 in a month. Hearn additionally debuted in 2019 and sports activities a 5.26 ERA in 229.1 profession innings, most of which have come out of the bullpen. Curiously, the Braves acquired Hearn from the Texas Rangers only a week in the past, making Kansas Metropolis Hearn’s third crew this 12 months.

Although Kansas Metropolis did commerce Aroldis Chapman a month in the past, Lopez’s commerce represents the primary of what’s prone to be multiple commerce deadline strikes. This 12 months is the second 12 months underneath the brand new CBA wherein no offers may be made after the July 31 deadline, a break from earlier years whereby groups may make trades by way of August.