Myers slugged 37 homers and collected 109 RBI last year between Double-A and Triple-A.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester once tossed a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals.
Boston Red Sox fans have watched nervously as their American League East rivals have beefed up their rosters this off-season.
Most notably, the Toronto Blue Jays pulled off a mega-deal that landed them shortstop Jose Reyes, and starting pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle from the Miami Marlins.
The New York Yankees re-signed 16-game winner Hiroki Kuroda.
Meanwhile, Red Sox Nation has been treated to platoon players David Ross and Jonny Gomes.
The latest Hot Stove rumor may change that, however.
Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star is reporting that the Royals may have interest in Red Sox lefty Jon Lester, who is coming off a disappointing 9-14 season, but who remains one of the most highly regarded left-handers in the American League.
In exchange, Dutton writes, the Royals may be willing to part with outfield super-prospect Wil Myers, described as "the consensus minor league player of the year." Myers, who turns 22 Dec. 10, hit .314 last season while splitting time between Double- and Triple-A. He slugged 37 homers and collected 109 RBI while also striking out 140 times.
Adding a little intrigue to the unconfirmed report, Dutton says the Royals also have been looking at Tampa Bay starter James Shields. In other words, the Sox could lose out on a potential middle-of-the-order power hitter while yet another team in the A.L. East improves its lineup.
Many questions remain, of course. Dutton writes:
Both deals have been discussed, but neither appears close at the moment. Other players could be involved, but the basic framework would be Myers for one of the two pitchers. At this point, all sides — the Royals, Rays and Red Sox — remain hesitant.
Dutton does not say who has been discussing the deal. Are these internal discussions among the Royals or have they contacted either the Sox or Rays? What about the money involved? The Royals would have to be willing to take on a large contract and accept the risk of losing either pitcher to free agency in two years.
The Hot Stove League is just getting warmed up.