Kansas City Royals trade Nicky Lopez. Here’s who KC’s getting in return (and from whom)

The Kansas City Royals made a significant move approaching Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline, sending infielder Nicky Lopez to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a pitcher late Sunday afternoon.

Lopez, 28, was a defensive stalwart with the Royals. He played multiple infield positions and recently shifted to playing some outfield, too.

This season, Lopez is hitting .213 with 21 walks and 13 RBIs. He joins a Braves club that was 67-36 and perched atop the NL East after beating the Brewers 8-6 Sunday.

The Royals received left-handed pitcher Taylor Hearn in return for Lopez. Hearn, who now occupies a spot on the Royals’ 40-man roster, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

“We got a chance to see him a lot in spring training,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said of Hearn. “He pitched against us this year. (He’s) somebody we’ve had some interest in because it’s a big left-hander with a big fastball.”

Hearn, 28, owns a 3.66 ERA in 24 appearances this season. He recorded 54 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings and has worked in a variety of bullpen roles.

Hearn made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Texas Rangers. The Royals are his fifth MLB organization since being selected in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Draft.

The Royals view Hearn as a reliever. He will head to Triple-A Omaha to iron out some mechanics and continue being evaluated by the pitching staff.

“We’ve got to work on his command a little bit, but the velocity is there,” Piccolo said. “The pitch characteristics are something we look for. The slider is good..”

Lopez was the subject of multiple recent trade rumors. He expressed love for Kansas City and the Royals organization but understood his versatility made him an attractive trade option at the deadline.

“I think I’m a very valuable piece to any team,” Lopez told The Star earlier this season, “being able to play Gold Glove defense at three positions in the infield. Also, you can throw me in the three positions in the outfield as well.”

The Royals will rely on a young infield now. Rising stars Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia are a part of the club’s core, and they also have solid contributors in Michael Massey, Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino.

Piccolo also said infielder Matt Beaty could return soon. He is on a rehab assignment after being placed on the seven-day concussion injured list in June. The Royals are hopeful he can return Tuesday.

“He’s got to get through today and see how he feels afterwards,” Piccolo said.

The Royals could provide opportunities to infielder Samad Taylor and outfielder Nate Eaton, as well.

“We’ve got to start looking at some guys that aren’t on our roster,” Picollo said. “When’s the right time to start getting them in the mix and getting them some at-bats this season, too?”

Lopez is making $3.7 million this season. The Royals originally picked him in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Picollo said it was a little surreal to deliver news of the trade to Lopez. He said he thanked Lopez for his contributions and is excited to see him thrive with the Braves.

“He’s got a chance to contribute there and be part of something that’s, you know, turned out to be a special year for them,” Piccolo said.