Royals add a bat in Willingham to ease Hosmer's absence

Published Aug. 11, 2014 7:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Royals general manager Dayton Moore didn't make a move at the non-waiver trade deadline but vowed a deal still could be coming.

On Monday, Moore held true to that pledge, adding power-hitting Josh Willingham in a trade with the Minnesota Twins. The Royals parted with right-handed prospect Jason Adam.

"We think Josh will be an important addition to our team as we move forward," Moore said.

Willingham will arrive in Kansas City on Tuesday and likely start at DH against Oakland.

"Hopefully, he's here in time to get a hit against (Jon) Lester," Moore said, smiling, referencing Lester's scheduled start Tuesday.

Willingham is in the final year of a deal that will pay him $7 million this season. The Royals will pick up the $1.836 million remaining on his deal.

The Royals, Moore said, did not receive any cash along with the deal.

Willingham is expected to assume the majority of the at-bats at DH as Billy Butler continues to fill in for the injured Eric Hosmer at first base. Hosmer, recovering from a broken hand, isn't expected back for at least three more weeks.

"That situation is fluid," Moore said, perhaps suggesting that Hosmer could be out longer than originally expected.

Willingham was a player the Royals had eyed in July, though a deal could not be consummated. He fits the need of a power hitter for a Royals team that remains last in the league in home runs.

Willingham, 35, was hitting just .210 this year but did have 12 homers and 34 RBI for the Twins. In 2012, he set career highs with 35 homers and 110 RBI.

Adam, 23, was a fifth-round pick in 2010 and was a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kan. He was 5-9 with a 4.67 ERA this season splitting time between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha.

You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.