Three potential trade candidates for the Kansas City Royals

A season that began with promise has turned into another year of mediocrity for the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals enter Friday with a 38-43 record, fourth in the AL Central. An anemic offense has been their downfall as the Royals rank last in the majors with 263 runs scored. As such, instead of loading up for another playoff run, the Royals may find themselves looking toward next year.

The Royals have several players who could make an impact on a contending team. Let's take a look at three players who could be on the move by the July 31 trade deadline.

Starting pitcher Seth Lugo

Lugo had been a solid pitcher who showed flashes of brilliance when he signed a two-year, $30 million contract with a player option for 2026 during the 2023-24 offseason. He dominated in his first season in Kansas City, posting a 3.00 ERA and a 1.089 WHIP in his 206.2 innings, making his first All-Star Game while finishing second in the AL Cy Young vote. Lugo has been even better this season as he has a 2.93 ERA and a 1.048 WHIP in 83 innings entering Friday, with 68 strikeouts and 23 walks.

Lugo may be the best pitcher available ahead of the trade deadline, a top-of-the-rotation arm who could be a difference-maker in a playoff push. There is the risk that Lugo will decline the player option and re-enter free agency, but the potential payoff in October would be worth the gamble.

Relief pitcher Carlos Estevez

After missing out on potential impact bats, the Royals shifted their attention to the bullpen. Their desire to improve their relief corps resulted in the Royals unexpectedly signing Estevez to a two-year, $22.2 million contract with a $13 million team option for 2027. He has been well worth that deal, notching a major league leading 22 saves while posting a 2.08 ERA and a 1.067 WHIP in his 34.2 innings.

Proven closers are always valuable at the trade deadline. As Estevez has the potential for two more years of team control, he would be a longer-term option in the back of a contender's bullpen. As the Royals have another potential closer in Lucas Erceg, trading Estevez for help in the lineup may not haunt them in 2026.

Second baseman/left fielder Jonathan India

India was acquired in the offseason to be the catalyst for the Royals lineup, theoretically slotting atop the lineup and getting on base ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. Instead, India has struggled, posting a .239/.315/.336 batting line with four homers and 15 doubles in his 314 plate appearances — easily the worst performance of his career.

It is possible that India needs a change of scenery. He has a .235/.329/.311 slash line in 152 plate appearances at Kauffman Stadium entering Friday. A move to a more neutral ballpark could lead to India returning to his normal production. He also has another year of team control, allowing an acquiring club to keep India in 2026 should he return to form.