Three potential trade candidates for Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals had high hopes entering the season. The last 20 games may have been the death knell to their playoff aspirations.

The Royals had a 19-21 record on May 9. While that was disappointing, they were only 1.5 games behind the Guardians and had won seven of their previous nine games. Since then, the Royals have lost 16 of their last 21 games and have the second-worst record in the AL.

Another year as a seller at the trade deadline may not be entirely bad for the Royals. The farm system has some intriguing talent, but most of the top prospects are a couple of years away from contributing at the major league level. The Royals may be able to get pieces to help in the present and future. Let's take a look at three players who could be on the move.

Three potential trade candidates for the Kansas City Royals

1. Starting pitcher Kris Bubic

The biggest question surrounding Bubic is whether or not he will be healthy at the trade deadline. He is currently on the Injured List with left elbow soreness and has battled arm fatigue during his throwing program.

If healthy, Bubic would be a solid rental option as a third or fourth starter in a contending rotation. He has posted a 4.11 ERA and a 1.232 WHiP over his 50.1 innings, striking out 51 batters with 26 walks. His checkered injury history will be a factor in any return, but he could still bring back a solid prospect or two.

2. Relief pitcher John Schreiber

Relief pitchers are always in high demand at the trade deadline. While most of the attention goes to closers or high-octane setup men, teams also need to solidify that bridge to the latter innings. That is where a pitcher such as Schreiber is most valuable.

A rare reliever with a five-pitch mix, Schreiber has generated ground balls at a 46.0% rate over his career while limiting hard contact. That has been the case this season as well, as he has posted a 2.86 ERA and a 1.318 WHiP over his 22 innings, striking out 12 batters with 10 walks. He is not the type of pitcher to generate many headlines, but Schreiber could be a solid option for a team looking to improve the middle of their bullpen.

3. Starting pitcher Seth Lugo

Chances are, the Royals will not trade Lugo. However, at 36 years old, the Royals could be tempted to make him available depending on whether or not they feel they can contend in 2027. As he is under team control through 2028, he would also be a longer-term option for a contender looking to shore up their rotation, potentially bringing back an impressive return to accelerate the rebuild.

Lugo has been a solid option atop the Royals rotation, posting a 3.55 ERA and a 1.352 WHiP over his 71 innings, striking out 60 batters with 23 walks. He would be one of the better arms available, a solid option in the second tier of starters.