The Kansas City Royals have been slumping as of late by losing seven of their last eight games. However, Chris Castillo of SB Nation reports that The Royals are likely to be buyers at the trade deadline. The Royals are 45-47 and three games back in the wild card standings. The Royals could sell some of their major pieces as Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, and Jason Vargas are set to be free agents at the end of this year.
The Royals apparently want to give this core one last go about at competing for a title. This team won a World Series title in 2015 but missed out on the playoffs last year. The team has been linked to Sonny Gray, but Castillo reports that the Royals are now linked to Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada.
Estrada on the market
Ken Rosenthal confirmed that the Royals are looking for pitching. Estrada has had a down year this season with a 5.33 earned run average but could flourish from a change of scenery from the last place Blue Jays. The Royals are familiar with Estrada as they faced him in the 2015 championship series.
Estrada is 34 years old and a free agent at the end of the season. Given his struggles, it's likely that he will not cost a high package in return. Estrada was durable the last two seasons, and the Royals could potentially turn him around.
Royals out as Gray suitor
Gray is going to cost too much, and it looks like the Astros, Brewers, and Cubs are leading the chase for the Oakland A's ace. The Royals aren't going to be able to afford the price for Gray the way he has been pitching. A middle tier starter is going to be in the price range for Kansas City.
Right decision or not
The Royals brass believe that they can make a postseason run with their core in tact. It's unlikely that the Royals are going to re-sign all four of their best free agents this winter.
If the Royals are close to making a bid for the playoffs, then anything can happen once they get in. The question is if the Royals should go for it or not.
The White Sox were in this position two years ago. They could have traded Jeff Samardzija for prospects as he was entering free agency. However, the team didn't make a trade, and they missed the playoffs. After a miserable season a year ago, the White Sox decided to complete a full rebuild.
The Royals have a chance to help their future if they don't believe they can re-sign everyone. Moustakas could bring back a decent haul, as well as Vargas. The Royals are below .500, so if the team was going to complete a turnaround, then they need to show it in the next week.