MLB rumors: Royals’ most likely trade candidate could help outfield-hungry teams

The Kansas City Royals are expected to sell ahead of the MLB trade deadline. While the Royals are not looking to move players with multiple years of team control remaining, there will still be a number of trade candidates on the roster. Outfielder Lane Thomas is reportedly the team’s “most likely” trade candidate, according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic. Stark mentioned the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees among the potential suitors for the outfielder.

Thomas has endured a down season overall. The 30-year-old is currently hitting just .229/.323/.393 across 95 games played with Kansas City. Nevertheless, he is a veteran who could provide outfield-hungry teams with a right-handed bat. He is capable of playing any position in the outfield as well.

The Royals have endured a difficult season. They wanted to compete heading into the ’26 campaign. While underperformance has been an issue, injuries have impacted them as well. Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino are among the injured Royals at the moment.

Between the injuries and the underperformance, the Royals are just 46-64 so far this season. They are in last place in the American League Central standings. The American League is weak overall this year, so the Royals are one of the few teams that is not buying ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

It seems as if they believe they can bounce back and compete next year, which is why they are not making more players available for potential trades. Thomas is probably going to be moved barring unforeseen circumstances, however.

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