The trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Kansas City Royals have multiple players with high trade value that could be moved this week.

 

Relief pitcher Scott Barlow is considered the strongest trade piece for the organization, and has multiple teams inquiring about his services. Barlow is under contract through the end of next season, has pitched well against right-handed hitters this season, and has multiple years of closer experience. An advantage for the Royals is a relatively weak reliever market at this year's deadline, with Barlow one of the top arms along with Detroit's Alex Lange, and Colorado's Brent Suter.

 

An interesting development for the team is what they decide to do with reliever Carlos Hernandez. The 26-year-old is under contract until 2028 and has emerged as one of the stronger arms in the KC bullpen. There may not be a time to get higher value for Hernandez, however, and the team will have to decide whether to move him at peak value or keep him and build around his talent.

 

Teams around the league have also inquired about infielder Nicky Lopez, who is an elite level defender with versatility across the infield, as well as outfielder Edward Olivares, who is considered a great bench bat who can hit left-handed pitching and play all three outfield spots.