Royals Rumors: Dayton Moore Says KC Not Close To Trade Deal

The Royals are not closing in on a trade deal, despite the flurry of rumors surrounding them at the Winter Meetings according to general manager Dayton Moore.

The Kansas City Royals aren’t getting enough in return so far from the teams they’ve talked to in Washingon D.C.:

Moore, however, suggested that a deal could come together over the next couple of days before the Winter Meetings end December 8:

To me, this sounds like Moore is trying to spur his suitors into throwing more goodies into the pot. Why else would he make such a public comment? The KC Royals are a tight-lipped organization. Moore is the kind of guy that doesn’t want anyone in the front office giving up information unless it suits his purpose.

As of Tuesday evening, the Kansas City Royals are rumored to have been discussing possible deals with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

More from Kings of Kauffman

• KC Royals Rumors: Is a monster move in the cards?
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update

Los Angeles Dodgers Are Likely Trade Partner

Of these five teams, the most likely trade partner seems to be the Los Angeles Dodgers, who must get under the luxury tax cap or else face penalties that could reach 92% under the new collective bargaining agreement. The Dodgers want to add a reliever with Kenley Jansen and Joe Blanton poised to score large deals in free-agency. Wade Davis would be a cost-controlled alternative.

Former Kansas City Star writer Andy McCullough, who now works for the Los Angeles Times covering the Dodgers, tweets that the Dodgers match up well with the Royals:

The Dodgers system is rich in major-league ready assets that would interest the Kansas City Royals. These include out-of-favor outfielder Yasiel Puig, and prospects like starting pitcher Jose De Leon, C/2B/3B Austin Barnes, and reliever Brock Stewart.

Next: MLB Rumors; Cubs Believe They Will Sign Greg Holland

Keep your ears open, KC Royals fans. Dayton Moore and his front office team clearly want to make at least one trade. They’re just not getting the price they want.