The Royals have had a busy week of transactions in an attempt to upgrade a roster that lost 106 games this season. They signed veteran starters Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, and relievers Chris Stratton and Will Smith, and added to the offense by signing outfielder Hunter Renfroe.
General Manager J.J. Picollo has been aggressive in upgrading a pitching staff that finished with the third-worst ERA in baseball by using free agency. But he could have gone the trade route, according to an article by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. According to his report, the Royals had discussions with the Marlins about their young starters, specifically left-hander Jesús Luzardo.