The new year seems to have brought renewed activty by a dormant Royals front office. Having already acquired outfielder Peter O’Brien and pitcher Nate Karns this week, they have also been the subject of a few rumors including reports linking them to designated hitter Pedro Alvarez and free agent starting pitching. The Royals have been rumored to be looking for a utility infielder, perhaps as insurance in case Whit Merrifield struggles at second base next season and the Cheslor Cuthbert conversion to second base experiment doesn’t take. According to Boston Globe writer Nick Cafardo, the Royals are interested in veteran infielder Aaron Hill.