Royals rumors: Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Wil Myers

Even after acquiring right-hander Ervin Santana from the Los Angeles Angels, the Kansas City Royals are continuing to seek pitching and are willing to listen to trade offers for first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas, outfielders Alex Gordon and Wil Myers and designated hitter Billy Butler, reports Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald:

The Royals need pitching and are listening on first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas, outfielder Alex Gordon, DH Billy Butler and even outfield prospect Wil Myers.

While the Royals’ offense ranked around league average last season, their pitchers were close to the bottom of the majors in multiple categories. Kansas City pitchers ranked 23^rd in ERA (4.30), 28^th in quality starts and 27^th in WHIP (1.41).

Jeremy Guthrie was a bright spot for the Royals after he was acquired from the Colorado Rockies over the summer. Unfortunately for Kansas City, Guthrie is a free agent and it’s not clear if he’ll be re-signed.

In addition to searching for rotation help via the free agent market, the Royals could also look to swap some of their young bats for talented arms. Silverman mentions that the Tampa Bay Rays, a team in need of offense, could be a match.