Royals rumors: James Shields, Jon Lester, R.A. Dickey

The Kansas City Royals are attempting to trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter and have checked in on Boston Red Sox right-hander Jon Lester, Tampa Bay Rays righty James Shields and New York Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

The Royals, who are searching for a top-of-the-rotation starter and have checked in on Jon Lester and James Shields, talked to the Mets about R.A. Dickey as well.

Heyman adds that while the Royals would be willing to trade young players in exchange for a frontline starting pitcher, Kansas City "has no interest" in dealing catcher Salvador Perez and "isn’t looking to trade" top outfield prospect Wil Myers.

Kansas City is looking for an ace to add to the top of their rotation after re-signing free agent Jeremy Guthrie and acquiring right-hander Ervin Santana from the Los Angeles Angels.

The Royals certainly have the prospects to "dangle," as Heyman puts it, and general manager Dayton Moore has said that the team’s rotation will be better at this point, but he’s still "looking for the opportunity to improve" on the moves that have already been made.