Royals rumors: Brett Myers, Kevin Correia, Jair Jurrjens

The Kansas City Royals are exploring a group of free agent starting pitchers that includes Brett Myers, Kevin Correia and Jair Jurrjens, reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

These targets would appear to be lesser names than the front-of-the-rotation starter the team was reportedly targeting. Kansas City had been rumored to be pursuing a pitcher they could consider a No. 1, and they were tied to several of the market’s top free agents, including Anibal Sanchez.

However, it was reported by Bob Dutton of The Kansas City Star today that Royals are actually currently over the all-encompassing $70 million owner David Glass revealed would be budgeted for the club’s 2013 payroll. This amount would include the team’s 40-man roster as well as signing bonus limits for the draft and international spending.

As a result of the announcement, general manager Dayton Moore believes any further acquisitions will "likely require corresponding cuts," according to Dutton.

It makes sense then that the Royals have shifted their aim from Sanchez to pitchers such as Myers, Correia and Jurrjens. Myers was a reliever last season that is looking for another opportunity to start. Jurrjens was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves this offseason. Correia posted an ERA of 4.49 over his past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.