:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7889608/20120714_jla_sm8_329.jpg)
While the Royals GM Dayton Moore works the phone lines to find trades for his team, the player that may have the most value is closer Jonathan Broxton. According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Broxton is the most likely member of the Royals to be dealt sometime between now and Tuesday's July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. In return for Broxton, the Royals would like young pitcher(s) close to making an impact at the MLB level.
Jonathan Broxton remains the most likely KC player to be traded by July 31 deadline. The odds are about 60-40 he goes. #royals
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 26, 2012
#Royals want young starting pitching for Broxton. They'd like it as close to MLB-ready as possible. No interest in A-ball types.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 26, 2012
The 28-year-old Broxton has posted a career-best 2.27 ERA across 35 2/3 innings of work this season. Despite his career-best ERA, Broxton is striking out less batters than he ever has (6.3 K/9) but his walk rate (3.5 BB/9) is about what it is every season. The 6-foot-4 reliever is a free-agent at season's end.