MLB trade rumors: Royals, Blue Jays discussing Francisco Liriano trade

The Blue Jays and Royals are “in talks” about a deal that would send lefty Francisco Liriano to Kansas City, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Kansas City is looking far and wide for pitching help, even after acquiring Trevor Cahill, Brandon Maurer and Ryan Buchter from San Diego on Monday. The Royals have also shown interest in Jays’ starter Marco Estrada, according to a major-league source.

Liriano, 33, has struggled to a 5.99 ERA and 4.90 FIP in 76.2 innings for Toronto this year after being acquired from Pittsburgh in a deadline deal a year ago. He is in the final year of a three-year, $39 million contract and will hit free agency after the season.

If the Royals were to acquire Liriano, they’d likely have to take on some money and maybe give up a low-level prospect. His value obviously isn’t high at this point, though the market for rental starters is weak with Cahill and new Twin Jaime Garcia off the board.