Kansas City Royals rumors: Interested in Marlon Byrd trade

Not that long ago the Kansas City Royals appeared to be putting themselves in position to make a push for the postseason. It seemed certain that come the July trade deadline, the Royals would be buyers but such a sentiment is now in question after the Royals fell on hard times.

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Now 9-15 since their last series with the Detroit Tigers, the Royals sit at .500 and will likely either become buyers or sellers pending the results of their next few games. If they do become buyers, one player they’re said to have interest in is Marlon Byrd of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Byrd has drawn interest from a handful of teams including the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds with the Kansas City Royals being the newest team to supposedly show interest in the outfielder.

Philadelphia signed Byrd to a two-year, $16 million dollar deal this past offseason so he’s not exactly an albatross of a contract though with a payroll like Kansas City’s, you can see why they’d balk at acquiring him if they don’t feel they can make a second half run.

Marlon Byrd’s deal also includes a 2016 option which will vest if he achieves 600 plate appearances in 2015 or 1100 combined in both 2014 and 15.

There’s no doubt that Marlon Byrd would be a fine addition to the Kansas City Royals lineup but given the uncertainty surrounding the franchise currently, it’s not known how aggressive the front office will be in their efforts to acquire the veteran.

Philadelphia will have no shortage of suitors looking to trade for Byrd.