Dodgers interested in trading for Royals’ Wade Davis

Even with a solid bullpen, the Los Angeles Dodgers want to trade for Kansas City Royals’ reliever Wade Davis.

Things have not gone as expected for the Kansas City Royals this year in their attempt to defend as world champions, so it is not all that surprising that they are listening to offers for some of their players. One of them, Wade Davis, is suddenly a hot name in the trade deadline rumor mill and the Dodgers are reportedly in hot pursuit of the 30-year old right-hander, according to NESN.

Davis’ contract runs through the end of this year although there is a team option for 2017 which makes him attractive to any team that wants him. Since moving to the bullpen full-time in 2014, the former Tampa Bay Rays hurler has gone 18-3 with 41 saves including 21 so far this season. The only reason the Royals would consider letting him go would be for a package that includes some highly touted prospect as they look to get back on track next year.

Kansas City is floundering and are two games under .500 entering play on Thursday as the Indians and Tigers seem to be the class of the AL Central so far. However, being 8.5 games out in the division lead and 6.5 out of the second Wild Card, they are apparently willing to listen.

The Dodgers would make an interesting trade partner because they may be in the best position to go after Davis with enough assets to get the Royals attention. And there is one other factor. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman knows Davis well because of his time with the Rays and traded him along with James Shields in a blockbuster deal to get Wil Myers and pitcher Jake Odorizzi in 2012.

While the price may be high, Los Angeles has four prospects in the Top 100 in the MLB Pipeline including No. 6 Julio Urias who made his major league debut this season. The 19-year old lefty was signed as an amateur free agent in 2012 and has made great strides since joining the Dodgers organization.