A main reason is the slow-moving nature of this year’s leadup to the trade deadline. A wealth of teams are still deciding whether their playoff potential is real. The Royals are one of six American League teams that are within 5 1/2 games of the final wild-card spot.

With only six days to go before the Major League Baseball trade deadline, there's one key question the Kansas City Royals are facing. Is Seth Lugo staying or go

The Kansas City Royals have had their eyes on Jarren Duran at the MLB trade deadline, and Seth Lugo or Lucas Erceg could be their ticket.

The Royals are making it clear to clubs that any deal for pitcher Seth Lugo would require controllable outfield help in return.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/royals as $7 Million Royals Ex-All-Star Listed As Top Rental Trade Piece. The Kansas City Royals are likely to be sellers this year at the trade deadline. Last year, they won 86 games and secured a Wild Card spot before bowing out in the American League Division Series.

If the Chicago Cubs make the postseason, adding another quality starter who can slot into a playoff series would make them a serious World Series threat.