MLB Trade Rumors: 3 All-Stars & Rookie of the Year Among 5 Royals Trade Candidates

The Kansas City Royals are off to a dreadful start to the 2026 campaign, a year in which they were supposed to challenge for a playoff spot. At 7-16, they sit in last place in the entire American League—yes, even worse than the Chicago White Sox.

Insider Jeff Passan suggests "the Royals could make the trade deadline a lot more interesting if they (continue to) fade out of the race and some of their players become available. "

How interesting? How about a 2025 All-Star pitcher, and two other recent All-Stars?

Passan lists the following among his Royals trade candidates:

Kris Bubic
Jonathan India
Matt Strahm
Starling Marte
Lane Thomas

Granted, not all of these players will be in huge demand, to be honest. But a couple of them would be great fits for any team's pitching staff.

Bubic was an All-Star in 2025, and could become trade candidate for KC

Bubic established himself last year as a solid starter, registering a 2.55 ERA in 20 starts with a 116:39 strikeout to walk ratio. He's having another excellent start, as one of the few bright spots for Kansas City. The 28-year-old is a pending free agent, so he would be a rental for any interested parties.

Strahm is an excellent high-leverage arm in the bullpen, but he, too, is a free agent at season's end. He would be a strong addition to the late-innings mix for any team. He was an All-Star with the Phillies just two years ago, and had another terrific season last year there.

India was the Rookie of the Year in the National League for the Cincinnati Reds in 2021. The second baseman hasn't been able to live up to those lofty heights since then, however, and he recently lost his starting job after batting .167 to start the season and going down with a shoulder injury as well.

Marte was an All-Star with the NY Mets in 2022, but, at 37, is nearing the end of his real usefulness as a big leaguer. He's been relegated to the weak side of a platoon for KC, and is batting just .216.

Lane Thomas is also playing a short side platoon role, and is off to a very rough start for the Royals, batting just .195 with no homers and just one RBI. But he was a 28-HR hitter just three seasons ago for the Washington Nationals. He's still just 30 years old.