This thread has kind of expanded into something more like "Who will the Royals trade, and when, and for how much?" And I think that's close enough to the original intent. They are nowhere near contending this year or probably for 3 years. They have at least 4-6 players who are old enough not to be needed by a rebuilding team but also performing well enough to be on the roster of a contender. The players know this, the fans know this, and of course all the GM's know this. If I'm the Royals GM I'd be saying, "We're open for business. Let the bidding begin!"