Report: Royals trying to package Kennedy, Davis in trade

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly setting a high price for teams interested in acquiring All-Star closer Wade Davis.

Sources tell Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports the Royals are trying to include offseason pickup Ian Kennedy in any potential trade involving Davis, the affordable hard-throwing reliever whose contract includes a $10-million team option for next season.

Kennedy's first season in Kansas City has been a disaster after the veteran right-hander signed a five-year, $70-million contract over the winter. The former 20-game winner has a 4.41 ERA (5.34 FIP) over 114 1/3 innings this year, and has allowed a major-league leading 26 homers.

Though Kennedy's contract includes an opt-out after the 2017 season, it's unlikely he'll walk away from the $49 million owed during the 2018-20 seasons given his performance thus far.

The trade market for premium relievers has intensified over the last week, particularly after the Yankees acquired the Cubs' top prospect and three other players in exchange for free-agent-to-be Aroldis Chapman on Monday. In recent days, Davis, a two-time All-Star and owner of a 1.60 ERA this season, has generated interest from several teams, including the Nationals and Dodgers.

Multiple reports indicate the Dodgers are "very interested" in adding Davis, a pitcher previously not thought to be available. According to Passan, the Royals' asking price for Davis is so high they wanted top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito from the Nationals in any trade involving their closer.

The defending champion Royals have struggled to play with consistency this season, and entered Thursday sitting 8 1/2 games behind division-leading Cleveland.