The August 1 trade deadline has passed with the Royals making no significant trades other than acquiring Billy Burns from Oakland over the weekend for outfielder Brett Eibner. The Royals had attracted attention for Wade Davis, but the closer went on the disabled list last week, ending any trade talks. Reliever Luke Hochevar also had some interest, but he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome last week, likely ending his season.
Edinson Volquez attracted some tepid interest in a weak starting pitching market, but ultimately the Royals were not able to move him. Volquez holds a $10 million mutual option for 2017 that he will likely decline, to test free agency.