The Royals have traded for A's infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist, who had previously been among the Pirates' reported targets. The key part of the Athletics' haul is lefty Sean Manaea, a highly regarded first-round pick from last year who's struggled with injuries. 25-year-old Aaron Brooks, a righty control pitcher who's had some success in Triple-A, is also headed west.
Manaea in particular is a lot to give up for a rental, although Zobrist has had two straight good months and has obvious utility for the Royals, who have Alex Gordon on the disabled list and who haven't gotten much out of second baseman Omar Infante.