Zack Greinke Rumors: Royals Not Expected to Trade Star SP Ahead of 2023 MLB Deadline

In the midst of a disappointing season, the Kansas City Royals are expected to be sellers at the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline. However, they're reportedly unlikely to move one of their veteran players.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, starting pitcher Zack Greinke "is expected to stay with the Royals."

Greinke has struggled mightily this season with a 1-10 record, a 5.40 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP across 19 starts. It's the second time in his career that he's had an ERA over 5.00, the last time coming in his second year in the majors in 2005 when he finished with a 5.80 in 33 starts.

The 39-year-old is in his second season back in Kansas City, where he spent the first seven years of his major-league career. A six-time All-Star, he's also taken the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros.

At 29-73, the Royals have the second-worst record in the majors ahead of only the Oakland Athletics (28-74). Passan listed multiple relievers as Kansas City's top trade candidates:

"Scott Barlow of the Kansas City Royals would be a name add for a contender in need of bullpen help. Barlow has lost nearly 3 mph off his peak fastball velocity and now relies more on his slider than his heater. His stock has plummeted to the point where a number of teams would rather have flamethrowing right-hander Carlos Hernández if Kansas City does deal from its bullpen. Free agent-to-be Brad Keller -- out since May and now on a rehab assignment -- could move as well."

Greinke is scheduled to start for the Royals when they face the Cleveland Guardians (49-51) in the second matchup of their three-game series on Tuesday.