Trade rumors surround these Kansas City Royals players. Here’s how they’re handling it

Kansas City Royals infielder Nicky Lopez has seen the headlines. The rising tide of the MLB trade deadline is nearly impossible to ignore.

In recent years, he has tried to block out the warning signs. As the trade winds swirl around his playing future, the ability to do so has become increasingly tough.

“This one is going to be interesting,” Lopez said. “With the older you get, and the further along in your career, there are obviously business decisions that need to be made.

“We will see what happens. I like being here and I like helping the team win any way I can each and every day.”

The Royals value Lopez’s defensive versatility. He can play multiple infield spots and recently drew starts in the outfield.

However, Lopez could become a hot commodity. His steady glove is appealing to MLB contenders looking to make a World Series run. The Royals are not in a position to contend and are looking to provide opportunities to younger players.

As a result, Lopez could fetch an intriguing prospect. He is hitting .212 with 31 hits and 12 RBIs while currently making $3.7 million this season.

Royals closer Scott Barlow is also in a similar situation. Barlow owns a 4.89 ERA in 35 innings pitched. He has recorded 11 saves out of the Royals bullpen this season.

Both veterans are prime candidates to wind up on other teams before the August 1 trade deadline.

“I don’t look anything into it just because it’s so out of my control,” Barlow said. “There is no use to look into any articles or things like that.”

The trade deadline is a stressful time for multiple players. There is a lot of uncertainty with teams discussing potential moves. Lopez has leaned on veteran teammates as he tries to wrap his mind around the process.

Royals infielder Matt Duffy has been a strong confidant. Duffy has experienced both sides of the trade deadline. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. Two years ago, Duffy was a part of the Chicago Cubs fire sale.

“Some of these guys will experience getting traded for the first time and that’s kind of a shock,” Duffy said.

Duffy remembers shedding tears after getting traded from the San Francisco Giants. He was departing from the organization that drafted him. The process taught him to worry about controllable things on the field.

“Your job is the same regardless of where you are,” Duffy said. “I think that the challenge is to be where you are. It’s so cliche but that’s the only thing you can control.”

The Royals have already made a significant trade. They shipped veteran Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers for two players.

Cole Ragans was one of the acquired players in the deal. He made his Royals debut last week against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ragans represents what the Royals are looking for in trades. A controllable prospect that can make a splash at the big-league level.

“The objective is to make our organization better,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “Whether it is guys that can help us in the major leagues sooner or guys that can give us depth in the minor leagues. We are open to any discussions a team may want to have.”

The Royals will do their due diligence in trade discussions. Other veterans such as Salvador Perez, Taylor Clarke and Jose Cuas have also drawn interest.

Lopez understands the business. He loves playing in Kansas City and will continue to help the Royals improve on the field.

“Kansas City has been great to me,” Lopez said. “Every time I take the field, I am 110% for Kansas City, for my teammates and for my coaches. I am going to keep doing that until they tell me either I am gone or have to suit up for someone else.”