[WhawhaWhat]

From Ken Rosenthal in the Athletic:

The Royals have been surprisingly aggressive in trying to add starting pitching, according to league sources briefed on their pursuits. Ideally, the team would like to add two starters to go with lefty Cole Ragans and righty Brady Singer, as well as a hitter and bullpen help.

At least one significant piece is likely to come through a trade, and the Royals are among the clubs talking to the Marlins and Mariners about their starters. Designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino and third baseman Maikel Garcia likely will remain part of the Royals’ future along with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. But outfielder MJ Melendez, second baseman Michael Massey and catcher Freddy Fermin are among the players the Royals could move, and rival clubs also are interested in their minor-league pitching.

As for free agents, the Royals made an offer to Gray, who signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Cardinals, and they also were in on righty Erick Fedde, who went to the White Sox on a two-year, $15 million deal. They likely will be active on the tier below the front-line starters, exploring pitchers such as Wacha, Lucas Giolito, Marcus Stroman and Seth Lugo. But the two-year, $26 million contract the Reds awarded Martinez elevated the market for those starters, several of whom are more accomplished. Which might require the Royals to make an uncomfortable trade.