Royals rumored to have interesting Michael Wacha trade deadline plan

May 9, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Royals are having a disastrous 2026 season, and this team will be a seller at the MLB trade deadline on August 3.

But who exactly the Royals will trade away is a bit of an unknown. Michael Wacha is their top trade chip, but he's under club control for a few more seasons, and there's little reason to deal him. But what is their actual plan with Wacha at the deadline?

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Royals currently have "no intention" of trading Wacha. But their plan with the right-hander is a bit more complicated than that, as they're still listening to offers.

Royals have 'no intention' of trading Michael Wacha, but will listen to offers

"The Royals will listen but have no intention of trading Michael Wacha, who not only made the All-Star team for the first time in 11 years but is considered an invaluable clubhouse leader," Nightengale writes.

Wacha is under club control through the 2028 season and doesn't have to be traded this summer for the Royals. The 35-year-old right-hander is likely to stay in Kansas City through the 2026 season at least.

But that doesn't mean the Royals won't be picking up the phone this summer for teams showing interest in the right-hander. Teams can make offers to the Royals for Wacha.

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It will take a ton of capital for the Royals to trade Wacha, as the $51 million pitcher under control through 2028 has a 3.77 ERA in 19 starts this season, and is an All-Star for just the second time in his 14-year MLB career.

This plan for the Royals makes a lot of sense. While they currently have no plans to trade Wacha, if a desperate team, like the Chicago Cubs or Atlanta Braves, comes and makes an offer that's hard to refuse, they should actually consider such a deal.

This deadline plan for Kansas City is a great one. It's the best of both worlds, as they're going to field offers for Wacha without feeling pressure to move him this summer.

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