Royals Discussing Gordon Beckham, Rickie Weeks

The Royals have apparently focused their trade talk around young second basemen with controllable years left. In addition to the rumors surrounding Howie Kendrick, Danny Knobler of CBS Sports is reporting the Royals and White Sox have discussed Gordon Beckham. Beckham would not be a free agent until after the 2015 season.

The 26 year-old infielder was originally passed by the Royals in the 2008 draft, instead selected by the White Sox 8th overall. Through his fifth season in the big leagues, Beckham is hitting .250/.314/.383. He came on strong his rookie campaign with a .270/.347/.460 season, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year balloting. But he has been a below average hitter ever since, posting sub .700 OPS seasons the last three years. He did hit a career high 16 home runs last year, and has improved this year with a .302/.333/.397 season, albeit in just 50 games due to injuries.

EDIT: Royals have asked about Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks as well.

Another second baseman the Royals have been asking around about: Rickie Weeks. As with others, deal not likely yet. http://t.co/8QNgEdlPLL

— Danny Knobler (@DannyKnoblerCBS) July 30, 2013

Weeks is 30 and is owed $23 million over the next two seasons. The former All-Star has been a huge disappointment the last two seasons and is hitting just .214/.316/.366 with 10 HR 24 RBI this year.