Execs expect Danny Duffy to be traded this month, according to Joel Sherman

The trade deadline is just over two weeks away, and with the Royals in complete freefall, they are likely to be sellers at the deadline. They don’t have too many attractive players others teams would want that the Royals would actually be willing to part with, but one name that could garner interest is left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy.

Duffy has stated his desire to stay with the Royals, and now that he has ten years of service time, he can veto any trade. But according to New York Post reporter Joel Sherman, executives expect the 32-year old lefty to be traded this month.

One player that executives view as likely to be traded in the next few weeks is Royals lefty Danny Duffy — as long as he is healthy. Duffy missed more than a month from May into June with a forearm strain. He has returned to make four short starts and one relief appearance.

There are two hurdles, beyond health, the could affect moving Duffy: He is still owed roughly $7 million of the $15.5 million he is due in the final season of his five-year, $65 million pact. He also exceeded 10 years of service time this season and gained 10-and-5 rights, which allows him to block any deal.

Sherman also notes that if Duffy is traded, he is said to prefer a return home to his native California, which could put the Athletics, Giants, Dodgers, and Padres in play.

Health will be the biggest question, as Duffy will need to prove he can stay on the field for a pennant run. With some time off for the All-Star break, he may be ready to start going deeper in games. Duffy has gotten off to a great start this year despite his injury, posting a 2.53 ERA with 62 strikeouts and 21 walks in 57 innings.

How the Royals handle the remainder of his salary will also be an interesting test for the new ownership group led by John Sherman. Under the Glass family, the Royals were typically unwilling to eat any money on a deal to improve the return. If the new ownership group can be more financially flexible, the Royals may be able to net a better prospect haul, particularly if cost-conscious clubs like the Athletics are involved.

There is also the matter of how Dayton Moore will approach the trade deadline. Expectations rose when the club got off to a hot start in April, and there has been talk about how the club wants to win ballgames now. That may be seen as incompatible with trading veterans away at the trade deadline. Will Dayton Moore make a move for the long-term, or will he try to keep the team together in an attempt to finish this season strong?