The Royals are looking for a top-of-the-rotation starter and have checked on the availability of James Shields, Jon Lester and R.A. Dickey.

Kansas City has a number of young players that would interest the Rays, Red Sox and Mets, respectively, but they aren't willing to part with young catcher Salvador Perez or top outfield prospect Wil Myers.

"Our rotation is going to better, but we're still looking for the opportunity to improve on what we've done," Dayton Moore said.

The Royals have already added Ervin Santana and Jeremy Guthrie to their rotation this winter.