Dotel might be the hottest trade property in baseball with so many contenders seeking to bolster their bullpen for the stretch drive. The Dodgers, Indians, Tigers, Red Sox and Braves are among those teams known to have some interest.
Teams have until 3 p.m. July 31 to make trades without sending players through waivers.
The Royals are shopping Dotel, primarily, because he can choose to become a free agent after the season. His contract has a mutual option for 2008 that allows either side to void it.
Dotel’s current contract includes $5 million in guaranteed money with bonuses for games finished that can total another $2.5 million.
Club officials are also hoping to generate interest in veteran outfielder Reggie Sanders, who returned Monday from two-plus months on the disabled list. Sanders is concluding a two-year deal that also has about $2.1 million remaining.
The Royals are dismissing, for now, a Chicago radio report alleging strong interest by the Cubs in reliever Zack Greinke. The Royals are willing to trade Greinke, but the price would be high.