The Royals sought to acquire All-Star second baseman Luis Castillo before Florida traded him Friday to Minnesota, but they backed off when the Marlins demanded either relievers Ambiorix Burgos or Andrew Sisco in return.
The Marlins rejected offers of relievers Jeremy Affeldt or Mike MacDougal for Castillo before shipping him to the Twins for minor-league pitchers Travis Bowyer and Scott Tyler.
Castillo, 30, batted .301 last season and has a .293 average in his 10-year career. He is under contract next season for $5 million, with the Twins now holding a club option for 2007 at $5.75 million with a $500,000 buyout. He is also still owed $2 million in a signing bonus.