Do the Royals have any untouchables?

While a majority of teams around baseball are pondering moves to bolster their rosters for a playoff push, the Royals will busy themselves with building for next year.

With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, there is no shortage of trade rumors out there, particularly surrounding the Royals as this bunch of links shows.

The Royals are said to be interested in a pair of Cubs pitchers: Matt Garza and Paul Maholm.

You’d have to imagine that general manager Dayton Moore is fielding more than a few offers. As was mentioned previously, the Pirates called about designated hitter/first baseman Billy Butler.

Closer Jonathan Broxton would seem to be on a few team’s list. And at least one writer thinks the Yankees will take a look at left fielder Alex Gordon.

There are two reasons why it’s hard to imagine Moore would deal Gordon. First, Gordon is having another solid year, hitting .292 with a team-high 31 doubles and 49 walks. Second, there is no concern about free agency, because he is signed through 2015 with a player option for 2016.

But who knows? There always seems to be at least one curveball thrown at the trade deadline.

Are there any Royals players you wouldn’t want to part with? Vote in our poll.

| Pete Grathoff, pgrathoff@kcstar.com