Report: Phillies, Royals have discussed A.J. Burnett trade

Though a deal is not close, the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies have discussed an A.J. Burnett trade, Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports. The

Though a deal is not close, the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies have discussed an A.J. Burnett trade, Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports.

The 37-year-old is 6-10 with a 4.15 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 149.2 innings this season for the Phillies.

The Royals are one of nine teams (along with the Orioles, Red Sox, Reds, Mets, Yankees, Pirates, Cardinals, and Nationals) that are not part of Burnett's no-trade clause.

More: Report: Philadelphia Phillies asking for big return for Marlon Byrd

Burnett's current contract runs through the 2014 season, but he does have a mutual/player option for 2015 tied to his contract.

Burnett has a $15 million mutual option for 2015, but has repeatedly said he doesn't want to be far from his home in Maryland.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 31, 2014

Burnett's deal is convoluted. He is making $7.5 million in salary in 2014. If he makes 32 starts, he has a $12.75 player option for 2015.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 31, 2014

The Royals do not want to take on salary, but the $2.5 million in '14 doesn't look like much of a stumbling block. The '15 option does.

— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 31, 2014

Rosenthal also notes that Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland worked with Burnett during the pair's time with the New York Yankees.

The Royals are 54-52, five games back of the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers. The team is also 3.5 games out of the second American League wild card spot.

More: A guide to today's trade deadline

- Sarah Barshop