Picollo: Royals have no intention of trading Perez

The other scenario mentioned was trading Chapman as part of a package with another Royals player, which would help shed payroll. The Athletic reported that one club that spoke with Kansas City interpreted this scenario as an indication it wanted to move Perez.

This is highly unlikely, according to general manager J.J. Picollo, who spoke with Perez about the trade rumor.

“We don’t have any intention of trading Salvy,” Picollo said Monday afternoon. “It’s not something we’re looking to do. But it doesn’t mean that teams won’t ask about him. I will confirm the report was accurate, that the team called and asked about him. But unfortunately, it was leaked. Those conversations should remain private. In this case, it didn’t. The unfortunate thing is, he’s a player on our team, he’s trying to lead our team.

“And to deal with a trade rumor that was more inquisitive than anything, it was made out more than it should have been.”