The Kansas City Royals will almost certainly trade their ace, but which teams around the league could be the best fits for the star?

Thirty-five-year-old former All-Star Seth Lugo would be quite possibly the best starting pitcher traded at the Jul. 31 deadline--if the Royals decide to cut bait. So with Kansas City sitting at 49-52, 4 1/2 games out of Wild Card position, is it worth sacrificing a realistic shot at the playoffs for a prospect haul?

Hence, Lugo’s name has come up in trade rumors. And his ascending value continues to skyrocket with each start. Lugo has allowed five earned runs, total, in his last six starts. He was named Royals pitcher of the month for June after posting a 1.26 ERA and a 27.4% strikeout rate.