Report: Royals have had discussions regarding Phillies' Howard

The Philadelphia Phillies may have a potential taker for first baseman Ryan Howard.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Kansas City Royals have internally discussed acquiring the soon-to-be 35-year-old, provided the Phillies are willing to eat the bulk of his remaining $60-million contract. 

Philadelphia is preparing to enter rebuild mode this offseason, and it's been reported that the team is willing to take a hit in order to trade Howard. 

The left-handed hitting Howard could fill the void left by designated hitter Billy Butler, who became a free agent once the Royals opted to not pick up his $12.5-million option. 

Following two injury-plagued seasons, Howard appeared in 153 games in 2014, hitting .223/.310/.380 with 23 home runs, 95 RBIs and 190 strikeouts.