ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants worked early Friday to complete a trade that would send outfielder Jose Guillen to the Bay Area team, a source close to the deal said.
Upon completion of the trade, Guillen was expected to fly from Miami to San Francisco in time to debut in the series that begins Friday between the Giants and San Diego Padres. The Giants began the weekend 2½ games behind the Padres, who lead the NL West.
Guillen was designated for assignment last Thursday by the Royals. The club had until Saturday to trade, release or reinstate the most expensive player on its roster.
Guillen was hitting .255 with 16 homers and 62 RBIs as a designated hitter this season. With San Francisco, he would play right field.
Guillen is in the final season of a $36 million, three-year deal with Kansas City.