The Phillies are among the most serious suitors for Carlos Beltran, as our Ken Rosenthal reported Tuesday.

They are also among the most serious suitors for Carlos Beltran Lite.

Philadelphia officials have spoken with the Royals about acquiring Melky Cabrera, a fellow switch-hitting outfielder whose 2011 numbers aren’t too far behind Beltran’s. Cabrera entered Wednesday with a .793 OPS, compared to .911 for Beltran.

The conversations between the Phillies and Royals are serious enough that names have been exchanged, according to a major-league source, but no deal for Cabrera was close as of early Wednesday evening.

The Royals have two veteran outfielders garnering interest leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline: Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur. It’s doubtful that Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore will move both Cabrera and Francoeur, since doing so would leave too many openings in next year’s outfield. But either one could be dealt if Moore is offered a compelling prospect package.

Cabrera, in particular, has a favorable contract. He is under club control for next season and will receive a raise on this year’s $1.25 million salary.

The Royals have already made one trade this week, shipping infielder Wilson Betemit to Detroit for two minor leaguers, left-hander Antonio Cruz and catcher Julio Rodriguez.

-- Jon Paul Morosi