The Royals already made one transfer to enhance the offense, buying Jonathan India from the Reds two weeks in the past. India will hit on the high of the lineup. Kansas Metropolis can also be on the hunt for a middle-of-the-order bat, write Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.
As with India, it appears a possible acquisition will come by way of commerce. The Athletic writes that the Royals are likelier to accumulate that middle-of-the-order goal on the commerce market slightly than a free agent splash. That’s not stunning for a small-market franchise.
Kansas Metropolis did spend over $100MM in free company final offseason, although that was largely concentrated in a pair of mid-level rotation investments (Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha). They’ve already made a big dedication to carry Wacha again on a three-year, $51MM deal after he opted out of his prior contract. RosterResource calculates the Royals’ 2025 payroll commitments round $116MM, together with projected salaries for arbitration-eligible gamers. That’s basically the place they opened this previous season. It’s truthful to presume they’re prepared to extend spending on the heels of a stunning playoff berth, however including an affect bat in free company would require a big payroll leap.
The Royals might actually use one other bat. Kansas Metropolis had a middle-of-the-pack offense regardless of an MVP-caliber season from Bobby Witt Jr. and a incredible yr from Salvador Perez. The Royals completed thirteenth within the majors in scoring. They positioned between tenth and nineteenth in all three slash stats. Buying India ought to enhance the crew’s .306 on-base share, however he’s unlikely to supply a lot of an influence menace.
India, Witt, Perez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino comprise a robust high half of the lineup. There’s work to be carried out within the backside a part of the order. Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel challenge to play key roles regardless of subpar offensive seasons. The outfield has been a longstanding concern and stays a priority. Kansas Metropolis might additionally improve at third base whereas pushing Garcia right into a utility position.
Nolan Arenado headlines the commerce market at third base, however he’s underneath contract for an additional three years and continues to be owed practically $70MM (not together with the cash the Rockies are paying as a situation of his commerce to the Cardinals). Arenado additionally has full no-trade rights. Alec Bohm has come up in commerce rumors because the Phillies search for methods to regulate their lineup. He’s underneath arbitration management for an additional two seasons and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for an $8.1MM wage. Arizona might nonetheless transfer Eugenio Suárez after exercising a $15MM membership possibility.
Within the outfield, the Cubs would most likely welcome the chance to shed the $50MM remaining on Cody Bellinger’s contract, however the Royals are unlikely to imagine a giant portion of subsequent yr’s $27.5MM wage. Kansas Metropolis has reportedly proven curiosity in Angels left fielder Taylor Ward, who’s underneath management for 2 extra seasons and projected for a $9.2MM wage. The Halos are unlikely to maneuver him except they get MLB expertise in return.
The Giants might deal Mike Yastrzemski, who’ll make $9.25MM in his last yr of crew management. Cleveland might transfer Lane Thomas however is unlikely to commerce him to a direct AL Central competitor. The White Sox are open to presents on anybody, together with heart fielder Luis Robert Jr. But as MLBTR’s Steve Adams explored final week, a deadline commerce involving Robert appears likelier than promoting low this offseason.
