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 prime 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 quite 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 principally concentrated in a pair of mid-level rotation investments (Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha). They’ve already made a major dedication to deliver 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 primarily the place they opened this previous season. It’s truthful to presume they’re keen to extend spending on the heels of a stunning playoff berth, however including an influence bat in free company would require a major payroll bounce.
The Royals may definitely 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 workforce’s .306 on-base share, however he’s not going to offer a lot of an influence menace.
India, Witt, Perez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino comprise a powerful prime half of the lineup. There’s work to be achieved within the backside a part of the order. Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel undertaking to play key roles regardless of subpar offensive seasons. The outfield has been a longstanding situation and stays a priority. Kansas Metropolis may 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 below contract for one more three years and remains to be owed almost $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 below arbitration management for one more two seasons and projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for an $8.1MM wage. Arizona may nonetheless transfer Eugenio Suárez after exercising a $15MM membership choice.
Within the outfield, the Cubs would in all probability welcome the chance to shed the $50MM remaining on Cody Bellinger’s contract, however the Royals are unlikely to imagine an enormous portion of subsequent yr’s $27.5MM wage. Kansas Metropolis has reportedly proven curiosity in Angels left fielder Taylor Ward, who’s below 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 may deal Mike Yastrzemski, who’ll make $9.25MM in his ultimate yr of workforce management. Cleveland may transfer Lane Thomas however is unlikely to commerce him to a direct AL Central competitor. The White Sox are open to provides on anybody, together with middle 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.
