What’s next for the KC Royals following the Brady Singer-Jonathan India trade?
The Kansas City Royals made an early offseason splash with the acquisition of second baseman Jonathan India.
India, 27, will serve as the Royals’ leadoff hitter next season. He posted a .248 batting average with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs with the Cincinnati Reds in 2024.
The Royals were intrigued by India’s ability to get on base. He registered a .357 on-base percentage and 28 doubles in 151 games. India arrives alongside outfielder Joey Wiemer in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brady Singer.
In recent weeks, the Royals have addressed two significant needs on their offseason checklist. KC also re-signed veteran starter Michael Wacha to a three-year contract earlier this month.
So what’s next for the Royals? Here is a look at potential avenues the Royals could explore heading into the Winter Meetings.
More offensive help
The Royals still want to add to their lineup.
Last season, KC relied heavily on Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to pilot the offense. The trio accounted for 78 home runs and 310 RBIs to propel the Royals back to the playoffs.
However, several Royals struggled offensively last season. Outfielders MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel and Hunter Renfroe were inconsistent at the plate. Meanwhile, infielders Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia were productive in spurts.
“I think we’ve still got to be on the lookout for something that continues to lengthen our lineup out,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “If we are able to get something that helps out the middle of the lineup, we’d be really happy.”
KC is expected to search the free-agent market. The Royals reportedly gauged interest on superstar Juan Soto after his 2024 campaign. Other available hitters include Tyler O’Neill, Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar, among others.
The Royals would like to add an outfielder. O’Neill hit .241 with 31 home runs and 61 RBIs last season with the Boston Red Sox. Injuries limited O’Neill to 113 games, but he has shown good power numbers when healthy.
O’Neill is also a two-time Gold Glove winner. He can play all three outfield positions and offers added versatility that the Royals value.
Santander and Profar offer similar production. Both were first-time All-Stars and could receive heavy interest in free agency.
If the Royals remain in the trade market, the club was reportedly linked to Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward. However, it’s possible those needs change following the India trade.
The Royals might also decide to bring back a few veterans. Tommy Pham played well after arriving in an August trade. He recorded 23 hits in 104 at-bats and had a key postseason role with the club.
Pham added veteran leadership down the stretch and the Royals valued his proven bat in the lineup.
A veteran starter
The Royals could find themselves in need of another veteran starter. Singer was projected to be the No. 4 starter in the 2025 rotation.
Now, KC will need to fill that role. It’s possible the Royals decide to look at internal options that include Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch IV, Kris Bubic and a returning Kyle Wright.
Marsh was named the fifth starter in spring training. However, he posted a 4.53 ERA in 25 starts and was relegated to the bullpen. Lynch and Bubic also carved out key bullpen roles that continued into the playoffs.
Wright is returning from a right shoulder injury and hasn’t pitched since 2023. The Royals will likely bring him along slowly this spring.
“There is going to be some kind of competition,” Picollo said. “The comfort we have right now is that Bubic and Lynch have both thrown very well for us out of the bullpen, so that’s an option for us. But it’s something we will let play out over time.”
There are multiple starters available in free agency. However, the Royals might decide to spend less to add a veteran option to the mix.
One player that could fit is Michael Lorenzen. The Royals liked his ability to pitch as both a starter and a reliever. He posted a 1.57 ERA in 28 ⅔ innings and could be available on a short-term deal if interested.
More bench help
The Royals will need to round out their bench. The club will return speedster Dairon Blanco and backup catcher Freddy Fermin as reserve mainstays. Wiemer also has a chance to stick as the fourth outfielder and has club options remaining.
Look for the Royals to find versatile players in free agency. The club utilized Garrett Hampson and Adam Frazier in different roles last season.
KC does have some internal options. In Triple-A, the Royals have prospects Drew Waters, Nick Pratto, Nelson Velazquez, Tyler Gentry and Nick Loftin, who are all on the 40-man roster. Each has some MLB experience and could be given an opportunity to earn a roster spot.
“We haven’t even gotten to the Winter Meetings yet,” Picollo said. “So there are going to be things that develop and we are just going to keep being creative and open-minded and evaluate whatever may come our way.”
Bullpen arms
The Royals like how their bullpen came together last season. Lucas Erceg emerged in the closer role after being acquired from the Oakland Athletics.
Erceg is entrenched as the closer for 2025. The Royals are hopeful that setup man Hunter Harvey will return to form after an injury-filled campaign. Harvey will pair with right-hander John Schreiber to bridge the gap to Erceg.
Still, the Royals could decide to add a reliever or two. This will likely hinge on whether Lynch or Bubic is inserted back into the starting rotation next season.
