MLB’s Winter Meetings begin Sunday. Here’s what the KC Royals hope to accomplish
It’s already been a busy offseason for the Kansas City Royals. In recent weeks, they drew headlines with a pair of acquisitions aimed at improving their 26-man roster.
The Royals re-signed veteran starting pitcher Michael Wacha to a new three-year contract. He finished 13-9 with a 3.35 ERA and returns to a key role in the starting rotation.
They also acquired infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Cincinnati Reds.
Now, the Royals head to the Winter Meetings in Dallas with hopes of further improvement. All 30 Major League Baseball teams will convene Sunday to discuss offseason proceedings and conduct the MLB Draft Lottery and Rule 5 Draft. The Winter Meetings conclude Thursday, Dec. 12.
All eyes will be on free-agent outfielder Juan Soto as he selects his next team. The former New York Yankees star is weighing his options and could announce a decision in the upcoming days. Where he lands will create a domino effect for other free agents, such as Anthony Santander and Alex Bregman.
Starting pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried could also find suitors. Teams that miss out on Soto will likely turn to other areas of need.
Last year, the Winter Meetings were relatively quiet as teams courted two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. The reigning National League MVP ultimately chose the Los Angeles Dodgers and won a World Series.
So what will the Royals do at this year’s Winter Meetings? Here’s a fresh look at their offseason checklist as they head to Dallas:
Another offensive threat
The Royals entered the offseason intent on retooling their lineup.
Last season, the club relied on Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to carry the offensive load throughout the year.
All three players delivered at least 19 home runs and 90 RBIs. However, the Royals struggled in the playoffs as opposing teams took advantage of the rest of their batting order.
The addition of India, acquired for right-handed starter Brady Singer, addresses some of those concerns. He is a legitimate leadoff hitter with a career .352 on-base percentage.
In 2024, India hit .248 with 28 doubles, 15 home runs and 58 RBIs. He also stole 13 bases in 151 games.
India is expected to have an everyday role with the Royals. They will determine his defensive position, relative to incumbent second baseman Michael Massey and third baseman Maikel Garcia, this offseason.
On Thursday, Garcia underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
The Royals plan to seek another bat at the Winter Meetings. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo is expected to evaluate both the free agent and trade markets accordingly.
“I think we’ve still got to be on the lookout for something that continues to lengthen our lineup out,” Picollo said. “If we are able to get something that helps out in the middle of the lineup, we would be happy.”
The Royals are rumored to have interest in Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward. Free-agent outfielder Tyler O’Neill is another name to watch, as KC reportedly had some interest in him previously.
The Royals could also address their bench. Last season, they signed utilityman Garrett Hampson to a one-year deal. It’s possible the Royals could make a smaller move in Dallas to round out their 2025 reserves.
A veteran starter
The Royals don’t have a pressing need for a starting pitcher. The club has solid depth in returnees Kris Bubic, Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch IV, Kyle Wright and Noah Cameron.
The competition for a couple of vacant spots in the rotation figures to be fierce.
“The comfort that we have right now is that Bubic and Lynch have thrown very well out of the bullpen,” Picollo said. “So that’s an option for us, but it’s something we will let play out over time here.”
Perhaps the Royals will find a veteran pitcher who is capable of filling a hybrid starter/relief role. They relied on right-hander Michael Lorenzen in that role down the stretch this year. He had a 1.57 ERA in seven games (six starts) with KC after being acquired via trade during the season.
Lorenzen is currently a free agent. It’s possible he returns to the Royals, given his experience in operating as a back-end starter and long-relief option.
Does the bullpen need relief?
The Royals’ bullpen hit its stride in September. Guys settled into defined roles as Lucas Erceg stepped up as the closer. John Schreiber, Sam Long and Angel Zerpa joined Bubic as potential setup men.
The Royals still consider Bubic a potential starter. If he transitions back to the rotation, the Royals will have a need in the back end of their bullpen.
They’re confident right-hander Hunter Harvey will return to form, but he has appeared in just six games with the Royals. He was acquired from the Washington Nationals but then dealt with a back injury. He’s expected to be ready for spring training and could assume a high-leverage spot.
The Royals might look to add another veteran reliever. Veteran Will Smith brought leadership to the bullpen this year but is now a free agent.
Chris Stratton is slated to return to the KC bullpen in 2025. But perhaps the Royals will aim to add one more arm to a relief stable that currently includes Erceg, Harvey, Long, Stratton, Schreiber, Zerpa, James McArthur and others.
