Three critical questions for the KC Royals at this year’s Winter Meetings
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals enter 2026 Winter Meetings prioritizing offense, exploring trades.
- Pitching surplus gives KC leverage but there are risks trading top prospects.
- Club targets versatile hitters and bullpen depth, leaning toward trades.
The Kansas City Royals need an infusion of offense.
It’s been the key focal point throughout the 2026 offseason and will be their main objective at the Winter Meetings in Orlando next week. So far, rumors have swirled around versatile trade targets — such as Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan.
The Royals pair well as a potential trade partner. KC has a surplus of starting pitching and young, controllable prospects in their minor-league system. However, it remains to be seen whether the Royals will meet the asking price for the top trade targets.
Royals general manager J.J. Picollo has expressed his willingness to swing a deal. Still, there is a risk in trading away pitching depth or a top prospect. The Royals will listen to potential trades but also understand the importance of making the right deal.
How the Royals proceed in the upcoming weeks is worth monitoring. Along those lines, here are three questions the Royals must answer at the Winter Meetings...
How will the Royals improve their offense?
The Royals scored 84 fewer runs in 2025. It was a significant downturn from their 2024 campaign that led to a postseason berth. The Royals struggled with runners in scoring position, which contributed to changes on the coaching staff.
This offseason, the Royals hired Marcus Thames and Connor Dawson as new hitting coaches to pair alongside Alec Zumwalt. The trio will work to revamp the offense with a different approach.
The Royals will keep their core philosophy based around situational hitting and aggressive baserunning. But they will look to find versatile players who can offer an improvement in both areas.
Duran is seen as a strong fit. He hit .256 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs while adding 24 stolen bases in 157 games.
The Royals would like to add a left fielder to pair with Kyle Isbel and Jac Caglianone in the outfield. Duran is the type of player who could fit well. Other realistic free-agent targets could include Harrison Bader, Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Hays.
Donovan offers a special dynamic. He can play either the infield or the outfield and is coming off his first All-Star campaign in 2025. The Royals value versatility and Donovan is a left-handed bat who can be utilized in multiple ways.
It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do at the Winter Meetings. They appear ticketed for a rebuild under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. The club already dealt veteran starter Sonny Gray to the Red Sox and could be looking to move some of its MLB talent.
Donovan is expected to generate a lot of interest. He will enter his age-29 season and has three years of club control remaining. The Royals used Adam Frazier in a prime utility spot last season and could do something similar if they acquired Donovan.
The Royals are expected to have Jonathan India and Michael Massey entrenched at second base in 2026. However, Donovan could bolster the offense while providing strong defense across the diamond.
Which pitchers are likely to be dealt in blockbuster trade?
The Royals have a surplus of starting pitchers heading into the 2026 season. The unit includes Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic and Noah Cameron, who make up the expected starting rotation.
Meanwhile, Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, Bailey Falter and Lunider Avila all have MLB experience. They are followed by pitching prospects Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac — who were both added to the 40-man roster in November.
Teams are interested in the Royals’ starters. Rumors circulated around Bubic and Cameron dating back to the trade deadline. Bubic has one year remaining before entering free agency in 2027.
Last season, Bubic became an All-Star for the first time. He drew early Cy Young consideration before being shut down with a left shoulder injury. The Royals expect Bubic to have a normal offseason and be ready for spring training.
Cameron has a ton of value. He finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting and posted a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. The Royals aren’t likely to move Cameron without a significant return to improve the offense.
Ragans is another name found in trade rumors. The Royals’ left-handed ace fought through a left rotator cuff strain but returned to form down the stretch. He posted 22 strikeouts in 13 innings during September.
The Royals have three years of control left on Ragans. Similar to Cameron, it’s not likely Ragans is moved unless there is a massive haul.
How the Royals decide which pitcher to move will determine the overall scope of the offseason with their clear offensive needs.
Will there be any free-agency surprises?
Free agency always produces a few unexpected deals. Last season, the Royals signed All-Star closer Carlos Estévez in February. He went on to lead the majors in saves while being a key component of a revamped bullpen.
The Royals could find value in free agency once again. The club still needs to address its bench and possibly add another arm or two in the bullpen. This is due to Sam Long and Hunter Harvey both hitting free agency.
The relief market has already moved with Raisel Iglesias, Ryan Helsley and Devin Williams agreeing to free-agent deals. It’s expected that others will follow as the Winter Meetings get underway next week.
The Royals could look to reunite with either Frazier or Yastrzemski in free agency. The club also might seek a right-handed platoon option as the fourth outfielder as well.
For now, the Royals are leaning toward the trade market but could make the right free-agent deal — as seen by signing Alex Lange — as it presents itself.
