"It was a disappointing season, though Kansas City really performed rather admirably considering that they got just 13 starts out of staff ace Cole Ragans while found himself sidelined for the second half by an injury of his own. While health in the rotation helped to sink the team this year, it's possible that the team's deep arsenal of starters could help them reinvent the team on the trade market as they look ahead to 2026."
"Given that Kansas City's rotation being unable to stay healthy proved to be the difference between a return to the playoffs this year and sitting at home this October, it might sound like blasphemy to suggest trading from that same rotation should be on the table for the Royals this winter. The reality of the club's situation, however, is that they would have been able to get by with their contributions from the rotation had their offense put up more of a fight."
"That's a tough slash line to put together a contender with as it is, but the need for improvement is highlighted by the success of the team's stars. Three players made up the majority of that production: Maikel Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. Meanwhile, production at second base and in the outfield left much to be desired thanks to disappointing seasons from players like Jac Caglianone, Jonathan India, and Michael Massey."
The Kansas City Royals finished 82-80 and missed an AL Wild Card spot after an 86-win campaign the previous year. Staff ace Cole Ragans made just 13 starts and was sidelined the second half by injury, and rotation health hindered the club. The offense produced a 93 wRC+, 22nd in MLB, slashing .247/.309/.397 as a team. Maikel Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr., and Vinnie Pasquantino provided most of the production while second base and outfield contributions lagged from Jac Caglianone, Jonathan India, and Michael Massey. The team could target lineup upgrades by trading from its deep starting rotation and pursuing free-agent options like Mike Yastrzemski.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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