Royals Hoping To Add Multiple Outfielders

"The Royals are known to be evaluating the trade market for outfielders, with president of baseball operations J.J. Picollo recently signaling a willingness to trade from his rotation depth to bring in some outfield help. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Kansas City is looking to acquire multiple outfielders this offseason - ideally one via trade and another via free agency. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that free agent center fielder Harrison Bader is a target for the Royals. Austin Hays is also on the team's radar, per Heyman."

""Right-handed, left-handed - it's who can give us the professional at-bats," Quatraro said when asked about his team's approach as it shops for upgrades this winter. "I don't think it has to be one or the other. It's who wants to be there, who can provide the most upside for us within the lineup to lengthen it out." Quatraro did go on to call Bader a "great name" and a "top-notch free agent this offseason" when asked specifically about Heyman's report, but he naturally sidestepped commenting on any specific interest from his club."

"Unsurprisingly, Rosenthal suggests that the Royals aren't pursuing top-end free agents like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, both of whom will command nine-figure contracts that exceed Kansas City's preferred price range. He also implies that there's some reluctance to bet too heavily on rebound candidates, given that the team will already be banking on meaningful contributions from young players like catcher Carter Jensen and first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone."

The Royals are exploring the trade market for outfielders and are open to trading rotation depth to upgrade the outfield. Kansas City ideally wants one outfielder via trade and another via free agency, with Harrison Bader and Austin Hays identified as targets. Manager Matt Quatraro prioritized professional at-bats over handedness and praised Bader as a top free agent. The club is avoiding top-tier, nine-figure names like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger and remains cautious about rebound candidates while expecting contributions from young players such as Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone. Bader is reportedly seeking a three-year deal.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors