Athletic report lists potential free agent (and trade) options for Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are working through different scenarios at the 2024 Winter Meetings in Dallas, Texas.
The club would like to add more offensive firepower to their lineup. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo is focused on adding a bat in the middle of the order. Ideally, the Royals would like a player with positional versatility.
Over the weekend, there was an interesting report in The Athletic. Per MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Royals are rumored to be seeking a left-handed bat. The report named a few free-agent options such as outfielder Jurickson Profar and infielder Josh Rojas.
The report also mentioned New York Mets infielder Brett Baty as a trade option and a possible reunion with veteran infielder Adam Frazier. But, no deal has reportedly been discussed between the Mets/Royals.
Profar is a big name on the free-agent market. He is a switch hitter who posted a .280 batting average with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs last season. The Royals could be interested in his versatility with experience playing second base, shortstop and the outfield.
However, Profar will be in demand. Several teams that missed out on signing Juan Soto could turn their attention toward Profar and similar free agents. The Royals, who have been active this offseason, could be decide to go in a different direction if the price increases.
Rojas was non-tendered by the Seattle Mariners. He has struggled in recent seasons, but was productive with the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier in his career. At his best, Rojas can offer value across the diamond.
The Royals are likely to explore the trade market. There are a few names that have drawn their interest in recent weeks. KC has reportedly checked in on third baseman Alec Bohm and outfielder Taylor Ward.
Bohm, who attended Wichita State University, offers the power potential the club is seeking within their lineup. Bohm was a 2024 All-Star after hitting .280 with 15 home runs, 44 doubles and 97 RBIs with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Royals were reportedly interested in Ward for a while. He was a potential in-season trade candidate in July. The Royals could decide to reconvene discussions as the offseason continues.
Last season, Ward hit 25 home runs and drove in 75 RBIs with the Los Angeles Angels. He posted a .748 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and can play an outfield spot.
With any potential trade, the Royals must decide which players they are willing to deal. The club dealt Brady Singer for Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer due to starting pitching depth.
If another trade is on the horizon, the Royals have a few options among prospects. Top prospects include catchers Blake Mitchell and Carter Jensen and pitchers Ben Kurdna and Blake Wolters.
That said, it’s unlikely the Royals will deal any of those prospects. The Royals also won’t move No. 1 prospect Jac Caglianone.
So, the Royals might have to get creative to make a trade. However, the team has shown the ability to fill needs without sacrificing top prospects. This offseason could be another opportunity for Picollo to manage the future while building a playoff contender.
This story was originally published December 10, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Athletic report lists potential free agent (and trade) options for Kansas City Royals."
