The Winter Meetings have arrived, bringing with them a flurry of rumors and reports, particularly for the Kansas City Royals, who are under pressure to address their significant offensive gaps. With a surplus of valuable starting pitchers available for trades, the Royals are focused not only on the trade market but also keeping an eye on free agency.
According to Jaylon Thompson of the Kansas City Star, the Royals are contemplating re-signing two of their midseason acquisitions from 2025: outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and utility player Adam Frazier. Both players made a notable impact in the clubhouse and on the field, with Yastrzemski achieving an impressive .839 OPS and a 127 wRC+, along with nine homers and a strong walk-to-strikeout ratio. Meanwhile, Frazier maintained a respectable .283 batting average and .722 OPS, serving as a solid bench presence.
However, while Yastrzemski and Frazier excelled, they are seen more as depth options than transformative players. Yastrzemski primarily serves as a left-handed platoon choice in the corner outfield, while Frazier, despite previously strong performances, has not surpassed average offensive output since the beginning of the 2021 season.
While depth acquisition is crucial, many believe it shouldn’t overshadow the team’s primary need for an everyday outfield bat. As highlighted by Jack Johnson from the Locked on Royals Podcast, resigning Yastrzemski and Frazier should not detract from the Royals’ aim to secure a first-string outfielder, which remains the top priority.
Previous offseasons have seen the Royals miss opportunities for impactful upgrades, as seen when their largest move last winter was trading for Mark Canha late in the Spring Training. This time, sources, including Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, suggest that the Royals’ strategy includes adding two outfielders—one via free agency and another through trade—indicating a more active approach.
Fortunately, the current landscape presents them with various choices. However, the concern remains that focusing on depth moves like Yastrzemski and Frazier too soon may distract from securing high-profile targets such as Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, or Harrison Bader. The imperative for the Royals is to prioritize acquiring a starting outfielder first before concerning themselves with bolstering their bench, allowing them to navigate the Winter Meetings more effectively.
This proactive approach could ultimately pave the way for a successful season with a stronger lineup, potentially allowing the Royals to build a more competitive team moving into the next year.