The Kansas City Royals have been active in their efforts to enhance their roster for the upcoming 2026 season. Last week, they made notable additions to their lineup by acquiring outfielders Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins. After a disappointing offensive performance in 2025, these reinforcements could position the Royals back into playoff contention.
However, the Royals are reportedly eyeing additional talent. Ken Rosenthal has indicated that the team has shown interest in Jarren Duran and Brendan Donovan, though negotiations for these players may prove challenging due to their high asking prices. Nevertheless, there are still viable options available to bolster the Royals’ offensive capabilities.
One potential fit mentioned is outfielder Harrison Bader, who is coming off a solid season with the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report noted Bader’s impressive performance, finishing 2025 with a career-high .796 OPS while hitting .277 with 17 home runs and 11 stolen bases. Known for his defensive prowess, a former Gold Glove winner, Bader has also demonstrated considerable offensive growth, particularly against right-handed pitching with an OPS of .845.
Bader could be an ideal addition for the Royals, providing both elite defense and a bat that appears to have regained form after earlier career struggles. A signing would not only enhance their offensive production but also allow the team to maintain their pitching staff intact for another year—a crucial factor as they aim for a resurgence in the AL Central.
While acquiring Bader might require a multi-year commitment and potentially a higher salary than usual for a free agent, it could ultimately be a more cost-effective strategy compared to trading for Duran or Donovan, whose teams are seeking significant returns in exchange.
As the Royals navigate this offseason, it will be intriguing to see how they balance their desire to improve their offensive lineup while maintaining the integrity of their pitching roster. The upcoming decisions could set the course for a more competitive season ahead in 2026.