Kansas City Royals news: The Royals search for outfielders

Darragh McDonald at MLB Trade Rumors writes about the Royals’ interest in outfielders.

That perhaps points to Ragans as the most logical candidate, but there are issues there as well. It would be a sell-low move for the Royals. He finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting in 2024 by putting up a 3.14 earned run average over 186 1/3 innings. But in 2025, he spent a decent amount of time on the injured list due to groin and rotator cuff injuries. He only made 13 starts with his ERA jumping to 4.67.

He is still controllable for another three years. He is already signed for $4.5MM in 2026 and $7.5MM in 2027. He would then be controllable for the 2028 campaign via arbitration. Despite his rough 2025, the Royals would surely put a massive asking price on him, considering his talent, affordability and controllability. “I wouldn’t say off limits,” Picollo said, when asked if any of his pitchers are untouchable. “There would have to be a really big return for one [starter] in particular.” That statement seems likely to be in reference to Ragans.

Mark Feinsand at MLB.com lists a free agent fit for each team.

Royals: Harrison Bader, OFKansas City got very little production out of center field last season (six home runs, 47 RBIs, .645 OPS), with Kyle Isbel getting about 70% of the at-bats. Bader had the best offensive season of his career in 2025, recording career highs in home runs (17), RBIs (54) and OPS (.796) while ranking in the 92nd percentile with 7 Outs Above Average.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep makes the case for the Royals to sign Adolis Garcia.

In other categories on the table, Garcia was more impressive. He was second in average EV and hard-hit rate and third in barrel rate. Thus, from a power perspective, the former Rangers outfielder offers more insurance, especially since he had four-straight seasons of 25+ home runs from 2021 to 2024.

Another interesting aspect of Garcia’s profile is that he was solid defensively in 2025, especially compared to other Royals corner outfielders. As seen in the table below, he outperformed many Royals outfielders defensively last season, especially in the Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) category.

The Astros are open to moving outfielder Jake Meyers.

Former Tigers pitcher Matt Manning is heading to Korea.

The Phillies are the favorites to sign Kyle Schwarber.

The two worst contracts in MLB history both stemmed from the 2019 Nationals.

The Rays hire former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde as an advisor.

Jay Jaffe looks at the Hall of Fame case for Félix Hernández.

The current labor deal expires one year from now – what’s going on with the looming labor battle?

Player exemptions for ADHD medications fall to an all-time low.

Eight strategies that can help you build your fantasy dynasty team.

WNBA owners offer a $1 million top salary in labor negotiations with players.

Michigan State hires Pat Fitzgerald as its new football coach.

The Roman military brought cats to Europe.

The Sonic the Hedgehog universe will expand with a new movie in 2028.

The best TV shows of 2025.

Your song of the day is The Maine with Sticky.