Royals’ Top 5 MLB Offseason Moves | Path to 2025 Playoffs

Establish a Steady Leadoff Hitter

The Royals saw success with Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia in the leadoff spot during the postseason, but neither proved to be a full-season solution. With potential options like Gleyber Torres hitting the free-agent market, Kansas City has a chance to bring in a reliable table-setter. Torres batted .283 as a leadoff hitter in 2024 and shined in the postseason, making him a cost-effective upgrade. A dependable leadoff hitter would enable the Royals to build momentum early in games, setting the stage for Witt, Pasquantino, and Perez to drive in runs consistently.

Re-Sign Michael Wacha for Rotation Stability

Michael Wacha's one-year stint with the Royals in 2024 saw him post a solid 3.35 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 29 starts. His stability provided crucial support to a rotation full of young arms, and his 2.89 ERA at home in Kauffman Stadium underscored his fit with the team. With Wacha likely to decline his $16 million player option, the Royals should prioritize offering him a multi-year deal. His veteran presence and consistency would add depth to the rotation and support developing pitchers, helping Kansas City maintain its competitive edge in 2025.

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Strengthen the Bullpen with a Reliable Closer

The Royals’ bullpen transformed post-trade deadline with key additions like Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey, who helped Kansas City rank 14th in ERA (3.82) and 4th in fWAR (2.8) during the second half of 2024. However, another proven reliever would solidify the back end. The Royals could tap into free agency for an established closer to partner with Erceg and Harvey, providing manager Matt Quatraro with dependable late-game options. A stronger bullpen would allow Kansas City to close out close games, maximizing the solid work done by their starters.

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Add a Consistent Power-Hitting Outfielder

Offensively, Kansas City’s outfield ranked among the lowest in MLB, with a collective .222 batting average and 27th-place finish in OPS. Free agency offers the chance to bring in a proven bat-first outfielder like Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 home runs in 2024 with a .511 slugging percentage. A consistent power hitter would elevate the Royals’ lineup and add support for key players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez. By solidifying the outfield offensively, the Royals can reduce their reliance on platoon arrangements and provide lineup stability.

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Establish a Steady Leadoff Hitter

The Royals saw success with Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia in the leadoff spot during the postseason, but neither proved to be a full-season solution. With potential options like Gleyber Torres hitting the free-agent market, Kansas City has a chance to bring in a reliable table-setter. Torres batted .283 as a leadoff hitter in 2024 and shined in the postseason, making him a cost-effective upgrade. A dependable leadoff hitter would enable the Royals to build momentum early in games, setting the stage for Witt, Pasquantino, and Perez to drive in runs consistently.