The Kansas City Royals are heading into the 2025-26 offseason with a clear sense of urgency—and, perhaps, a little more optimism than expected. After a season marked by outfield woes, missed opportunities in free agency, and a carousel of underperforming bats, the Royals find themselves at a crossroads. Do they double down and invest big in a proven outfielder, or do they continue to seek value and flexibility in the market? The answer, it seems, may lie somewhere in the middle, as the team weighs lessons learned from recent free agency drama and eyes a potential game-changing addition from the Cincinnati Reds.
Let’s rewind to the winter of 2024-25, when the Royals aggressively pursued Anthony Santander—a switch-hitting slugger fresh off an All-Star and Silver Slugger season with the Baltimore Orioles. Santander’s 44 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2024 made him one of the most coveted outfielders on the market. Kansas City reportedly offered him a three-year, $66 million contract, but, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported, the offer came too late. Santander instead inked a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 20, 2025, a move that looked, at the time, like a major miss for the Royals.
Yet, as the 2025 season unfolded, the narrative shifted. Santander, nearly 31, struggled mightily with injuries and underperformance in his debut campaign north of the border. He hit the injured list on May 30 with left shoulder inflammation and didn’t return until September 23. In the limited 54 games he played, Santander slashed a disappointing .175/.271/.294, managing just six homers and 18 RBIs with a 61 wRC+ and -0.9 fWAR. The postseason didn’t offer redemption, either: across five games and 16 plate appearances, he hit .200 with two RBIs, a .450 OPS, and a meager 29 wRC+.
Then came the final blow. On October 16, the Blue Jays removed Santander from their ALCS roster due to a back injury, ending his season and making him ineligible for the World Series should Toronto advance. As FOX Sports MLB reported, this decision underscored a year that went off the rails for both player and team. For the Royals, it was a strange form of vindication. Had they succeeded in signing Santander, they’d be on the hook for a hefty financial commitment for a player who, at least this year, hasn’t lived up to the billing.
Of course, the Royals’ own outfield situation was nothing to brag about. In fact, it was historically poor. No MLB team fielded an outfield with a lower wRC+ or fWAR in 2025. The front office’s reluctance—or inability—to make a major upgrade before the season haunted them all year. Veterans Hunter Renfroe and Mark Canha, both brought in to stabilize the corners, fizzled out with a 32 wRC+ and 49 wRC+ respectively and were cut midseason. MJ Melendez, once a promising bat, was demoted twice after posting a -14 wRC+. Drew Waters (66 wRC+), Jac Caglianone (46 wRC+), John Rave (65 wRC+), and Randal Grichuk (56 wRC+) all failed to seize the moment, leaving the Royals scrambling for answers and, at times, simply running out the clock.
Despite the revolving door and lackluster stats, there was a silver lining: none of these players carried a near $100 million contract, and the Royals’ failed pursuit of Santander ultimately preserved their financial flexibility. As the offseason looms, that flexibility could prove invaluable.
Here’s where things get interesting. According to recent reports, the Royals are now targeting a former All-Star outfielder from the Cincinnati Reds as a top priority for the upcoming offseason. While the identity of the player remains under wraps, the rationale is clear: Kansas City needs a proven, durable bat to anchor the outfield and mentor a young, hungry roster. The front office believes that adding an experienced All-Star could provide a much-needed boost in both offensive production and defensive stability.
It’s not just about numbers, though. This potential addition is also seen as a leader—someone who can guide the next wave of Royals talent and help foster a culture of winning. As one source close to the team put it, “Acquiring a player with All-Star credentials would inject new life into the Royals’ lineup.” The hope is that this player’s power, speed, and on-base skills will help turn around an offense that struggled to find consistency all year.
There’s also the tantalizing possibility of a resurgence. Many veterans thrive after a change of scenery, and the Royals are betting that a fresh start in Kansas City could unlock the full capabilities of a former star. If the move pays off, it could transform the franchise’s outlook—not just for 2026, but for years to come.
But make no mistake: the pressure is on. This offseason is being billed as a pivotal moment in the Royals’ history. Years of rebuilding and roster shuffling have tested the patience of fans and executives alike. The front office knows it can’t afford another year with the league’s least productive outfield. That means bold, strategic moves—and perhaps a willingness to spend, now that the Santander saga has left them with more room to maneuver.
So, what’s next? The Royals are expected to be active in both the free agent and trade markets, leveraging their increased financial freedom to explore all options. While the failed Santander pursuit stings, it’s also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. Sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don’t make.
As the hot stove season heats up, Royals fans will be watching closely. Will the team land their coveted All-Star outfielder from Cincinnati? Can they finally build an outfield worthy of contention? Or will another winter of uncertainty give way to more of the same? One thing’s for sure: Kansas City isn’t standing still. With lessons learned and a renewed sense of purpose, the Royals are poised to make some noise—and maybe, just maybe, turn the page on a frustrating chapter.
For now, the offseason buzz is only just beginning, but the Royals’ intentions are clear. They’re ready to make a splash, rebuild their outfield, and give their fans something to cheer about in 2026. Stay tuned—this could be the winter that changes everything for Kansas City.
