With spring training still a few weeks out, the Kansas City Royals have already made some serious noise this offseason-and for once, the buzz feels earned. While the front office hasn’t completely overhauled the roster, they’ve taken meaningful steps in the right direction, enough to earn a solid early grade of “2” on ESPN insider Jesse Rogers’ offseason scale. That’s not a perfect score, but it signals a club that’s done good work and still has room to build.
Let’s break down what that means and why it matters.
A Productive Winter-So Far
The Royals’ offseason moves haven’t been flashy, but they’ve been smart. Kansas City addressed two key areas of need-outfield depth and bullpen strength-and did so without mortgaging the future or overpaying in a tepid free-agent market.
In the outfield, the additions of Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas give the Royals a much-needed boost in production, particularly in a unit that ranked near the bottom of the league in OPS last season. While Collins might not be a household name just yet, he brings a contact-first approach and defensive versatility that could prove invaluable over the course of a 162-game grind. Kameron Misner, added as a 40-man depth piece, is another intriguing option who could contribute if given the opportunity.
But it’s the bullpen where Kansas City may have made its most impactful upgrades.
The return of Matt Strahm stands out as arguably the biggest move of the Royals’ offseason. Strahm brings experience, a live arm, and the ability to pitch in high-leverage spots-something this bullpen sorely lacked at times last year.
Nick Mears is another name to watch. Acquired alongside Collins in a trade that sent lefty Angel Zerpa out the door, Mears is expected to slot into a middle relief role and could become a key piece if he can stay healthy and consistent.
The early signing of Alex Lange, a former closer, adds even more depth and gives the Royals flexibility in how they manage late-inning matchups. That’s a luxury they haven’t had in recent years, and it could make a real difference in tight AL Central games.
Still Work to Do
Despite the progress, there’s a clear consensus among insiders: the Royals aren’t done yet. Jesse Rogers summed it up well-Kansas City is having a “strong winter, but more would help.”
The biggest remaining task? Finding more offense to support Bobby Witt Jr., the franchise cornerstone who continues to look like a future MVP.
Witt can’t carry the lineup on his own, and the Royals know it. While a blockbuster trade for someone like St.
Louis’ Brendan Donovan or Boston’s Jarren Duran would’ve been ideal, those conversations appear to have cooled, at least for now.
Still, the Royals have options. With a surplus of starting pitching, they’re well-positioned to explore the trade market.
Teams like the Mets-who have positional depth to spare-could be ideal partners. Whether it’s a corner outfielder with pop or an infielder who can lengthen the lineup, Kansas City has the assets to make a deal if the right opportunity arises.
And don’t rule out more bullpen reinforcements either. Multiple reports suggest the Royals are still poking around for additional arms, and Rogers echoed that sentiment, writing that they “might still add to the bullpen.”
That’s a smart approach. In today’s game, you can never have too many quality relievers, especially in a division where one or two games could separate a playoff spot from a long October at home.
A Better Place Than a Year Ago
No question, Royals fans are in a far better place emotionally than they were at this time last year. Back then, the front office’s inactivity raised eyebrows-and ultimately, it cost them. The 2025 season started slow and never really recovered.
This winter feels different. There’s a sense of direction.
A plan. And most importantly, a willingness to act.
Jesse Rogers’ grade of “2” reflects that balance: credit for what’s been done, and a reminder that the job isn’t finished. If Kansas City can land one more bat and maybe another bullpen piece, they’ll be in serious position to challenge in a wide-open AL Central.
The Royals don’t need to be perfect this offseason-they just need to keep pushing forward. So far, they’re doing exactly that.