With pitchers and catchers reporting today and spring training games just around the corner, the Kansas City Royals still have some unfinished business. There’s a clear opportunity here-both to add talent and to make use of a starting pitching surplus that’s been lingering since the offseason began.
The Royals head into camp with more arms than rotation spots, which is a good problem to have-until it isn’t. Because while the pitching depth is real, so are the offensive holes.
Whether it’s the outfield, second base, or just a more reliable bench, Kansas City has needs that haven’t been addressed. And with the clock ticking toward Opening Day, the front office-led by J.J.
Picollo-faces a critical decision: stand pat or make a move.
Meanwhile, other teams around the league aren’t waiting around. Just look at what the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers pulled off on Monday. In a six-player swap, Milwaukee sent Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Siegler, and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick to Boston in exchange for lefty starter Kyle Harrison, infielder David Hamilton, and pitching prospect Shane Drohan.
It’s the kind of deal that should have Royals fans-and maybe even the Royals front office-taking notes.
Let’s break it down.
Boston, like Kansas City, had a surplus of starting pitching after adding Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo this winter. That left Kyle Harrison-once a top prospect and still under team control-on the outside looking in. With pressing needs in the infield, the Red Sox flipped their surplus into assets that fill real gaps.
Enter Caleb Durbin, a 2025 NL Rookie of the Year finalist who gives Boston an immediate answer at second base. Monasterio, coming off a solid season with a 111 wRC+, adds versatility and depth. Both players bring value now, with Durbin likely stepping right into the starting lineup and Monasterio offering roster flexibility with minor league options remaining.
For the Royals, this kind of move would’ve made a lot of sense. Second base remains a question mark, with Jonathan India and Michael Massey forming a duo that hasn’t exactly inspired confidence.
A player like Durbin would’ve provided a real upgrade. Monasterio, too, offers more upside than current utility options like Nick Loftin or Tyler Tolbert.
And while Kansas City may not have a trade chip quite as valuable as Harrison-who still carries prospect pedigree and years of control-they do have pieces that could headline a similar deal.
Start with Kris Bubic. He’s a soon-to-be free agent and an All-Star, but not the only name in the mix.
Ryan Bergert, who posted a 3.66 ERA during his rookie season split between Kansas City and San Diego, is a young arm with upside. Stephen Kolek turned in a combined 3.51 ERA last year, including a dominant 1.91 ERA after joining the Royals.
And if the front office really wanted to swing big, there’s Noah Cameron-an AL Rookie of the Year finalist whose performance speaks volumes.
The point is, Kansas City has the arms. What they need now is the willingness to deal from that strength to address real weaknesses.
There are only five spots in the rotation, and more than five capable candidates. That’s a luxury-but it’s also a trade opportunity waiting to happen.
Deals like the one between Boston and Milwaukee don’t come around every day, but they do happen. And when they do, teams with a clear plan and a little boldness can reshape their roster in a hurry.
The Royals have the pieces. The question now is whether they have the urgency-and the creativity-to use them.