The Kansas City Royals have made it clear they’re not content standing still this offseason. After finishing just above .500 in 2025 and falling short of the postseason, the team is looking for ways to jumpstart an offense that simply didn’t deliver.
One of the more eye-catching changes? They’re literally moving the fences at Kauffman Stadium - a clear signal they’re serious about boosting their offensive production.
But it’s not just the ballpark getting a makeover. The Royals have been active in trade talks, targeting young, dynamic bats to inject life into their lineup.
Two names that had surfaced in those conversations were Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals and Jarren Duran of the Red Sox. Both are versatile, high-energy hitters who could have slotted in nicely with Kansas City’s young core.
But according to recent reports, those pursuits are hitting a wall.
The Royals are now “increasingly unlikely” to land either Donovan or Duran, per Ken Rosenthal. That’s a tough break for a front office that’s been aggressive in trying to upgrade a lineup that finished 26th in both runs scored and home runs last season. For a team that prides itself on scrappy, contact-oriented baseball, those numbers just weren’t going to get it done in today’s power-driven game.
Donovan has been on the trade block for much of the offseason, with the Cardinals reportedly open to moving him to address other needs. The Pirates were in the mix early, but talks there have cooled.
Kansas City took a swing, too, but it appears the asking price or fit just wasn’t right. Duran, meanwhile, has drawn interest from multiple teams after flashing his speed and bat-to-ball skills in Boston.
Again, the Royals were in the conversation, but the deal never materialized.
So where does that leave Kansas City? Still searching.
They’ve shown they’re willing to make bold moves - altering their home park is no small thing - and they’re clearly not done trying to retool the offense. Missing out on Donovan and Duran stings, but it doesn’t mean the Royals are out of options.
One thing they are sticking with is manager Matt Quatraro. After guiding the team to back-to-back winning seasons - including a playoff berth in 2024 - Quatraro was rewarded with a contract extension this offseason. And from the front office’s perspective, he’s the right guy to lead this next phase of the rebuild.
“When we think about our team, where it is right now, stability is very important to the organization,” said GM J.J. Picollo.
“With [Quatraro], we have a lot of trust in what he does. We know he’s the right man for the job, and we’re proud to have him back for the coming years.”
That kind of continuity matters, especially for a team that’s trying to take the next step. The Royals have a foundation in place - young talent, a manager they believe in, and a front office that’s not afraid to take swings. Now it’s about finding the right pieces to round out the roster and push back into the postseason picture.
Kansas City fans have every reason to be hopeful. The offseason isn’t over, and this front office has shown it’s willing to get creative. Whether it’s through more trades, free agency, or internal development, the Royals are clearly aiming higher in 2026.