The Kansas City Royals aren’t known for throwing around big money in the offseason, and that’s not likely to change this winter. But that doesn’t mean they’re sitting out free agency altogether. There are still smart, targeted moves to be made-especially for a team looking to claw its way back into relevance in the AL Central.
One area that could use some attention? The outfield, specifically center field.
It wasn’t a position of strength for Kansas City in 2025, and the market-while not especially deep-does offer a few intriguing fits. One name that’s been floated as a potential match: Harrison Bader.
Bader, who wrapped up the 2025 season with the Phillies after a stint with the Twins, is coming off the most productive offensive year of his career. He posted personal bests in home runs (17), RBIs (54), and OPS (.796).
But what really sets him apart is his glove. He ranked in the 92nd percentile in Outs Above Average, a stat that paints a clear picture of his elite defensive value in center field.
Let’s be honest-Kansas City got minimal production from center last season. Kyle Isbel handled the bulk of the workload, logging about 70% of the at-bats, but the results were underwhelming: six home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .645 OPS. That’s a spot where the Royals can-and should-look to upgrade.
Bader isn’t a splashy, headline-grabbing free agent, but he checks a lot of boxes for a team like the Royals. His floor is solid: a dependable, above-average defender who can handle center field with ease. That alone has value, especially when you’re trying to shore up a young pitching staff that could benefit from stronger defensive support up the middle.
But if Bader can replicate-or even come close to-his 2025 offensive numbers, then you’re looking at a legitimate two-way contributor. Even in years when his bat hasn’t been quite as lively, he’s proven effective against left-handed pitching, giving managers some flexibility with lineup construction.
The Royals took a step back in the standings this past season, and this winter is about finding ways to take a step forward. Signing Bader wouldn’t be a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of smart, calculated addition that could pay off in multiple ways. He brings speed, defense, and a bat that showed real signs of life in 2025.
For a team that’s not going to spend its way to contention, these are the kinds of moves that matter. Bader may not be the biggest name on the board, but he could be exactly the kind of piece that helps Kansas City start trending in the right direction again.