Does it really matter which outfielders the Royals bring in? The answer is certainly yes, but let’s not get bogged down in that. Step back a bit and look at the broader scope here. More generally, what
do the Royals actually need from the outfield in 2026? They don’t need great production; rather, the team just needs someone who won’t actively hurt them in the outfield.
The Royals infield is one of the best in baseball. They have the best shortstop and third base combo in the business, a solid first baseman and catcher rotation, and only a slight weakness at second base, assuming Jonathan India plays there almost every day. Kansas City is also solid in the starting rotation in both quality and depth. The bullpen is fine.
That leaves a glaring black hole in the outfield as the only real weakness that this team has. Royals left fielders hit .220/.279/.321 for a 65 wRC+ along with bad defense and that meant a total of -1.5 fWAR. Right field was somehow even worse at .198/.270/.315 with abysmal defense for a -3.3 fWAR. That means the Royals would have been nearly five wins better with simply replacement-level corner outfielders. Center is not exactly helping out either with a cumulative 0.8 fWAR. Literally any competent or nearly competent players being added to this outfield will likely push this team into a playoff spot.
I have already stated that my preference is to pursue trading for Byron Buxton, which looks more plausible now than it did when I wrote it as he has said he would be willing to waive his no trade. Recently, I also said JJ Bleday might make sense. There is a large chasm between those two players, but either one will probably make the 2026 Royals better than the 2025 version. That also goes for a lot of the uninspiring free agents that could be acquired for relatively little right now. Guys like Willi Castro, Lane Thomas, or Rob Refsnyder. None of those are super exciting options, but all of them are right handed and better than what was trotted out last year.
You pick any of the players above and bring back Mike Yastrzemski, or just two of the above, and that makes this outfield reasonably competent. It will still not be a strength for the team, but it will be good enough. That is where Buxton is exceedingly attractive as one of them because he could add a different level and truly lengthen the lineup while providing an upgrade in center that allows Isbel to move around and bolster the corners often. If Jac Caglianone takes a step forward, which seems pretty likely, that adds even more to the mix. Just adding a couple of slightly above replacement level players starts pushing this into the bad but livable area. Think about an outfield made up of three 1 WAR players. That would make the outfield a +3 instead of a -4, a seven win difference in theory.
There is no need to overthink the outfield decisions for Kansas City right now. If they make a trade to get a genuine everyday outfielder for multiple years, that would be amazing, but they shouldn’t overspend to do it. The bar was set so low last season that it should be almost impossible to bring in players who will not lead to better outcomes and a deeper lineup.
On the flip side, they absolutely have to make additions. If this team does not add two outfielders of some sort between now and opening day, it would be inexcusable to leave such cheap upgrades on the table. The Royals have done next to nothing this offseason, though there have been many rumors. Just keep in mind that this team is not in a hurry and does not need massive changes to get to where they need to be come April. That means they should practice patience and look for good deals, not panic and overspend.
