As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Kansas City Royals are assessing their offseason moves and planning further roster improvements ahead of Spring Training. With pitchers and catchers reporting on February 9 in Surprise, Arizona, general manager J.J. Picollo emphasized ongoing discussions to enhance the team. The club has already made several key acquisitions while preserving its pitching depth.
The Royals have been active this winter, securing extensions and adding talent without depleting their starting pitching surplus. Notable moves include signing catcher Salvador Perez to a two-year, $25 million contract extension and third baseman Maikel Garcia to a five-year deal. Manager Matt Quatraro also received a three-year extension. In trades, the Royals acquired outfielder Kameron Misner from the Rays, right-handed pitcher Mason Black from the Giants, outfielder Isaac Collins and reliever Nick Mears from the Brewers in exchange for left-hander Angel Zerpa, and left-handed reliever Matt Strahm from an unspecified team for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. Free-agent signings feature outfielder Lane Thomas on a one-year, $5.25 million contract and right-handed reliever Alex Lange for one year at $900,000. Minor League deals went to infielder Kevin Newman, reliever Jose Cuas, and utility player Abraham Toro.
Despite a lull in activity post-holidays, Picollo remains optimistic. "It always takes a little bit of a dip between Christmas and New Year's, but there [has] still been ongoing conversations about acquisitions for players," he said. "We’re in a position [where] we’ll continue to make our team better... there’s going to be activity through the month of January and into February. We’re just going to stay on top of it. If there’s a way we can make our team better, we’re going to try to capitalize."
The team seeks another bat, preferably via trade, with interest in Boston's Jarren Duran—though talks stalled over the high asking price of starter Cole Ragans—and St. Louis' Brendan Donovan, where the Cardinals demand several top prospects and controlled players. A veteran utility player could come through free agency, leveraging Collins' versatility at second base. The bullpen needs a controllable lefty for depth, with trade chips like Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron, Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, and Luinder Avila available.
Offensively, the core of Garcia, Perez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Vinnie Pasquantino anchors the lineup, bolstered by prospects Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen. "We do like the moves that we’ve made thus far," Picollo added. "We think we’ve raised the floor of our team... We’re in a better spot."