As of last Sunday, the MLB offseason had officially begun. A lot of people are going to have their eyes on where SP Trevor Bauer and C J.T Realmuto land this offseason, however, the Kansas City Royals, don’t have the payroll to do so. Despite this, the Royals could make some moves this winter and bring in some talent who did not have the best 2020 season.
This offseason is going to be interesting for all 30 clubs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How will salaries be affected for the season? How are contracts are going to be offered this winter?
For the Royals, they have never been a team to “open the books”, however, the Royals showed strength this year by not releasing any minor leaguers or staff members due to the global pandemic. This could make the Royals an attractive market during these trying times. Here are a few names the Royals could sign if they open the books a bit for the winter.
RHP Trevor Rosenthal
Trevor Rosenthal spent half the year with the Royals after having success in the mid-2010s with the St. Louis Cardinals. He struggled in the 2019 season with the Tigers and Nationals but found himself with the Royals in 2020. Despite having a short stint with KC, Rosenthal appeared in 14 games and finished with a 3.29 ERA. He was then traded to San Diego before the trade deadline. Rosenthal could be back with the Royals because he is from Lee Summit, Missouri, and would be close to home.
IF Jurickson Profar
Another Padres’ player in 2020 who the Royals could sign is Jurickson Profar. The Royals need some infield depth with young prospects like Bobby Witt Jr. waiting in the minors. Profar on a one-year deal would be an excellent second base option alongside Nicky Lopez. Profar can also play in the outfield and help fill in for recently retired Alex Gordon.
Profar appeared in 56 of 60 games and finished the 2020 campaign with a .278 batting average with seven home runs and 25 RBI’s.
RHP Michael Wacha
Michael Wacha spent seven years with the St. Louis Cardinals and had lots of success in the “Gateway City,” but in 2019 he struggled with the New York Mets. With New York, Wacha appeared in eight games and finished with a 1-4 record. His ERA was not pretty for the 2020 campaign, standing at 6.62.
I could see the Royals bringing Wacha in to be around a very young pitching staff while working as either a starter or reliever. This could be like the Homer Bailey situation for KC in 2019. Bailey struggled with the Reds in 2018, pitched well with KC, then was traded to Minnesota.
OF Jarrod Dyson
A familiar face to the Royals organization is Jarrod Dyson. Dyson was drafted back in 2006 by the Kansas City Royals in the 50th round. Dyson was a part of the 2014 and 2015 World Series teams in KC but was mainly used as a pinch-runner.
Since then, Dyson has played for four different teams, most recently the Chicago White Sox at the end of 2020. In 2020, Dyson was acquired by the Sox when the Pirates dealt him at the trade deadline. Once he arrived in Chicago, he saw less playing time. Only appearing in 11 games and earning only 10 at-bats.
Dyson coming back “home” to the Royals seems like a stretch with Dyson in his upper 30’s, as the Royals are looking to give a lot of their young talent as much playing time as possible.
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