Kansas City Royals Named Top Landing Spot for AL Central Veteran

The Kansas City Royals could look to find another option at second base and there is a veteran free agent who could be a fit. Whether the Royals are willing to pay for him is the real question.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic projected Gleyber Torres landing on a two-year, $42 million deal, with Kansas City as one of his top fits.

Second baseman Jonathan India elected free agency on Oct. 29, leaving the Royals without a clear starter at the position. But before Kansas City commits that much money to Torres, the organization needs to answer one question: what does Torres do that Michael Massey cannot?

Massey hit .274 with 13 home runs, 50 RBI and a .735 OPS in 126 games at second base last season. He is 28 years old and under team control, which makes him essentially free compared to what Torres would require on the open market.

The Royals have to decide whether Torres represents an upgrade or an expensive lateral move at a position they already have covered.

Torres does offer positional flexibility, though. Torres has experience at shortstop and third base, which means Kansas City could use him as a utility infielder rather than a full-time second baseman.

With Bobby Witt Jr. locked in at shortstop, Torres could serve as his backup while also taking reps at the hot corner if necessary. The Royals also do have Maikel Garcia, but he missed 80 games in 2026.

Torres himself was also banged up though in 2026. He dealt with a recurring left oblique problem in 2026 that put him on the injured list twice. He first went down in May, returned June 2, aggravated it again on June 15 and did not come back until July 20. He finished with 358 at-bats in 96 games. Kansas City would be committing two years to a player who could not stay healthy in one.

The Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates are also listed as fits, which means the Royals would likely have some competition if they engaged seriously. Torres will have a market.

Some team will pay for the name and the career track record. Kansas City does not have to be that team, especially not at $42 million when Massey is already on the roster and still developing.

The Royals have bigger structural issues than second base after a 69-win season. That money likely goes further elsewhere. However, it would be intriguing to add a veteran like Torres if the price is right.