The Kansas City Royals have reloaded heading into the 2026 MLB season.
The Kansas City Royals entered the MLB offseason determined to raise the floor of their roster, particularly in the outfield and bullpen. General manager J.J. Picollo began making moves that generated headlines after the winter meetings, though the impact remains more incremental than transformative.
The Royals’ biggest additions came in the outfield, acquiring Isaac Collins from the Milwaukee Brewers and signing Lane Thomas in free agency. Collins, a switch hitter with strong on-base skills, brings versatility and could slot near the top of the lineup.
Thomas arrives as a bounce-back candidate after injuries limited his consistency, and he is looking to prove his worth as an offensive contributor following a .160 batting average last season. These moves improve depth and production, but neither player represents the kind of bat who can truly protect superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Kansas City also acted quickly to bolster relief depth, adding Alex Lange, Nick Mears and the notable addition of Matt Strahm. Strahm reunites with the Royals after posting a 2.74 ERA in 66 games for the Philadelphia Phillies last year. Together, they strengthen an already accomplished bullpen, fulfilling Picollo’s goal of addressing its depth.
The Royals have not subtracted from their starting pitching group, keeping Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic and Noah Cameron despite trade rumors. However, they have yet to add a frontline starter, leaving the rotation reliant on internal growth. Mason Black, acquired from the San Francisco Giants, offers depth but not immediate impact. Without a proven ace, the staff remains a question mark, especially if Ragans endures another injury-riddled season.
The highlight of the offseason was signing third baseman Maikel Garcia to a five-year, $57.5 million extension. Garcia hit .286 with 16 home runs and earned Gold Glove honors in 2025, solidifying himself as a cornerstone alongside Witt. Locking him in long-term ensures stability on the left side of the infield and gives the Royals a homegrown tandem to build around. The deal is also cost-effective given Garcia’s production both defensively and at the plate.
Picollo’s approach has been strategic, improving in the margins without sacrificing pitching depth. The Royals addressed their outfield and bullpen, but the lack of a major offensive addition leaves Witt without the support he needs. Kansas City could make more moves ahead of spring training, but for now, the offseason feels modest. Extending Garcia was a smart, stabilizing move, yet the rest of the offseason leaves the Royals short of the impact talent required to return to the postseason.
Final Grade: C