The Kansas City Royals have had a disappointing year, to say the least. Coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in a decade, with up and coming rookies Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen behind superstar Bobby Witt Jr., this team was expected to be competing atop the AL Central – instead they find themselves in last place and in a difficult spot at the trade deadline.

Typically, last place teams are selling at the deadline. However, the Royals front office and GM JJ Picollo have had mixed feelings about trading away members of their roster. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com published an article discussing the trade deadline headlines. He reported that Kansas City will likely be sellers of their rental players, like Lane Thomas, Starling Marte, Matt Strahm and John Schreiber – but also reported that it would be unlikely to see any of the core or controlled players traded.

Could that be the wrong move? Picollo believes this roster can be competitive in 2027 and beyond. While they do have a solid group of position players consisting of Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, Caligianone, Vinnie Pasquantino and Carter Jensen, their rotation is aging and their bullpen has been awful.

In fact, their relief core as a unit has a 5.22 ERA, the second highest in the entire MLB. They’ve given up the most home runs per nine innings, and have the highest ERA in the 9th inning by a wide margin.

Historically, selling at the deadline isn’t the best time to get a reliever, but it’s something that they desperately need to address if they plan to be competitive next season. They’ve simply given up way too many leads and there is nobody in the trust circle.

Another area of concern is their farm system. They have a bottom tier ranking among all sources and could use a bump. This is a prime opportunity to bolster that up. Off-loading starters like Michael Wacha & Seth Lugo or relievers like Alex Lange & Daniel Lynch IV could address that.

When the Royals made back-to-back World Series in 2014 and ‘15, they did it behind their prospects and home grown players. A big part of that was trading Zack Greinke for Lorenzo Cain and Alcides Escobar, two key players to those runs. I’m not saying Wacha or Lugo is a Zack Greinke, but this is what small market teams do to get talent.

Let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. Kansas City has a generation player in Bobby Witt, one that an organization like the Royals does not get often. When you’re fortunate enough to get that type of player, you have to do everything you can to be competitive, so I can see why the front office doesn’t want to “fire sell.”

They don’t need to clean house, Witt is still just 26 years old and has nine more years on his contract. They have plenty of time to make a run.

Another aspect that makes these trades attractive is Kansas City’s ability to develop and coach pitchers as of recent. They’ve had one of the better rotations over the past three seasons – 3.87 ERA (8th), 185 Quality Starts (3rd), 2358.1 IP (3rd). I believe they should be looking to sell Wacha (35 years-old) or Lugo (36), as their rotation could be getting an overhaul soon anyways.

The one spot they have depth at is their rotation. Stephen Kolek came up from AAA and showed he belonged, Ryan Bergert was solid last year before Tommy John took him off the field in 2026, Noah Cameron has proved he is a legit starter after a great rookie year in 2025, and Luinder Avila has shown his impressive abilities as a rookie this season. Not to mention if Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans can stay healthy – this rotation is more than solid.

Kansas City has a few pitching prospects that they believe will be major league contributors as well. Headlined by up and coming flamethrower Kendry Chourio who sits high-90s as an 18 year old. In 17 starts this season across low and high A, he has a 2.53 ERA with 79 strikeouts and just 14 walks.

To me, this adds up to an obvious path. You absolutely trade the expiring contract players that are not part of the core: Thomas, Marte (if you can), Lange (if you can) and Schreiber. You also send off Wacha or Lugo if not both, and listen to offers for the bullpen arms. Revamp the farm system, bring in some young talent and look to rebuild the bullpen and bench in the offseason.

The rotation will be just fine. This move also frees up $35 million in 2027 and $31 million in ‘28. Getting this money back allows the team to extend Bubic or go after another starter in free agency, of which there is plenty. I don’t even want to get into the benefit of this move in the event of a potential lockout next season…

JJ Picollo isn’t wrong – this team and this roster has the ability to be competitive. This season has just been a mess. Last year’s saves leader Carlos Estevez hasn’t pitched since Opening Day, Bobby Witt, Pasquanito, Maikel Garcia, Ragans and Bubic have all spent significant time on the IL.

Kansas City doesn’t have the money to compete with the likes of the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, etc. when it comes to the offseason. This is the opportunity where Kansas City has leverage on those teams and can get what they need.

About the Author:

Cody Hamilton is the writer behind The Data Dugout that launched at the end of 2025. As a lifelong fan of baseball, he writes with the goal to educate and foster a real community of readers behind his words and stories. He writes in-depth player and prospect analysis articles, along with pieces that analyze front office moves, and highlights classic baseball stories that make the game unique.

Why The Royals Should Sell at the Deadline

Phillies and Pirates AAA Teams Meet in Indianapolis