Right-Handed Outfielders Kansas City Royals Could Still Trade For

This article takes a look at Kansas City’s plan to add another right-handed outfielder during spring training. We’ll dig into why the Royals want a right-handed bat, what the trade market looks like, and which players could bring power, speed, or some much-needed defensive versatility to the mix.

GM J.J. Picollo says a right-handed addition would fit more naturally than another lefty. That puts Kansas City in a decent spot as teams with pitching needs start dangling outfielders.

Why the Royals are prioritizing a right-handed outfielder

As spring workouts kick off, the Royals are thinking about how a right-handed outfielder could balance a roster that already leans lefty. This move is all about strategy—finding someone who can add power or speed and maybe handle a few positions in the field.

Picollo has pointed out that a right-handed bat could slide in more easily via trade, especially with the way teams are chasing pitching right now.

Kansas City’s scanning for players who can help right away or maybe bring some upside. They’re not just looking for a warm body—they want a mix of power, speed, and defense to help them compete in a tight AL Central race.

Jo Adell: power with notable caveats

Adell just finished a season with 37 homers at age 26, so the power is real. But he comes with a low batting average, a lot of strikeouts, and some shaky defense in center field.

He’s a high-upside, high-risk kind of player. If he can improve his plate discipline, maybe he unlocks another level—but that’s a big if.

Vidal Bruján DeLuca: unproven upside with speed

Bruján DeLuca is a young, switch-ish outfielder who’s shown flashes in the minors but hasn’t proven he can do it in the majors yet. His injury history is another thing to consider.

If he manages to stay healthy, his speed and athleticism could fit nicely for a Royals team that wants more action on the bases and in the outfield corners.

Oswaldo Domínguez: high upside despite mixed results

Domínguez is just 23 and used to be a top prospect, showing off 30/30 potential and solid plate discipline. He’s had a mixed rookie year and some questions on defense, though.

Kansas City would be betting on his tools turning into a steady big-league contributor—someone who can bring some pop and get on base regularly.

David Dahl/Doyle: Gold Glove pedigree with bounce-back questions

Dahl (or Doyle, depending who you ask) has won two Gold Gloves in center. But his 2025 season raised some real doubts about his health and performance.

He did hit 23 homers and rack up a 4.0 rWAR in 2024, and he’s still under team control. That could mean steady defense and maybe a rebound with the bat, but it’s no sure thing.

Ramon Laureano and Jake Meyers: defense, speed, and gap power

Laureano put up a .281/.342/.512 line with 24 homers in 2025 and makes $6.5 million, but he’s been up and down, and his defense isn’t always there. Meyers is a strong defender who hit .292 last year and brings speed, though he doesn’t offer much power for a team looking for a true middle-of-the-order threat.

If the Royals make a trade, it might come down to whether they want more defense and speed or if they’re dead set on adding power.

Other intriguing Orioles targets and more

The Orioles have a few names that might come up in trade talks or as possible fits for Kansas City. Adley Rutschman (sometimes called Mayo) and Ryan Mountcastle are in Baltimore’s orbit—Mayo’s got upside after a quiet debut, and Mountcastle’s power has faded, so he might be a cheaper get for a team that wants to focus on pitching.

There are also a couple of veteran or prospect arms out there who could fit what Kansas City’s looking for—a right-handed bat with some value. Each route has its own risks, but honestly, the Royals just want a right-handed hitter who brings flexibility to the lineup.

Other potential targets and strategic considerations

Beyond the names above, a few other players might pop up in Royals conversations. It really depends on how teams decide to shop outfielders or shuffle their pitching options.

Here are a few more names to keep an eye on as spring training gets rolling:

• Michael Ramos — He’s 26, coming off back-to-back 20-homer seasons. The defense in left field? Well, let’s just say it’s a work in progress.
• Tyler Steer — He’s steady with the home runs, though his offensive numbers have dipped. The team might lean toward a prospect with more upside, like Sal Stewart.
• J.D. Vientos — There’s power here, no doubt. Still, defensive issues and a lower walk rate put a cap on his ceiling, but maybe he’d fit in the right situation.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Right-handed hitting outfielders the Royals could still trade for