Royals Open To Trading Starter For Outfielder

The Kansas City Royals are staring down a pivotal offseason. The mission is obvious: fix one of baseball’s worst outfields, but don’t torch the budget in the process.

They’re strapped for payroll space and have more starting pitchers than they need. The front office is openly considering trading a starter—especially lefty Cole Ragans—to finally bring in some impact bats.

Royals’ Outfield Was a Major Liability in 2025

The 2025 season made it painfully clear: Kansas City’s outfield couldn’t hit. By year’s end, the group posted a 73 wRC+, the worst mark for any outfield in the league.

That’s 27% below average at the plate—a brutal anchor on a roster that was otherwise competitive. When you’re that far off the pace, small tweaks just don’t cut it.

The front office knows they need an everyday outfielder who can get on base and offer some pop. They can’t afford to settle for another patchwork solution.

J.J. Picollo Signals Openness to Trading Pitching

Team president J.J. Picollo hasn’t minced words about the team’s approach. He’s pointed out that starting pitching is the club’s most tradable strength, and he’s open to moving a starter—but only if they get an outfielder they truly believe in.

The Royals aren’t looking to deal pitching just for the sake of it. If they make a move, it has to bring back a controllable or long-term outfielder.

Payroll Constraints Shape the Royals’ Strategy

Fans might dream of big-name free agents, but the Royals’ financial reality is hard to ignore. Their payroll projects to about $139 million for 2026, which really limits their ability to chase top-tier talent.

Guys like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger—those premium outfielders who’ll get paid—are almost certainly out of reach. Other teams with deeper pockets will be in on them.

Mid-Tier and Internal Options: Mike Yastrzemski & Co.

Given the money situation, Kansas City’s more likely to target mid-tier or younger, controllable outfielders. One interesting option already in-house is Mike Yastrzemski, who came over at the deadline.

Yastrzemski brings some experience, gets on base, and offers left-handed pop. But his age and salary make keeping him a tricky call. Maybe he’s a bridge, but the Royals still lack a true cornerstone outfielder in his prime.

Who’s Actually Available in the Royals’ Rotation?

Not every starter is on the block. Some arms are just too central to the plan or recently signed extensions.

Wacha and Lugo Are Effectively Untouchable

Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo are basically untouchable this winter. Both signed recent deals to help stabilize the rotation and mentor younger pitchers.

Trading either would just create new problems the front office worked hard to solve.

Cole Ragans: The Most Likely Trade Chip

That leaves Cole Ragans as the most logical, if tough, trade candidate. Even after a rocky 2025 marked by injuries, Ragans still checks a lot of boxes:

All that makes Ragans really valuable in trade talks. The Royals know it, and they’d want a significant return—probably a young, starting-caliber outfielder with years of control.

Why the Boston Red Sox Are a Logical Trade Partner

The Boston Red Sox look like a natural fit. Boston needs more reliable starters and has extra outfielders who could interest Kansas City.

Duran and Abreu Headline Boston’s Outfield Surplus

Two names jump out: Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu.

The Red Sox just added Sonny Gray to boost their rotation. Still, they have open spots and some young arms who haven’t really proven themselves yet. If Boston thinks Ragans’ 2025 was more about health than talent, he could be the right fit—under control through 2028 and with plenty of upside.

Will the Royals Pull the Trigger?

From Kansas City’s standpoint, a deal with Boston checks multiple boxes. It helps fix a historically weak outfield and fits their budget.

The Royals could also leverage their real area of depth—starting pitching. If they officially put Cole Ragans on the market, they won’t be short on suitors.

Plenty of clubs need rotation help and would likely jump into the bidding. That could drive up the price and give Kansas City more choices.

But are the Royals ready to absorb the short-term pain of losing a controllable starter? It’s a tough call, especially if it means finally addressing a long-term flaw in the lineup.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Royals President Expresses Openness To Trading Starter For Outfielder