The Kansas City Royals have made a number of moves to improve their team this offseason. Kansas City has upgraded its pitching staff while also adding some potentially impactful pieces in the lineup. While the Royals have yet to bring in a star position player this offseason, they have done a respectable job of building around superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. by bringing in players such as Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins. Royals beat writer Anne Rogers recently appeared on MLB Network and explained that improving the offensive “supporting cast” was a goal for the team this offseason.
“I think what the Royals had in mind when they acquired these guys was improving kind of the offense on the margins,” Rogers said. “Scoring more runs. Royals are always going to continue to rely on Bobby Witt Jr., (Maikel) Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez as the core of their run production.
“That hasn’t changed at all. But they want to raise the floor of the supporting cast around those four.”
It seems as if the Royals have accomplished their offseason goal for the most part.
Thomas, 30, was limited to 39 games played in 2025 with the Cleveland Guardians. He has found success in the past, however. In 2023 with the Washington Nationals, the right-handed hitting Thomas recorded 28 home runs and 20 stolen bases to go along with a .783 OPS.
Collins, a 28-year-old switch-hitter, quietly had a .779 OPS in 2025 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is another player who should positively impact the Royals.
Both Thomas and Collins are outfielders. Kansas City’s outfield will receive a boost simply by having these players on the roster. The Royals have also been linked to Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran, so a trade for him would only further boost the team’s outfield.
It has been a strong offseason for the Royals. They still have work to do, as the ball club is likely not a true contender yet. If they can bring in at least one or two more impactful players, then the Royals will feel much better about their chances of competing in the American League Central.
There is no question that the offense could see improved results this year with its upgraded depth. If the pitching is able to hold up its end of the bargain, Kansas City could compete for a postseason spot during the upcoming 2026 MLB season.
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