Adding proven star talent next to Bobby Witt Jr. should be Royals priority at trade deadline

The Kansas City Royals are sitting double-digit games below .500 and clearly sellers ahead of the year’s deadline. However, there is an interesting argument to be made that not only should the Royals sell, but the franchise should be searching for a splashy addition that signals an investment in the team’s future. It isn’t the typical approach, but one that should be welcomed when you consider the future of Bobby Witt Jr. and the generational talent the Royals are currently wasting in what will be another lost season.

Witt Jr. is in the middle of the MVP race despite having very little help around him and consistently being asked to shoulder a load that is far from fair. This hasn’t stopped the infielder from putting up elite numbers and finding ways to keep himself in the conversation. With this in mind, the Royals should consider a show of faith.

Whether it is adding Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez, who is under team control until 2028, or another top bat, the Royals owe it to Witt. The slugger is being handed every reason to consider a trade demand that would wreck a fanbase with only one viable reason to tune in each night.

Witt anchoring the Royals lineup at least makes them watchable and serves as a reminder of what an elite talent the KC have near the top of the order. One that is deserving of support, and the Royals have a unique opportunity to do just that with an unexpected move.

Royals should consider buying and selling ahead of this year’s trade deadline

This isn’t to argue that the Royals shouldn’t sell off struggling or expiring veteran pieces, but rather that two things can be accomplished in the next month of the season. Witt’s future can be solidified even more by adding an established hitter to help bolster his MVP chances, while Kansas City sells off aging pieces that no longer fit the team’s timeline of contention.

It is the type of approach that is going to accomplish quite a lot, lessening the chances that Witt considers walking away after another failed season. In truth, with the Royals’ current lineup and level of support around the star, it wouldn’t be out of bounds to ask for a trade to a market more capable of supporting him.

However, as the Kansas City Chiefs have shown, it isn’t the market failing Witt, as it certainly hasn’t failed Patrick Mahomes, but ownership and front office decision-makers who have failed to put winning pieces in place. Even in the middle of another lost season, this can be remedied by adding an impact bat to the middle of the order, helping ease concerns around Witt and providing a needed long-term answer.