The trade deadline is coming up; Anne Rogers talks about how the Royals may get creative
For the Royals, the clearest point about this season is how much of a disappointment it’s been for a team that had high expectations after a 2024 playoff run, finishing over .500 again in ‘25 and returning that core group of players in ‘26. But nothing has gone right for Kansas City through its first 97 games of the season.
Kansas City would like to acquire talent that’s ready or near-ready for the Major Leagues, which will help begin to construct the roster for 2027 and beyond. The trickiness comes into play here, though, because that will likely mean trading controllable pieces the Royals also want and need to rely on next year and beyond.
For example, trading starter Michael Wacha could net young, controllable talent — although how much would vary based on how other teams view the 35-year-old right-hander. But his potential departure would also leave a gaping hole in an already thin rotation for the next two seasons (assuming the Royals pick up his ‘28 club option).
Here is every MLB team’s biggest need at the deadline.
Royals: Young, controllable talent
The Royals need to address parts of their entire roster, but it doesn’t have to be a huge overhaul. They need to use the Deadline to begin acquiring young, controllable talent that could help them compete right away next season. This is no small task, as it will require giving up something important — perhaps a starting pitcher — but building next year’s roster should be on the forefront of their minds.ADVERTISEMENT
MLB’s pipeline chose Jack Slightom as their favorite Royals draft pick
After going the college route with its first two picks, Kansas City took a high-schooler at No. 56 overall and got some intriguing upside in the 6-foot-5 right-hander from Illinois. Slightom was already picking up velocity, touching 98 mph this spring, and it’s easy to project him adding more with a singular year-long focus on baseball. (He also played quarterback in the fall.) With that extra power could come an improved slider, while his changeup already flashes above-average.
Here is David Lesky’s Royals draft review
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