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The Kansas City Royals know they need to add some offense to the roster to be contenders in 2026. Mike Yastrzemski is one name<\/a> that immediately comes to mind, both because he had such a great half-season with KC and because he’s expected to be relatively cheap. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n However, he might not be as inexpensive as previously thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Athletic released its list of top free agents for this winter earlier this week<\/a>, and Yastrzemski is right in the middle of the 50-person pack, sitting ast the 25th overall free agent. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Should MLB front offices agree with the publication on who will be most attractive this offseason, the Royals may very well have a fight on their hands<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Keith Law broke down just the type of player Yastrzemski is and why his signature could be one of the more coveted ones on the open market this winter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Yaz has been a league-average or better hitter every year he’s played in the majors, including a 106 wRC+ this past year,” Law wrote. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yaz, please! pic.twitter.com\/xFVZ0CzUrY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n <\/p>\n “It\u2019s a lot of average or fringe-average contact quality, boosted by excellent plate discipline and a strong contact rate that\u2019s in the top 20 percent of all MLB hitters,” he wrote.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “[Yastrzemski] is a great fit for a team with a right-handed corner outfielder\/utility guy who could be his caddy,” Law also wrote.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There’s always going to be value in a strong side platoon hitter, certainly making him a noteworthy name to consider in free agency – even if he does trend more towards league average at times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yaz’s slash numbers with the Royals weren’t eye-popping; he posted a .237\/.339\/.500 in 50 games. However, once he got away from San Francisco, his power numbers took a big jump, and he logged a 131 OPS+ with KC after a below-average 97 with the NL team.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even knowing that, there’s been a ton of talk that the Giants and Yastrzemski are both interested<\/a> in a reunion in 2026. Hopefully, the Kansas City Royals can convince him otherwise and do it without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n <\/div>\nKansas City Royals could have a fight on their hands if they want to sign Mike Yastrzemski<\/h2>\n
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