KANSAS CITY -- Isn’t it funny how baseball can feel so far away in December but as soon as the new year hits, we’re closer than ever to the season ramping back up?
Well, we’re at that point. It’s 2026, and Royals pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic report to Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz., on Feb. 9. Others won’t be too far behind.
While transactions don’t stop when Spring Training begins, the Royals have just over a month before baseball activity becomes the main focus rather than external roster improvements. So what more do they need to do before gathering in Arizona?
Here’s a recap of what they’ve done so far:
- Signed catcher Salvador Perez to a two-year, $25 million contract extension
- Acquired outfielder Kameron Misner from the Rays
- Acquired right-handed pitcher Mason Black from the Giants
- Signed right-handed reliever Alex Lange to a one-year, $900,000 deal
- Signed outfielder Lane Thomas to a one-year, $5.25 million deal
- Acquired outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Brewers for left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa
- Acquired left-handed reliever Matt Strahm for right-handed reliever Jonathan Bowlan
- Signed third baseman Maikel Garcia to a five-year contract extension
- Signed manager Matt Quatraro to a three-year contract extension
- Minor League deals include infielder Kevin Newman, right-handed reliever Jose Cuas and utility player Abraham Toro
The main external moves have been the additions of Thomas and Collins to the outfield and Mears and Strahm to the bullpen. But the Royals are continuing to look to improve the roster, even though it has been quiet lately.
“It always takes a little bit of a dip between Christmas and New Year's, but there [has] still been ongoing conversations about acquisitions for players,” general manager J.J. Picollo said on Monday. “We’re in a position [where] we’ll continue to make our team better. I don’t know what shape or size or form that will come in, or what position that will be, but there’s going to be activity through the month of January and into February. We’re just going to stay on top of it. If there’s a way we can make our team better, we’re going to try to capitalize.”
The Royals would like to add one more bat, and a trade remains the best path to do so. But the likelihood of that remains to be seen. There is interest in Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, but the asking price -- starting pitcher Cole Ragans -- is simply too high for the Royals, and talks have stalled.
There have been extensive talks with the Cardinals about utility player Brendan Donovan, but the asking price is high, too, and there are other teams interested. The Royals would be willing to slightly overpay for Donovan, who comes with two years of contractual control. But they won’t meet the Cardinals’ ask -- several top prospects and players with years of control.
The Royals could also add a veteran utility player to the bench, likely through free agency. Collins’ versatility gives the Royals some flexibility when it comes to other additions, as he can play second base. And between the DH spot and the way that Quatraro likes to use his bench, there would still be at-bats for second baseman Jonathan India, who the Royals believe will perform better than last year.
One thing in the Royals’ favor is that they’ve made moves this winter without trading from their starting pitching surplus. So they have Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron, Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila to potentially trade.
The bullpen remains a target, even after adding Lange, Mears and Strahm. Any move -- likely a trade -- would have to prioritize a controllable reliever who can help the club now and in the future. The Royals do not have a lot of relievers with Minor League options remaining. They’d like to add roster flexibility to get them through a long season. Another lefty would be preferred.
The Royals believe they’re better now than at the beginning of the offseason, and this could be the team to open the season. The offense is going to start and end with the core four hitters: Garcia, Perez, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. The Royals foresee 22-year-olds Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen getting an opportunity to impact the team, too.
“We do like the moves that we’ve made thus far,” Picollo said. “We think we’ve raised the floor of our team, and we know that we’re going to continue to mature as a team. We’ve got a couple of young bats that we’re counting on, as well, that could really impact how this season goes. We’re in a better spot.”