Are the Kansas City Royals Really Done with Their Offseason Shopping?

Sep 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jason Vargas (60) throws a pitch in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

For most of the offseason, the Kansas City Royals have been quite active in the rumor mill. They were considered as a potential landing spot for players from Carlos Beltran to Masahiro Tanaka. The outbid the Yankees(!!) to secure the services of Omar Infante. Through trades and free agent signings, the Royals have been able to solidify their roster, and appear to be poised to once again contend for the postseason.

Now, with less than three weeks until pitchers and catchers report, everything is quiet in Kansas City. Aside from the speculation that Ervin Santana may return to don the powder blue once again, the Royals would appear to be set with their roster heading into Spring Training. With the Royals payroll already at record levels, it would be understandable if they decide to stand pat.

While it may appear as though there is nothing to be seen right now in Kansas City, that may not mean that another move is not forthcoming. Prior to signing Jason Vargas, the Royals were not rumored to be a potential destination for him. Infante was linked to the Royals only a couple of days before he signed. Dayton Moore and the front office have done their best to operate under a shroud of secrecy.

As unexpected as it may be, it is possible that the Royals may not be done. Moore has stated that he is still interested in potential upgrades, and that the Royals could increase payroll if the right player (Santana?) falls in their lap. Those statements alone indicate that another move may be possible.

Right now, all is quiet on the Midwestern front. However, that silence may not mean that the Kansas City Royals offseason is complete. Dayton Moore and the Royals could simply be operating in stealth mode once again.