1 dream target, 1 realistic target, and 1 mistake Royals could make in pursuit of a right-handed outfielder

Until the Kansas City Royals make a move, fans should be prepared for constant reports, speculation, and ideas on what the team should be doing to fix their outfield. The unit was one of the worst offensively in baseball in 2026, and the numbers were propped up by Jac Caglianone's breakout season.

The most recent news about what J.J. Picollo plans to do came out of the GM Meetings. According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the word from Picollo was a right-handed-hitting outfielder. That was the role Lane Thomas played for the team last season before being dealt at the trade deadline.

This year's free-agent class is weak, and so the options are limited unless the Royals want to make a major splash. They could also attack that need via trade with a few of the valuable trade assets they possess. It is one of the few areas of the position player side of the team where K.C. can make a major upgrade to the squad, so it is possible to dream a little here.

The Royals have 3 paths they can take in pursuit of an outfield upgrade

1 dream right-handed-hitting outfield target

Let's dream big here. The ideal fit for the Royals to fill this need this offseason is Randy Arozarena. The former Mariners and Rays left fielder is the best free-agent outfield bat on the market this offseason. His 151 WRC+ in 2026 was the best among all qualified right-handed hitters.

Adding him would be exactly what the Royals are looking for: an everyday outfielder who has pop, on-base ability, and plays solid defense. Placing him in the mix with Bobby Witt Jr., Jac Caglianone, and Carter Jensen would be an extremely fearsome top of the lineup.

1 realistic right-handed-hitting outfield target

Most players in the final year of a deal, or in this case, team control, get that contract year boost. They take a step forward, making them look like a better player than they might actually be before heading into free agency to earn a new contract. Unfortunately for Taylor Ward, he had the opposite.

Coming off a 36-home run, 106-RBI season in 2025 for the Angels, Ward hit just seven home runs and 37 RBI in 2026 for the Orioles and Mariners. That will have teams wary of where his actual production lies, souring his market. The Royals can take that risk, though.

From 2022 to 2025, Ward was a .251 hitter with a .783 OPS. He averaged 24.5 home runs and 72.5 RBI per season. That is the type of hitter the Royals can take a chance on this offseason. It's more than likely he won't repeat 2026, and even if he doesn't repeat the highs of 2025, having an outfielder who likely provides 20+ home runs and 65+ RBI will be a huge boost for K.C. in 2027, and he should be in the Royals' price range.

1 right-handed-hitting outfield target that would be a mistake

From the different quotes that came out of the GM Meetings, it sounds like Picollo could be bargain hunting this offseason, again. The perfect bargain hunt among right-handed-hitting outfielders is Luis Robert Jr., but the Royals should steer clear of him.

One really good season in 2023, plus a couple of good stretches, still has people dreaming of Robert's potential as a 30-30, Gold-Glove-caliber outfielder, but he hasn't shown it. He'll be cheap this offseason, but the Royals don't have the flexibility to handle it if he doesn't find his form and looks like the 2026 version of himself.

The center fielder hit .221 with a .707 OPS in 61 games between the Mets and Orioles this season. He only had 11 homers, 5 doubles, and 2 stolen bases. Some team may luck out this offseason and find that superstar center fielder, but the odds of that feel slim. The Royals need a proven track record and can't dream on upside this offseason.

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