1 free agent from each AL Central rival the Royals should zero in on

The Kansas City Royals finished the 2026 season seven games behind the Detroit Tigers and in the AL Central basement once again this season. Unfortunately, that marks the third time in the last five seasons KC finished last in the division.

One way to jump back into contention is to sign players who made them successful. The Royals are set up to have an active offseason, with multiple glaring holes on the roster. If those players were good enough to help the other teams in the division, signing them could help Kansas City climb back the AL Central mountain in 2027.

1 free agent from each AL Central rival the Royals should zero in on

Cleveland Guardians: Foster Griffin, left-handed pitcher

Foster Griffin actually made his MLB debut with Kansas City in 2020, but was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022. He later spent three seasons playing overseas in Japan, but made his MLB return this season, signing a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals.

Griffin posted a 3.06 ERA across 22 starts for the Nats and made the NL All-Star team. He was traded to the Cleveland Guardians at the August 3 deadline, and while he struggled with his new team, his first-half performance could be enticing enough for the Royals.

Kansas City is will need to find a reliable innings-eater next season. Signing Griffin, who pitched 172 innings last season to be a reliable No. 3 or 4 starter, would be a smart move on the part of J.J. Picollo and the front office.

Chicago White Sox: Sean Newcombe, right-handed pitcher

Sean Newcombe flashed high-end relief stuff after being claimed off waivers by the Athletics in 2025. That performance earned him a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox last offseason; one that he took full advantage of. Newcombe made 60 appearances, including six starts, and covered 90 innings while posting a 3.09 ERA.

The Royals bullpen needs help. Newcombe held opponents to a .197 batting average against and a .574 OPS in high leverage situations. That level of hitter suppression is just what the Royals need next season for a bullpen that was one of the worst in baseball.

Minnesota Twins: AJ Minter, left-handed pitcher

Going back to the reliever well, AJ Minter posted a 2.56 ERA this season. He started the season with the New York Mets and was dealt to the Minnesota Twins at the deadline. In 45 innings, he struck out 41 batters while walking just eight. His biggest weakness has been the long ball; he gave up nine home runs last season.

Minter has been one of the most respected left-handed relievers in baseball throughout his career. While he's never been a full-time closer, his 7.4 fWAR is fifth among lefty relievers since his debut in 2017. A player of his caliber would be extremely helpful in the Royals' bullpen.

Detroit Tigers: Tyler Kinley, left-handed pitcher

Tyler Kinley would be a useful lefty coming out of the Royals 'pen in 2027. The 35-year-old spent most of his career with the Colorado Rockies, but was dealt to the Atlanta Braves at the 2025 trade deadline. He was dominant down the stretch with a 0.72 ERA in 24 appearances. This past season with the Braves wasn't as pretty, and he was released in late August.

Kinley regained his form with the Tigers, however. In 15 games with Detroit, he posted a 1.84 ERA. He was no strikeout artist and gave a few too many free passes in his brief stint in the Motor City, but he's shown flashes of greatness; enough to give him a shot next season.  

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