KC Royals: Making the case, Boston Red Sox free agents

The Royals are interested in some outfield help to replace what they lost with Alex Gordon. Boston might have the answer.

Cesar Puello is the first outfielder up for the Red Sox. His 2020 sample is super small (11 plate appearances), though he slashed .375/.500/.375. While those numbers are nice, it’s unlikely he would have held those numbers over a larger sample.

In 2019, between the Angels and Marlins, he slashed .248/.356/.384 over 147 plate appearances. He’s not hitting the ball into the stands, though the on-base percentage is nice. He has done fine with fielding in the chances he’s gotten as well. If the Royals are going to get an outfielder, though, it’s likely best to look at someone a little more established as they have a mass of outfield prospects.

Rusney Castillo is another outfield option from Boston. He has spent the majority of his career in the minors, though he did get a small bit of playing time from 2014 to 2015. When he was up, he batted around .250-.260 and his OBP barely broke .300.

Like Puello, he was a decent fielder, but likely one the Royals should pass on. Before they take a chance on a player like Castillo, they need to find out what they have internally.

There is one Boston outfielder, though, that might garner some interest. The Royals are said to be on the market for a centerfielder and Jackie Bradley Jr. is just what the Royals like. Bradley has won a gold glove and made an All-Star appearance. While he has seen some down seasons hitting, he has provided decent slugging and has gotten on base at a decent rate in multiple seasons.

Bradley could provide the strong outfield presence the Royals lost with Alex Gordon and he is definitely an important free agent to look towards. While he may come at a higher price than some, he is also one that could be impacted by the depressed market, helping the Royals to remain competitive with their offer.

The KC Royals may not find a lot of options in the Red Sox free-agent list, but there are a few who could make an impact. The Royals should continue their search, but take a serious look at Jackie Bradely Jr.