3 Royals moves that must be made to block White Sox before 2027 lockout

Pitching is going to be a hot commodity this offseason. Teams around the league are looking to make upgrades to their starting rotation and bullpen, especially teams in the AL Central. The Kansas City Royals are looking for upgrades to their pitching staff across the board. Unfortunately, so are the division rival Chicago White Sox, who also have the upper hand after their recent playoff appearance.

Kansas City is going to need to work fast in the lead-up to the likely lockout to make sure they can get the jump on the White Sox. Teams already have less than three weeks until the potential start of the lockout, but if the Royals wait until the final few days, they are likely to miss out on their top targets.

3 Royals moves that must be made to block White Sox before 2027 lockout

Clay Holmes

Holmes is going to be one of the most coveted pitchers on the open market this offseason. Projections have him getting a relatively friendly three-year deal in the $40 to 60 million range, a number that the Royals and the White Sox could both afford.

At 33 years old, Holmes may want to chase the playoffs, but the Royals can persuade him with elite infield defense behind him. The righty's 60% groundball rate was the highest among pitchers with over 100 innings this season. Having an infield full of Gold Glove finalists and former winners behind him could be the reason he would come to K.C. But that's if the Royals don't wait around to sign him.

Bryan Abreu

Both the Royals and White Sox head into this offseason needing back-end relief options. The Royals had the 27th-worst reliever ERA in the 8th and 9th innings this season; the White Sox lost a few key bullpen members to free agency. Abreu is one of the best relievers available this offseason who didn't receive the qualifying offer and is a likely target for both teams.

Abreu's projected contract length ranges in years, but all have him earning an AAV of at least $10 million. He will likely be a hot commodity due to his age and playoff track record, so if the Royals want to beat not only the White Sox but the rest of the league, they need to act fast.

Sean Newcombe

This is one where the Royals are already at a heavy disadvantage because he was a member of the White Sox last season. The lefty flourished in their bullpen in a variety of roles and will likely get a multi-year commitment this offseason.

The Royals could really use a player like Newcombe in their bullpen. He can bounce around from high-leverage to multi-inning relief and even a spot start. The White Sox would also really like him back, though. To beat Chicago from re-signing him, they'll have to work quickly.

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