Even after their historic turnaround and a long-awaited return to postseason play, the Kansas City Royals need to improve their roster this winter. General manager J.J. Picollo makes no secret of his desire to shore up the club's offense, and keeping starter Michael Wacha must be a prime focus of his attention.
What specific designs Picollo has on particular players remain secreted within the Royals' key offices, but the time when Kansas City can begin making big moves is fast approaching. Dates and deadlines loom for the Royals and the other 29 major league teams — here's a look at some important dates coming up over the next few months.
The big markets open the day after the World Series ends
The offseason excitement that free agency and the trading period bring begins the day after the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees wind up this season's World Series. That could come as early as Wednesday, October 29 — the Dodgers leads the Series 2-0, so can therefore clinch their latest championship if they beat the Yankees in games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday nights.
However, the first few days after the free agent and trade markets open aren't without some complications. Teams can immediately swap players without restriction, but the collectively-bargained agreement between the clubs and players' union only allows teams to negotiate with and sign their own free agents for the first few days. They are able to have general discussions with other clubs' free agents during this time, but can't sign them until 5 p.m. ET five days after the Series concludes.
Seven Royals are eligible for free agency this offseason — pitchers Will Smith and Michael Lorenzen, infielders Yuli Gurriel and Paul DeJong, utility man Garrett Hampson, and outfielders Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman.