J.J. Picollo just offered up a sobering take on Royals’ roster heading into 2027

Let’s face it, the Kansas City Royals are probably never going to be able to outspend any of the big market teams in baseball. With teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets able to dump a truckload of money at the feet of any free agent on the market, it can be tough for the Royals to attract players. But that doesn't mean that the team is left without options. 

While speaking to MLB.com’s Perla Paredes at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo provided a clear picture of the team's approach to free agency. According to Picollo, the 2026 season was clearly not how things were supposed to unfold. However, there is still a solid foundation to build upon heading into next season. 

“We didn’t play well early, and then the injury bug hit us,” Picollo said. “We’ve got to be realistic in our evaluation. … we didn’t feel like this is a situation where we’re going to try to start over.” 

That statement should be reassuring to any nervous Royals fans out there. With the team just two years removed from a postseason appearance, things aren't quite as bleak as the 69-win season in 2026 would indicate. But at the same time, the Royals will have a limited payroll to work with to replace any injured players who may miss a large portion of the 2027 season. 

The Royals are close to becoming contenders in 2027, but a limited payroll may limit their potential 

In the very early hours of November 11, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Detroit Tigers will sign reliever Emilio Pagán to a one-year, $11 million contract for the 2027 season. The former Cincinnati Reds closer became the first domino to fall in what is sure to be a highly competitive market for the game's top free agent relievers. That could put the Royals at a severe disadvantage. 

“We have to figure out creative ways with financing and how we’re going to handle this,” Picollo told MLB.com. “Whether or not we put more money in the starting pitching or bullpen remains to be seen. Logically thinking, you can put a bullpen together less expensive than a starting rotation.”

With just the 18th-highest luxury tax bill in Major League Baseball this past season, the Royals could soon find themselves priced out of the free agent market. If the recent signing of pitcher Hobie Harris to a minor league contract is any indication of the Royals’ game plan this offseason, the team could continue to thrift shop from now until the potential lockout in December. 

While not exactly surprising to most Royals fans, it is a poignant reminder of how difficult it can be for small-market teams to buy their way out of roster concerns. For the right price, the team may be willing to invest in a valuable reliever or two in free agency. As we saw with the failures of Alex Lange in 2026, budget shopping for relievers does come with its risks. 

To Picollo's credit, he may have already learned his lesson in that regard. “We have to be more transactional in that perspective, and not be afraid to move on with the next guy,” added Picollo. 

Only time will tell if the Royals will actually adhere to that newfound perspective next season. Despite the rough year for the team in 2026, the AL Central will still be a wide-open division. With a few offseason moves to plug up the holes in the roster and a wave of reinforcements coming up from the minor leagues, the Royals could very easily be the team to take the crown in 2027.

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