4 free agents the KC Royals should sign for spring training competition

KC Royals fans, the wait is nearly over. Pitchers report on Feb. 14, and the full squad's first workout is five days later. Opening Day remains two months away, but spring training brings baseball fans back into the drumbeat of baseball while seeing the fledging stages of their favorite team. The non-roster invite list features some of Kansas City's top prospects too, giving fans a look at the team's possible future.

The KC Royals need to add more non-roster invitees ahead of spring training.

There will be several positional battles on the roster's fringes ahead of the 2024 season. But there cannot be quality competition without several options. Those non-roster invites help provide that, but Kansas City needs more before they head down to Arizona. Jackie Bradley Jr.'s 2023 role in Kansas City comes to mind regarding this. In no way was his season the picture of excellence, but he showed the value of joining a team before or during spring training.

He was okay in Arizona, but he was the best option available due to injuries in center field. Bradley extended his MLB career by 43 games, simply by being in camp. If the Royals want to add more bodies to MLB camp, here are six options they can add on minor league deals with invites.

Dominic Smith

The Royals are set at first base, with Vinnie Pasquantino looking ready to return. Add on players like Nick Pratto, Nick Loftin, Devin Mann, and CJ Alexander, there are plenty of competition options at first base. But, Kansas City could add former first round pick Dominic Smith to the mix.

The Washington Nationals designated him for assignment following the 2023 season, opting not to give him a raise via arbitration. He had an alright debut season in Washington, with a 90 wRC+, a career-high 12 home runs, and only striking out 15.5% of the time. Smith is nowhere near the player the Mets thought he was when they drafted him 11th overall in 2013. B

ut, at 28 years old, Smith likely has more to offer an MLB team. Smith is not a stellar option, but if injuries hit first base again, Smith could provide some MLB experience to the mix.