4 upcoming KC Royals free agents who have been good but don't need to be re-signed

With plenty of baseball still ahead, the stakes are higher than ever for the KC Royals. Right now, every personnel choice holds more weight—each trade, free-agent signing, and internal promotion could be the key to clinching a postseason spot. As the Royals set their sights on October, every move matters in the drive to return to playoff baseball.

The Royals moved decisively at the trade deadline, but especially before September began. Their last-minute acquisitions of Tommy Pham, Robbie Grossman, and Yuli Gurriel have positioned them as one of the most improved teams post-trade deadline. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo and Kansas City's front office have had more hits than misses on their player additions in the past calendar year. However, that doesn't mean every player should return for Opening Day 2025.

There are months of hot stove rumors and eye-popping contracts ahead, but the Royals have some tough decisions to make. Here are four current players whose time in Kansas City should end when their contracts expire.

Robbie Grossman with the KC Royals is a short-term solution

Grossman was a solid waiver addition before August ended, but there's little indication he'll have a role in 2025 or beyond. In limited opportunities with his new team, he's slashing .333/.500/.333. The California native isn’t known for hitting home runs, but he consistently puts the ball in play and draws plenty of walks. In short, he keeps the line moving.

Grossman can be a valuable bat further down the lineup, but with a healthy Vinnie Pasquantino or another bat-first addition next year, his role starts to feel redundant. He’s a short-term solution for the postseason push, not a long-term answer for 2025.