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

Paul DeJong has the KC Royals best ROI this trade deadline

The right-handed slugger has proven to be one of the best buy-low trade acquisitions at this year’s MLB trade deadline. The Royals gave up only a productive but underdeveloped Low-A reliever to acquire DeJong from the Chicago White Sox. A longtime St. Louis Cardinals player, DeJong went from the league’s worst team to a playoff race overnight, and his performance has reflected that sense of urgency.

Since joining the Royals, the Florida native is slashing .250/.309/.500, with six home runs and a .809 OPS. While he’s prone to striking out frequently, his power tends to show up at the most opportune moments.

The reality is that DeJong's current performance is an outlier, starkly contrasting his play since 2020. From 2020 to 2023, he’s been a below-average hitter, though his 102 wRC+ right now finally mirrors his early years with the Cardinals. There’s a reason the Royals are DeJong’s fifth team since Opening Day 2023—he’s an incredibly volatile hitter with significant swing-and-miss issues.

Batting in the heart of Kansas City’s lineup, DeJong will play a role in any postseason success the Royals find. However, that shouldn’t distort the reality that Kansas City doesn’t need to retain or re-sign him. This offseason gives Picollo and his team a chance to upgrade at third base, DeJong’s primary position since joining the Royals. Settling for a full season of DeJong would be a shortsighted and uninspired move.