Ranking Royals’ most likely free agent targets based on J.J. Picollo’s history

If you've ever played any type of dynasty mode on a baseball video game, you know how difficult it can be just to balance that virtual budget when constructing your team. Of course, you want all of the best free agents available, but there is only so much money that you can spend. The same idea applies to Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who has been known to be budget-conscious.

It's safe to assume that in a perfect world, Picollo would jump at the opportunity to chase after pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Adrián Morejón. With an unlimited budget, the Royals could address their most pressing needs on their roster and add the best pitchers available on the free-agent market.

However, here in reality, Picollo has often been forced to dig through the scraps and chase after players who may not have the most options in free agency. After taking over for Dayton Moore in September 2021, Picollo has rarely made a splash in the offseason. Outside of the signings of pitchers Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, the Royals GM has often looked to the bargain bin for the bulk of his free agent pickups.

As we navigate an offseason that could be interrupted by a likely lockout in December, we're taking a look at a few potential free agent targets based on Picollo’s history with the Royals. We'll then be ranking them based on the expected value they'd provide to the team next season.

These free agents could be playing for the Royals in 2027

5.) TJ Friedl, OF

TJ Friedl is quite an interesting player. He is a much better player than his .510 OPS in 2026 would indicate. After suffering through a number of injuries this past season, Friedl never really had a chance to get going for the Cincinnati Reds. But after accumulating 7.8 fWAR through his first six MLB seasons, he does have the ability to play the game at a high level. With a one-year “prove it” deal, Friedl wouldn’t be the worst addition to the Royals. However, he would only block a younger player like Carson Roccaforte from getting valuable at-bats.

4.) Taylor Ward, OF

After being a solid home run hitter through the first eight years of his career, Taylor Ward had a complete power outage in 2026. He hit just seven long balls in 498 at-bats this past season, by far his lowest total in a full season in his career. But with 99 combined walks with the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners, Ward still boasts one of the best eyes in all of baseball. As one of the more affordable outfield bats in free agency, he could be a decent fit in the Royals’ lineup. While he is not the worst defender out there, he does leave a lot to be desired with the glove.

3.) Ryan Yarbrough, RP

Ryan Yarbrough is one of those undervalued pitchers that every team wouldn’t mind having on their staff. With the versatility to start games and come out of the pen, Yarbrough has made his living as a deceptive lefty who has the ability to limit the damage of a potentially big inning for the opposing team. He won’t overpower hitters, but he does have a knack for missing barrels and avoiding hard contact. Signing Yarbrough would also be a homecoming of sorts for both sides. The southpaw played for the Royals in 2023 after signing as a free agent.

2.) Jonathan Loáisiga, RP

Jonathan Loáisiga had an impressive bounce-back year in 2026 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Loáisiga had pitched in just 51.1 innings over the previous three seasons with the New York Yankees after battling through a number of injuries. However, his 2.42 ERA and 1.030 WHIP in 67 innings of work in 2026 proved that he still had plenty left in the tank. With a minuscule walks-per-nine rate and swing-and-miss stuff, Loáisiga could be a valuable arm in the Royals’ pen in 2027.

1.) Nick Pivetta, SP

With a 4.43 ERA in 217 career starts, Nick Pivetta is far from an ace pitcher. But he is a pitcher who can be trusted to eat innings and strike out his fair share of batters. Before missing a majority of the 2026 season with the San Diego Padres, Pivetta had pitched at least 142 innings in five straight seasons. Much like Lugo or Wacha, Pivetta could settle in fairly well as a middle-of-the-rotation arm in Kansas City. He may be the priciest option on this list, but Picollo has been known to value starting pitchers who can provide quality innings.

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