The Reds' qualifying offer decision could open the door for a Royals reunion

Two years ago, the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals made a trade that could only be considered a lose-lose deal. Cincinnati needed another starting pitcher, and Kansas City needed another proven bat in the lineup, so the two organizations agreed to swap Brady Singer and Jonathan India.

Neither player worked out for their new teams. On the Royals side, India was a well-below-average bat in his first full season with the team. In year two, he missed almost the entire season, playing just 17 games until he injured his shoulder and eventually needed surgery. India played 153 games in his two seasons with K.C., posting a .665 OPS and 0.6 bWAR; extremely underwhelming.

Singer didn't fare much better for Cincinnati. Though he was able to stay healthy, he struggled a lot. The righty was solid in his first year, posting a 4.03 ERA for the Reds and was worth 2.8 fWAR.

Year two, however, was abysmal. Singer had a 5.85 ERA in 2026, with his 102 earned runs leading the majors. Singer made 63 starts in his two years in Cincinnati, but he had an 87 ERA+ (meaning his ERA was 13% below league average).

Now, both players are set to reach free agency and are eligible for qualifying offers. While India certainly won't be offered the 1-year, $23.1 million offer, the Reds are reportedly considering one for Singer.

Brady Singer could be a worth while addition, as long as he doesn't cost a draft pick

If the Reds extend the QO to Singer, the Royals should stay away. Singer is in no way worth the draft pick compensation that they would need to give up in order to sign him. If the Reds don't extend the QO to Singer (which they really shouldn't), the Royals should absolutely contact his representation.

Singer was inconsistent as a Royal, but he also stays healthy. In his four-and-a-half seasons pitching for KC, Singer had a 4.28 ERA. Twice, the 30-year-old had an ERA under 3.75, and twice he had an ERA north of 4.90. He also posts. His 175 starts since 2021 are the seventh most in baseball, and his 947⅔ innings are 14th.

The Royals need stability in their rotation. While Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo have been consistent since they joined, they have seen a rotating cast of characters filling out the other three spots in the rotation. Singer would almost certainly hold down a spot for the season, and he's familiar with the ballpark.

That familiarity could come in handy. With Singer looking for a bounce-back year, returning to a place where he's had success could be a smart move, and he might even do so at a discount. After the season he just had, he won't be very expensive anyway and could sign a one (or maybe two) year deal in an attempt to revive his value.

The Royals need answers in the rotation, and Singer is someone who knows the organization. Even if he doesn't have an ERA below 4.00, there is value in going out every five games and eating innings to help save the bullpen. As long as he doesn't have the qualifying offer, the Royals should be targeting him this offseason.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow