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Royals could address outfield with Phillies want for roster shake-up

One man's trash is another man's treasure.
ByBrian Burrows
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Sep 30, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) celebrates after hitting a single against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) celebrates after hitting a single against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rumors and reports are starting to fly with MLB's GM Meetings underway in Las Vegas. The Kansas City Royals need to be taking notes on everything that comes out to try to find an edge this week in beefing up their roster. With multiple needs to address, making trades with other GMs or laying the groundwork at these meetings should be paramount, with less than three weeks until the likely lockout.

One report that came out on day one of the meetings was that the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to shake up their roster. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have put star shortstop Trey Turner and, more interesting to the Royals' situation, outfielder Brandon Marsh on the trade block. The Royals are in desperate need of outfield help this winter, and Marsh, an All-Star in 2026, could be a perfect change-of-scenery candidate.

All-Star and change-of-scenery candidate don't usually go in the same sentence, but Marsh posted a full-season career-low bWAR of 0.4 this season. His WAR has slowly declined each of the last four seasons in Philly, from 3.4 in 2023 and 3.0 in 2024, down to 1.6 in 2025, and now 0.4.

In 2026, Marsh had his lowest OPS (.713) and WRC+ (90) since 2022. The lefty slashed .260/.304/.408, hit 20 doubles and 18 home runs, and had 62 RBIs. He also added 11 stolen bases.

Brandon Marsh would be a perfect fit for the Royals outfield next season

The lefty would be a plug-and-play fit in the Royals lineup for next season. While he's never been a power threat, in 2023 he had an OPS in the 800s, and in 2025 he had an OPS in the high 700s. Marsh may not be a middle-of-the-order bat, but he would be an everyday outfielder for K.C.

Marsh was primarily a left fielder last season, but in '24 and '25 he split time between left and center. He had a -5 Fielding Run Value in 2026, but that was his first season grading out as negative.

The Georgia Native will play all of 2027 at 29 years old and will be a free agent at the end of the season. That is one hangup the Royals may run into. According to a report by MLB Network's Jon Morosi, teams aren't looking to trade prospects for players with only a year until free agency due to the looming lockout, and would rather trade another player who will also be a free agent at the end of next season.

The Royals do not currently have any players in their final year of arbitration to make a swap like that. They would either need to stay away from Marsh or be willing to move prospects to make the deal.

The Royals need to make meaningful upgrades to their outfield this offseason. Multiple offseasons of searching the bargain bin now have them two seasons removed from the playoffs. Marsh could be a cheap trade option that could be truly impactful in the outfield.

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