Royals should stretch budget to sign Jazz Chisholm Jr., but not for the position fans may think

The Kansas City Royals need to be creative this offseason when trying to find upgrades on the position player side of the team. The outfield should be at the top of J.J. Picollo's priority list. Upgrades could come from inventive trades or even a few clever free agent signings.

The Royals are one of the few small-market teams that push their budget. Last season, they ranked 18th in payroll despite being one of the three smallest markets in the league. Asking them to stretch that further could be hard, but for the right player, it could be worth it.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be a perfect fit in the Royals lineup. The biggest problem is that he has barely played the outfield after being traded to the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline. The Royals could use an upgrade at second base, though with Michael Massey under team control, that shouldn't be anywhere near the top of the priority list. A recent report about Chisholm shows the Royals may have just lucked out.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, Chisholm is drawing interest from a multitude of teams due to his age, base running, and positional versatility. The New York Post's Jon Heyman added that he's open to a change of position. That is the key for the Royals.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. would be the perfect centerfielder for the Royals in 2027 and beyond

Before being dealt to the Yankees, Chisholm played mostly center field for the Marlins in 2023 and '24. He had a positive Outs Above Average both years. The Royals could easily slide the 28-year-old (who will play all of 2027 at 29) back to center or to a corner and feel comfortable about his ability there.

Offensively, Chisholm would provide an upgrade as well. Despite coming off a down season compared to 2025, the lefty still hit 19 home runs and 55 RBIs, which would have ranked fourth and fifth on the Royals, respectively. He also had 41 stolen bases and is one of just five players with over 100 stolen bases and 70 home runs in the last three seasons - Bobby Witt Jr. is also one.

Having two players with the power-speed combination that Chisholm and Witt have would wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Putting them one-two or two-three in the lineup every night, with Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen providing protection for them, would be a matchup every starting pitcher would fear.

He will be expensive. The Royals would have to commit to raising payroll for 2027, but Chisholm would be one of the few players on the market this offseason who would be worth it. Adding him would be the true commitment to this core for a World Series push in the next few seasons.

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