The Kansas City Royals have an important offseason ahead after falling short of the postseason in 2025. Despite showing flashes of potential, their inconsistent offense ultimately held them back. As the front office turns its attention toward 2026, improving the lineup is one of the top priorities if the Royals hope to compete for a playoff spot.
One popular idea among fans is that Kansas City should bring back veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who joined the team at the trade deadline and gave the offense a noticeable boost. Yastrzemski fit in well, delivered key hits down the stretch, and posted an impressive .839 OPS during his stint with the Royals. On paper, bringing him back seems like a sensible move.
However, there’s also a strong argument that Kansas City should let Yastrzemski walk in free agency and instead look for other, more versatile options to strengthen the offense.
Royals Could Look for More Proven Options