The Kansas City Royals are mulling a long list of potential upgrades for their outfield. They are not pursuing the most expensive options, Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger. They might also be priced out of the top player on the next tier of free agents, Harrison Bader, who is said to be expecting a three-year deal.
The market, though, includes numerous other possibilities.
The Royals’ preference, according to people briefed on their discussions, is to add two outfielders, one through free agency and the other through trade. They are willing to deal a starting pitcher, with perhaps the most logical candidate being lefty Kris Bubic, who is projected to earn $6 million in his final year of arbitration before free agency.
Among free agents, a reunion with Mike Yastrzemski is one avenue the Royals are exploring. Adolis GarcÃa, Max Kepler and Mike Tauchman are among the other free agents they could pursue, along with bounceback candidates Lane Thomas and JJ Bleday.