Moving on from Ragans now would mean receiving less value than the Royals could get if he was fresh off a strong year. He is under contract through 2027 and team control through 2028, so there is no reason to trade him at the moment.
Of course, if the Royals do not agree to a contract extension with Ragans and he pitches well in 2026, then moving on from him next offseason could make sense. His trade value would increase and there would be more urgency to get something in return for him — as opposed to losing him in free agency in the future.
This offseason is not the time to move on from Ragans. Additionally, Kansas City is seemingly hoping to compete. Ragans features the ceiling of an ace-caliber pitcher. His presence in the starting rotation will only help the Royals reach their goals in 2026 — as long as injuries do not prove to be too much of an obstacle.