After a successful playoff appearance in 2024, their first since the 2015 World Series title, the Kansas City Royals are making a strong push to build on that success with an aggressive offseason. The team has taken significant steps to strengthen their roster, especially focusing on their pitching staff and lineup. One of their key moves was signing All-Star reliever Carlos Estevez to a two-year, $22.2 million contract, bolstering their bullpen and adding a proven arm to the mix.
In addition to Estevez, the Royals made a major trade, sending pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for 2021 National League Rookie of the Year Jonathan India. This move adds a versatile infielder to the Royals’ roster and helps improve their depth. Furthermore, Kansas City secured starting pitcher Michael Wacha with a three-year, $51 million deal, while also bringing back right-hander Michael Lorenzen on a one-year, $7 million contract to add more experience and depth to their pitching rotation.
ble to land one of their top targets, outfielder Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles. According to reports from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals offered Santander a three-year, $66 million contract that included an opt-out clause and deferred payments. However, Santander ultimately chose to sign a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, leaving the Royals without the power bat they were hoping to add to their lineup.
Santander would have been a significant addition to a lineup already featuring star players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino. The slugging outfielder had a career year in 2024, hitting 44 home runs, driving in 102 RBIs, and scoring 91 runs while posting a .235/.308/.506 slash line. Over the past three seasons, Santander has accumulated 105 home runs, and his presence in the Royals’ lineup would have provided more protection and depth for their hitters.
While missing out on Santander was a disappointment, the Royals are still optimistic about their 2025 season. With their recent moves in the offseason, including the addition of Estevez, Wacha, and India, they are focused on continuing their momentum from the 2024 playoff run and positioning themselves for another strong campaign. The team is eager to build on the progress they’ve made and stay competitive in the tough AL Central division.
