General Manager J.J. Picollo described the Royals’ Winter Meetings on Tuesday as quiet and uneventful, but he remains optimistic that the intensifying free-agent market could open new opportunities for the team, especially after Juan Soto’s move to the Mets.
“As more players sign, it could lead to roster redundancies,” Picollo explained. “This might create an opening for us, or perhaps lead to opportunities for financial trades to help us land another player. We’re in a watch-and-see mode right now, observing how the free-agent landscape evolves.”
The Royals’ focus remains on strengthening the lineup, but equally crucial is the expectation of bounce-back seasons from outfielders Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez. Both had disappointing OPS figures in 2024, .689 and .673, respectively. The Royals’ outfield ranked near the bottom of the league in wRC+ (79), making it a prime target for upgrades. Although Kansas City could look to trade one of them, neither player has come up often in discussions. If the Royals land a powerful bat for the middle of the order, it could relieve pressure on both Renfroe and Melendez.
“Even with our goals, Renfroe and Melendez remain key,” Picollo added. “It’s about more than just one spot; it’s about creating a deep, productive lineup. We have to believe in Renfroe’s bounce-back potential, and Melendez is still developing with a lot of upside.”
The Royals also made a strategic move by adding left-handed reliever Evan Sisk to the 40-man roster in November to avoid losing him to free agency. Sisk posted an impressive 1.57 ERA with Triple-A Omaha in 2024 and could provide a valuable left-handed option for the bullpen next season.
Kansas City’s left-handed pitching depth now includes Sisk, Sam Long, Angel Zerpa, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV, and No. 12 prospect Noah Cameron, who are all competing for spots in the rotation. This surplus gives the Royals flexibility in trade discussions. Although there hasn’t been much action yet, teams have inquired about Zerpa, 25, who has found success in a high-leverage relief role, though some may still see potential in him as a starter.
Meanwhile, Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, one of the most sought-after free agents, began his 45-day negotiating window on Tuesday. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, hinted that a smaller-market team like Kansas City could offer the right environment for the young pitcher.
The Royals have been keeping an eye on Sasaki and have already had discussions about what a potential deal could look like. Although Sasaki is likely to wait until the 2025 international signing period opens on January 15, the Royals are ready to engage when the window closes on January 23.
