MLB Trade Rumors: KC Royals Eyeing 2-Time All-Star in Trade

The Kansas City Royals made an unexpected return to the playoffs last season, going 86-76. But the 2025 campaign has not quite gone as expected, as they're sitting with a 40-47 mark, 5.5 games back of a Wild Card spot.

But according to insider Ken Rosenthal, they haven't given up the ghost just yet, and "according to sources briefed on their thinking," the Royals have their eye on two-time All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Bucs will clearly be sellers on the trade market, despite a down season, Reynolds will be a top candidate to move by the July 30 deadline.

The Royals are dead last in MLB in runs scored, and the switch-hitting OF has consistently been in the mid-20s in HR, high 80s in RBIs, and around .800 OPS range for each of the previous four seasons. In the last two weeks, he's rebounded from a poor start, slugging .587 with a .927 OPS, while batting .326.

Bryan Reynolds loves playing in Milwaukee

.331 AVG in 43 games coming into tonight

105.8 MPH exit velocity, .680 xBA pic.twitter.com/aNcYokmy4E
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) June 24, 2025

The next month could really tell the tale as to whether the Royals pick up their intensity of trying to land Reynolds. As Rosenthal notes:

"If Reynolds is still the above-average offensive player he was from 2021 to ’24, then he is underpaid relative to the free-agent market. But if he is not, the $74 million he is owed from 2026 to ’30 could become problematic rather quickly.

"But with so many teams starved for offense, Reynolds certainly should attract attention in the coming month."

The Royals do have other bats on their radar as well, but the two-time All-Star would be their first choice.