MLB Rumors: Royals Linked To Rotation Trade This Offseason

October 27, 2025
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws a pitch during 2025 game.

The Kansas City Royals are entering a crucial offseason, and their biggest strength might be the key to fixing their biggest weakness. 

After an 82-80 season that fell short of a second straight playoff berth, Kansas City’s offense proved to be the Achilles’ heel. The lineup ranked near the bottom of the league in scoring despite strong seasons from Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, and Vinnie Pasquantino. 

With payroll limitations likely keeping them quiet in free agency, the Royals appear positioned to tap into their impressive pitching depth to pursue much-needed bats through the trade market.

A Crowded Rotation Creates Trade Leverage
 Even with injuries to Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic, the Royals’ rotation finished seventh in ERA, proof of its remarkable depth. Heading into 2026, the staff features Ragans, Bubic, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and breakout rookie Noah Cameron as likely locks, with Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek waiting in the wings. 

Veterans Kyle Wright and Bailey Falter provide further options, giving Kansas City a surplus of arms on affordable contracts. That abundance could allow GM J.J. Picollo to explore trades for hitters without crippling the staff’s strength.

Among trade candidates, Bubic stands out as a logical choice. Coming off a 2.55 ERA, All-Star season, and entering his final arbitration year, his value may never be higher. Cameron’s stellar rookie campaign (2.99 ERA) also makes him a tempting trade chip if the Royals want a bigger return. 

Younger arms like Bergert or Kolek could headline smaller deals for controllable hitters, while prospect Ben Kudrna might be packaged to address longer-term lineup needs.

A Deal That Could Reshape the Lineup
 If the Royals want to rejoin the AL playoff picture, an offensive upgrade is non-negotiable. Players like Taylor Ward, Trent Grisham, or even Anthony Santander could fit the team’s profile of power and plate discipline. 

Trading from the rotation is risky, but it’s the clearest path to balance a roster that leans heavily on pitching. With no ace-level free agents on the market this winter, demand for cost-controlled starters will be sky-high, and Kansas City’s depth puts them in prime position to capitalize.

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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