Kansas City Royals Reportedly Looking to Add to Back End of Bullpen

The Kansas City Royals have already added Seth Lugo, Chris Stratton, Will Smith and Michael Wacha in free agency this offseason, but apparently they are looking to add one more piece in the back end of the bullpen.

According to Ken Rosenthal of 'The Athletic,' the team is searching for an answer at closer so they can move Smith into more of a set-up role.

With the free-agent market all but picked out, the Royals’ preference is to make a trade, according to a source briefed on their thinking. The problem? That market also is thin on possibilities.

Rosenthal mentions Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers as a possibility but adds that a deal of him is unlikely. Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians could be had, but likely not in a trade with a division rival. Rosenthal adds that the Red Sox could move Kenley Jansen but that his $16 million price tag is likely too high for Kansas City.

Perhaps the Royals' best move is to try to hang around the wild card race until the trade deadline and then make a move for someone, or if they don't want to wait that long, they can see what materializes for teams in spring training. Maybe someone gets released from their current situation and ends up available for KC. While it would be hard to insert someone into a closer's role from that situation, they may be able to help rehabilitate someone.

Kansas City finished last in the American League Central a season ago.

The Royals had Aroldis Chapman as their closer a year ago but traded him at the trade deadline to the Rangers.