Three questions facing the Kansas City Royals this offseason

The Kansas City Royals were hoping to build off their unexpected playoff push in 2024.

Despite attempting to improve the lineup during the offseason, the Royals entered 2025 hoping that their pitching staff would be good enough to overcome their offensive deficiencies. Despite hovering in the playoff race, the Royals' offense was not good enough for a return to the postseason.

After posting consecutive winning seasons for the first time since going to the World Series in 2014 and 2015, the Royals are looking to return to the postseason. The AL Central, while competitive, is within reach. If the Royals can find the missing pieces, a return to the playoffs is possible in 2026. Let's take a look at three questions facing the Royals this offseason.

Three questions for the Kansas City Royals heading into the offseason

1. Is Maikel Garcia's breakout season sustainable?

The Royals needed someone to step up as a solid complement to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Garcia was that player. The 25-year-old infielder posted a career-best .282/.351/.484 batting line in 666 plate appearances, hitting 16 homers and 39 doubles while stealing 23 bases. 

Garcia's performance may only be the beginning. He hit more fly balls and pulled the ball more often than he had previously. Garcia continued to make excellent contact with a 45.2% hard-hit rate and a 90.6 MPH average exit velocity. As his .308 batting average on balls in play is in line with his career mark, the Royals may have another solid bat for the middle of the lineup.

2. Can the Royals lure an outfielder to Kansas City?

The outfield was a weak point entering the 2025 season. That group proved to be the team's Achilles Heel as Royals outfielders were the least productive in the majors, posting a disappointing .219/.283/.334 batting line with 39 homers and 85 doubles over 2157 plate appearances.

The Royals may improve organically. Right fielder Jac Caglianone crushed minor league pitching but struggled in Kansas City, posting a .157/.237/.295 batting line with seven homers and six doubles in 232 plate appearances. As the Royals value Kyle Isbel's defense, there is room for one more outfielder. A free agent such as Cedric Mullins or Trent Grisham could be what the Royals need.

3. What to do with Carlos Estevez?

Estevez proved to be a bargain in his first season with the Royals, posting a 2.45 ERA and a 1.061 WHiP over 66 innings while recording a major league leading 44 saves. However, trade rumors had swirled around the closer at the 2025 trade deadline as the Royals looked to improve their lineup.

Those rumors could begin once more during the offseason. Estevez is under team control through 2027 as he has a team-friendly $13 million option with a $2 million buyout. If the Royals are unable to upgrade their lineup during free agency, Estevez may be able to bring back that needed bat as a trade chip.