Royals reportedly eyeing long-term answer to outfield problems

The Kansas City Royals have been looking for an upgrade to their outfield for years. A long-term solution could be on the way.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates have discussed a trade involving outfielder Bryan Reynolds. However, Rosenthal added that nothing is imminent between the two teams and that the Royals are interested in other outfielders, too.

Reynolds would be a compelling choice for Kansas City. The 30-year-old signed a seven-year, $100 million extension with the Pirates in 2023, which would keep Reynolds under team control through 2031 if his $20 million team option is exercised.

His tenure in Pittsburgh hasn't exactly been smooth. Reynolds requested a trade during the 2022-23 offseason, a demand he attributed to a "difference of opinion" regarding his value. Those differences were ultimately put aside as Reynolds and the Pirates hammered out his current extension.

He may also be an intriguing buy-low option if the Pirates are shopping him. Reynolds has posted a disappointing .237/.301/.393 batting line in 355 plate appearances entering Thursday, with 10 home runs and 16 doubles.

Reynolds' batted ball metrics tell a different story. His Statcast page shows plenty of red as he has an expected .283/.369/.519 slash line. Although Reynolds' .295 batting average on balls in play (BAbip) is just above the league average of .293, it is significantly below his career .324 BAbip. 

Reynolds would still be a drastic upgrade for the Royals despite his lackluster season. Kansas City outfielders have been the worst in the majors this year, slashing .219/.271/.311 with 11 homers. He would slot alongside shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., third baseman Maikel Garcia, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and outfielder Jac Caglianone as part of a solid core to the lineup.

The biggest question is whether or not the Royals can afford the remaining $80 million due to Reynolds. Although KC pursued outfielders Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar in the offseason, they were unable to sign either to a deal. If the Royals are willing and able to take on Reynolds' contract, a trade might occur in the next few weeks.