Royals linked to blocked Cubs star in potential blockbuster move

The Kansas City Royals are coming off a trying season. They finished the year with a record of 82-80, but it was not enough to make the postseason for the second consecutive year. 

Over the winter, the front office filled a few holes, coming to terms with OF Lane Thomas and RP Alex Lange. They were also involved in a few trades, acquiring RP Matt Strahm, OF Isaac Collins, RP Nick Mears, and OF Kameron Misner. 

While the offseason moves helped, there is still some concern in the outfield. It would not hurt for the Royals to look at the trade market and see who is available. 

MORE: New walls and goals for Royals' star Bobby Witt Jr. in Kansas City

Royals linked to blocked Cubs star in potential blockbuster move

There have been some high-value names that could be considered trade options this season. Randy Arozarena is currently in a contract year with a high arbitration salary, and Jarren Duran's name has been mentioned all winter long in trade speculations. 

However, there is one name that Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter links to Kansas City, and that is Chicago Cubs slugger Matt Shaw. And while he is not a primary outfielder, he has been prepping for outfield work after his club signed Alex Bregman to play third base. 

"The Royals look like a major sleeper in the broader AL landscape, but they're pretty much always in need of more hitters. And with Jonathan India at second base and at least two question marks in the outfield, they could use someone versatile. Shaw is a third baseman by trade, but he has ample pro experience at second base and has recently been prepping for a move to the outfield. And while his defense carried him as a rookie for most of 2025, he ultimately came through with a .839 OPS in the second half."

He may not get many reps over at third base with Maikel Garcia, but he could have looks in the outfield and take over for India at second base when need be. 

With the Royals, he could have a clearer path to playing time than he does with the Cubs.

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