Royals urged by MLB Insider to trade star pitcher for much-needed outfield help

There were high hopes within the Kansas City Royals' organization and among fans this past season, but the team finished 82-80, five games short of a second consecutive Wild Card berth. There is optimism in Kansas City for the upcoming season, but the Royals desperately need improvements in the batting order, especially in the outfield.

Jac Caglianone, touted as a future star, stumbled out of the gate, managing a meek .532 OPS and 46 wRC+. The remaining outfielders, John Rave (.590 OPS, 65 wRC+) and Kyle Isbel (.654 OPS, 79 wRC+), reinforce an alarming shortfall. Even if Caglianone rebounds, the Royals cannot afford to stand pat—they must force an upgrade at one, if not multiple, outfield slots.

MLB Network's insider Jon Morosi suggests the time for bold action is now: Trade star pitcher Kris Bubic to address the perilous outfield hole, potentially for the Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran. Bubic's stellar 2025 campaign—2.55 ERA, 8.97 K/9, 3.3 fWAR, 2.89 FIP across 116.1 innings—weighs heavily, but the dire outfield situation demands an aggressive response.

Could the Royals be an intriguing trade partner this offseason?@jonmorosi highlights a southpaw starter that could potentially fetch some outfield reinforcements in Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/kKiHgaNHsB

Fellow analyst Harold Reynolds warns that moving Bubic risks losing their star's massive impact next season. But Bubic is on the doorstep of free agency and, at 29 next offseason, will likely command multi-year offers in the $10–15 million range. The clock is ticking. Caught between looming budgets and win-now pressure, the Royals cannot hesitate.

These financial considerations are critical because the Royals have been near the bottom of MLB team payrolls over the years. Although Cot's Basell Contracts' projected 40-man Competitive Balance payroll has the Royals dropping from $161 million this past season to $102 million in 2026, there are additional expenses to consider: 14 players are arbitration eligible, and a looming Bubic extension waits to be added.

The core question for the Royals this offseason is whether they should trade an important young pitcher to address immediate outfield needs or remain committed to their existing roster. Second-tier free agents present risk, and the team must decide if leveraging current talent is worth the gamble to boost their performance and avoid another stretch of mediocrity.