The Royals' decision not to add an impact bat could haunt them

Despite playing well during the 2025 season, the Kansas City Royals did not make the postseason. They finished the regular season with a record of 82-80, missing the postseason by five games. 

It could have helped this team make a big splash over the winter, adding an impactful bat to help the offense. And while they did add Lane Thomas, Isaac Collins, and Kameron Misner, none of those would be considered big, impactful bats. 

And when you look at what the club will be facing when they play the Detroit Tigers, who have Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, and Justin Verlander, they could be in trouble.

MORE: The case for Royals' Jac Caglianone to break out with big season for Kansas City

The Royals' decision not to add an impact bat could haunt them

It is not like there were no impact bats to be had. Marcell Ozuna was sitting on the open market nearly all offseason and could have been a great addition for Kansas City. 

They have not made themselves much better when some teams in the AL Central did. ESPN's Bradford Doolittle would have loved to see KC grab a difference-maker, and since they didn't, he believes the Royals' season could be a toss-up. 

"I'm in two minds about the Royals as spring training begins. On one hand, they look like a clear playoff contender. I love the run prevention across the board, though the depth behind the pitchers likely to be on the Opening Day roster means some health luck will be needed. The other mind is that I'm just not sold on the idea that Kansas City's offseason moves made it any better."

Pitching should not be a problem, and without the need to focus on pitching, the club could have focused solely on adding offensive firepower to the lineup. Especially with the news that the team has moved left and right field walls in by 9-10 feet.

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