Royals Eye All-Star Trades Amid Struggles

The Kansas City Royals' 2025 season is defined by strong starting pitching and the standout performance of Bobby Witt Jr., who is widely recognized as the top American League shortstop and a likely All-Star selection. Despite Witt's excellence, the Royals' offense is struggling, ranking last in MLB for home runs and runs per game, with the rest of the lineup providing little support. To remain competitive in a tight AL Central, analysts suggest the Royals should pursue a power-hitting outfielder such as Cedric Mullins from Baltimore or Marcell Ozuna from Atlanta, addressing their glaring lack of offensive firepower. The outfield, in particular, has underperformed, with Hunter Renfroe having one of the lowest fWARs among MLB outfielders. Additionally, the Royals' effective rotation could be further strengthened by acquiring All-Star pitcher Mitch Keller from the Pirates, while possibly shifting Michael Lorenzen to the bullpen to maintain pitching depth. Ultimately, Kansas City's playoff hopes may hinge on bolstering its lineup and adding reliable contributors alongside Witt.