While the 2026 season was not kind to the Royals, as far as injuries were concerned, there was another problem that stood out for Kansas City last season. And it’s one that may very well need to be addressed heading into the 2027 campaign.

Biggest needs for Royals

Bullpen help is the one that is the most apparent for the Royals.

Last season, Kansas City relievers finished 29th in ERA (5.03) last season, quite the shift after their bullpen core was an arguable top-10 unit in 2025. And one doesn’t have to look too deep into the numbers to figure out why exactly this happened.

The Royals’ bullpen had three relievers (Matt Strahm, Steven Cruz, Alex Lange) in the bottom 10 of the league among relievers in HR/9. Strahm, who was acquired last winter for Jonathan Bowlan, had the highest rate (3.07) out of the 200 relievers with 35+ appearances last season.

Cruz and Lange, though, received rope throughout the year, and the two were among three pitchers to have at least eight saves for the Royals in 2026. The other, Lucas Erceg, had a team-high 13 saves but also fared far worse than in past seasons. Erceg struck out 34 over 48.1 IP and walked 32.

All of that was happening amidst a year-long search for consistent help in the late innings. Carlos Estevez, the team’s closer heading into 2026, only made one appearance at the big-league level thanks to a near-season-long stint on the IL.

With Estevez now a free agent, it would make some sense on paper for the Royals to target a high-leverage reliever in the market. But more realistically, find some depth to fill out the ‘pen for 2027.

As for other potential opportunities, the Royals could look to dip back into the outfield market for a short-term option. Kansas City tried with Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins last winter. Thomas was traded to the Braves at the deadline, while Isaac Collins (.213/.320/.321) had a down season after a very good one with Milwaukee in 2025.

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