The Kansas City Royals are heading toward a crucial moment: the July 31st trade deadline. After a fantastic 2024 season where they jumped up by 30 wins (ending at 86-76) and made it back to the playoffs for the first time in eight years, expectations were sky-high. But 2025 hasn’t been quite as smooth. As we hit mid-June, they’re sitting at 34-38, which puts them three games out of the last Wild Card spot in the American League and fourth in the AL Central. It’s a tight race, and the decisions they make at the deadline could really shape their chances.
Royals Face Important Trade Deadline After Underwhelming Start
The Rollercoaster Season So Far
The season started with a bang. There was this amazing 16-2 stretch that made everyone think playoffs were a real possibility. During that run, the Royals were crushing it, averaging 4.3 runs per game while only giving up 2.0. The pitching was on point, and Bobby Witt Jr. was playing like an MVP. Witt has become one of the best players in baseball, with a mix of power, speed, and amazing defense.
But, like any good story, there have been some serious dips. The Royals started the season with an 8-14 record, struggling to score just 2.9 runs a game. More recently, they went through a 10-22 rough patch, including a six-game losing streak and a tough home series where they got swept by both the New York Yankees and the Oakland Athletics. Even with Witt’s brilliance, the offense is near the bottom of MLB in runs scored (28th as of June 17), averaging only 3.3 runs per game, and they’ve already been shut out multiple times. Guys like MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and rookie Jac Caglianone haven’t been consistent enough, which has really hurt the team’s ability to score runs.
What They’re Good At: Pitching and a Superstar
Pitching: The Royals’ starting pitchers are still their biggest strength. Seth Lugo (with a 3.18 ERA in 12 starts), Michael Wacha (who signed a three-year, $51 million extension), and Cole Ragans (when he’s healthy) lead a staff that’s among the best in the league in terms of ERA. The bullpen, with guys like Michael Lorenzen and closer Carlos Estévez, has been pretty solid too, even if they’ve had a few shaky moments.
Bobby Witt Jr.: Witt is the face of the franchise. He’s an all-around amazing player, and having him locked up with a long-term contract through 2034 gives the team a solid foundation. His performance is key to everything they do.
Defense: The infield defense, especially with Witt and the addition of Jonathan India, has been strong, giving the pitchers great support.
Where They Struggle: The Offense
Outfield Problems: The outfield has been a major issue, ranking near the bottom of the league in overall offensive production. They had only hit seven home runs as a group through late May, which was tied for last in MLB. Hunter Renfroe, who was recently let go, really showed the struggles, with a super low OPS (.483) and a negative WAR before his release.
Inconsistent Hitting: Melendez and Isbel haven’t become the reliable hitters the team needs in the middle of the lineup. Caglianone (.213/.229/.484 in his first 47 MLB at-bats) is having a tough time adjusting to major league pitching. India’s move to the outfield hasn’t been smooth, and other players like Nick Loftin and John Rave haven’t provided the offensive spark they need.
Farm System: The Royals’ farm system is ranked 23rd in MLB, meaning there aren’t a lot of players ready to step up and help the big league team right now. Outfield prospect Gavin Cross is still unproven, and other top prospects aren’t quite ready for the majors.
Royals Trade Deadline Strategy: Buy, But Be Smart
With the team close to being a contender, most experts (like Anne Rogers of MLB.com) think the Royals need to add a power hitter. This is especially in the outfield, to support Witt, Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino. They can’t just wait for players in the farm system to develop if they want to win now.
Potential Targets:
Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox): A true star who could totally change the lineup. But getting him would cost a lot of promising young players.
Dane Myers (Miami Marlins): A 29-year-old who’s just now breaking out, with a .857 OPS and team control through 2029. He offers power, speed, and can play multiple positions, all at a more reasonable price.
Zack Gelof (Athletics): A young second baseman with speed and team control. He could provide flexibility in the infield and allow India to move to third base.
Trade Chips:
Maikel Garcia: Garcia has improved his hitting in 2025, and his ability to play multiple positions and his young age make him a valuable trade asset. Some sources have suggested trading Garcia to get an outfielder, with one idea involving a trade with the San Diego Padres for outfielder Samuel Zavala (a top prospect) and pitcher Adam Mazur. This would immediately improve the outfield and add talent to the pitching pipeline.
Don’t Sell: Even though some fans might be feeling down, the Royals shouldn’t have a fire sale at the deadline. Trading away important players like Garcia without getting good value in return could undo the progress they’ve made.
Main Photo Credit: © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
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