The Kansas City Royals are taking their momentum from their surprise 2024 playoff run to upgrade their roster for next season.
They have already made a few moves this offseason, including solidifying their effective rotation. Pitcher Michael Wacha agreed to a 3-year extension with the Royals following the end of their season. They also traded right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for infielder Johnathan India, giving them a contact-heavy hitter to slot into the lineup.
The Royals’ biggest issue in the playoffs was their offense, and when star slugger Bobby Witt Jr. went cold, they had nobody to step up. The acquisition of India will look to remedy this issue. At the same time, there are no suggestions that general manager J.J. Picollo and the Royals are finished with their offseason business.
Alec Bohm, whose availability on the free agent market is no secret, has continuously emerged as a candidate to become the bat the Royals were desperately missing. The Royals have already been rumored to be looking at the All-Star, according to MLB.com reports.
Bohm, the 3rd overall draft pick in 2018, was one of the league’s most productive hitters earlier in the season but tailed off in the months after. He finished the season with a .280/.332/.448 batting line (115 wRC+). While he is not necessarily the huge bat that the Royals would ideally like, he is yet another contact hitter alongside India who can do what other Royals batters struggled with — putting the ball in play.
The Royals would also line up nicely as a potential trade partner with the Phillies, who have the rotational depth that the Phillies may prefer. Bohm would also be an upgrade to current third baseman Maikal Garcia, who is much more suited to being a utility player considering his defensive ability.
