The Royals have been much more active in free agency recently, last year spending the sixth-most among all teams. But there are financial limits to their activity - or are there?
The Royals were a second small-market team to check in on Juan Soto. But, ultimately, it’s not a financial fit. Can’t blame the Rays for checking in, either.
The Royals faced Soto in the ALDS when he was with the Yankees. The right-fielder is one of the best players in baseball and is young for a free agent at just 26, so it is no surprise he will command a top salary with many expecting a contract over half a million dollars or at least an average annual salary of $40-50 million. Soto finished third in American League MVP voting this year, hitting .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 129 walks, and 7.9 rWAR. He is one of the most patient hitters in baseball, leading the league in walks three times.
The Yankees and Dodgers are expected to be the top bidders on Soto, with the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Red Sox also to be involved. But you can’t fault the Royals for doing their due diligence and checking in. Some players go into free agency expecting large deals, then find the market isn’t quite willing to go there, leaving them to scramble for a short-term deal with a high average annual value so they re-test free agency in their prime. That likely won’t happen to Soto, but it doesn’t hurt to let agent Scott Boras know that you are one of the teams with interest.
At the very least this may signal the Royals are checking in on the free agent outfield market. The team could use some more offense and the outfield is in need of an upgrade. Royals outfielders hit .219/.282/.360 for an OPS of .643 last year, worst in baseball.
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