Royals Target Outfield Upgrades to Boost Offense After 2025 Miss

After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Kansas City Royals are actively looking to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season. One of the team’s primary objectives appears to be upgrading the outfield, an area where they hope to add both experience and offensive production.

The Royals are reportedly monitoring several free-agent outfielders, with Harrison Bader, Austin Hays, and Mike Yastrzemski drawing the most attention, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Each player brings a different skill set, and Kansas City’s decision will likely hinge on a combination of defense, power, and consistency at the plate.

Bader, who split the 2025 season between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, offers a blend of speed, defensive prowess, and moderate power. He hit .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases over 146 games, in addition to being a former Gold Glove winner, though he has yet to earn an All-Star nod.

Hays and Yastrzemski bring contrasting experiences. Hays earned an All-Star selection in 2023 and produced a .266 average with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 2025, while Yastrzemski, who Kansas City acquired at the trade deadline, contributed modestly with a .237 average, nine home runs, and 18 RBIs over 50 games in the Royals’ uniform.

1. Harrison Bader: Defense Meets Speed

Bader’s defensive ability and speed are among his strongest attributes, making him an attractive option for a team looking to improve in the outfield. Over his 2025 season, he stole 11 bases and continued to provide value as a versatile fielder capable of covering significant ground. At the plate, Bader’s numbers reflect steady production. He hit .277 across 146 games while delivering 17 home runs and 54 RBIs, showing moderate power and the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. While he lacks an All-Star appearance, Bader’s well-rounded skill set makes him a reliable option for teams seeking both offensive support and elite defense. Kansas City’s interest indicates the Royals value balance as much as raw power. His experience across multiple teams last season could help him adjust quickly to a new environment, providing immediate contributions in both everyday and situational roles.

2. Austin Hays: Power and Proven Success

Austin Hays enters consideration with a track record of above-average offensive performance. A 2023 All-Star, he spent the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .266 with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. Hays’ power and run-producing capability could help address Kansas City’s league-worst offensive output in 2025. With 651 runs scored, the Royals ranked 26th in the majors, highlighting the need for impact bats in the lineup. Though not a Gold Glove-caliber defender like Bader, Hays offers versatility and experience in multiple outfield positions. His presence could bolster a lineup lacking consistent run production, particularly in the middle of the order. For a Royals team looking to compete in 2026, Hays provides a blend of offensive reliability and proven performance that could help transform the outfield into a strength.

3. Mike Yastrzemski: Familiarity and Depth

Yastrzemski represents a more familiar option for Kansas City, having joined the team via trade at the 2025 deadline. In his 50 games with the Royals, he hit .237 with nine home runs and 18 RBIs, and over the full season, he produced 17 home runs and 46 RBIs. While his numbers are modest compared to Bader and Hays, Yastrzemski offers lineup flexibility and prior experience with the organization. This familiarity could allow him to contribute immediately without requiring a lengthy adjustment period. Kansas City could view Yastrzemski as a reliable stopgap or complementary piece alongside emerging players like Jac Caglianone in right field, or as a potential upgrade over John Rave in left and Kyle Isbel in center. Balancing offensive potential with roster chemistry and defensive needs, Yastrzemski may appeal to Royals decision-makers as a low-risk, moderately productive option in an outfield group that needs reinforcement.