KANSAS CITY, Mo. — General manager J.J. Picollo of the Royals indicated that the team is anticipating a budget similar to the previous year’s as they look to address some gaps following their recent postseason run to the AL Division Series. However, Picollo noted that their needs for the offseason are less extensive than in years past.
On Monday, Picollo emphasized the need for players who can get on base at the top of the batting order and another who can provide strong offense in the middle. The team’s struggles with on-base percentages and run production particularly hindered them during their four-game defeat to the Yankees in the playoff series. “There are fewer questions to answer now,” stated Picollo. “Two years ago, we were addressing multiple roles including the manager and pitching coach. Last year, we faced numerous gaps, but this year, we have fewer concerns. This time, we focus on refining our roster.”
While refining the team presents its own difficulties, Picollo believes it is a less ominous task coming off the club’s first playoff appearance in nearly a decade, compared to the challenging season that involved 106 losses the previous year. “Despite our needs for a slugger or an on-base hitter, the number of available players for those roles is quite limited,” he acknowledged. “Thus, the effort to identify the right fit will still require substantial work. While it may not require as many acquisitions, we’ll focus more on the quality of those we pursue.”
Last offseason, the Royals significantly invested in free agency, bringing in All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha—both of whom made playoff starts—along with various relievers and depth players. Lugo is set to return next season; however, Wacha has an opt-out clause in his contract that he might activate soon. Picollo expressed his desire to retain Wacha, commenting, “We definitely want him back. Michael and his wife enjoy their time in Kansas City, which is a plus. They had a great rapport with the team. Still, given his excellent performance this year, other teams will surely show interest.”
As the Royals entered the playoffs with a payroll of $117 million, it placed them significantly behind teams like the Mets and Yankees, who boasted salaries nearing $250 million. Their payroll was more comparable to rivals in the AL Central, such as the Guardians, who had around $110 million. When questioned about the growing financial disparity in Major League Baseball, Picollo admitted, “It’s difficult to ignore.” He added, “But given the situation, we have to adapt. Whether the owner, Mr. Sherman, allocates $75 million, $100 million, or $150 million, it’s our responsibility to make that work.”
In related updates, Royals manager Matt Quatraro mentioned that he expects his coaching staff to stay intact for the upcoming season unless another team offers a promotion to any specific member. He does not foresee any significant changes in staff responsibilities either. “We’ll consult with each department on their resource needs,” Quatraro explained, “but I don’t anticipate any immediate additions.”
On the health front, second baseman Adam Frazier is scheduled for thumb surgery, while first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino will undergo evaluation next month regarding the potential removal of a plate from his thumb. After suffering a thumb fracture on August 30, Pasquantino made a return for the playoffs as a designated hitter. The team is also optimistic about having pitcher Kyle Wright available in the spring, as he missed the entire season due to shoulder surgery rehabilitation, a scenario the Royals anticipated when they traded for him from the Braves last November.
Picollo noted, “Wright’s recovery gives us a chance with a few months left before opening day. We remain hopeful, but we must be realistic about expectations. It’s unlikely he’ll pitch 185 innings this season, but any contribution from him would be beneficial.”