Three potential offseason targets for the Kansas City Royals

2023 was supposed to be the year the Kansas City Royals stepped forward in a seemingly weak division, but outside of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. there is room for improvement across the entire roster. 

Kolten Wong, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Across parts of eight seasons for the Cardinals, Wong's consistency was his calling card. He posted a .261/.333/.384 line at the plate, stole more than 80 bases and took home a pair of Gold Glove Awards for his defense at second base. 

Wong's first season in Milwaukee continued that trend offensively, but since the start of the 2022 season the production has dropped significantly, including a combined 37 OPS+ (in other words, he's been 63% worse than league average) this year across two organizations. 

Royals second basemen, led by Michael Massey and his .224/.267/.358 line, haven't fared much better. Wong would offer some stability at the position, giving Witt a sure-handed double-play partner, and likely won't break the bank with a big deal coming off the year he's had. 

Johnny Cueto, RHP, Miami Marlins

Miami's pitching staff figured to be among the youngest in the league this season and it became quickly clear the club wanted to add a veteran presence last offseason. Cueto, a 15-year veteran with more than 2,000 innings in his career, was a logical fit and the financial commitment ($6M) was reasonable. 

Kansas City could be looking to fill a similar role this offseason, particularly if Zack Greinke calls it a career and/or the team realizes they can't give Jordan Lyles another 150 innings. 

Of course, there's also some nostalgia to consider. Cueto was a Royal before. The club acquired him at the 2015 trade deadline in exchange for three minor leaguers in an effort to boost their postseason hopes. 

It worked, despite Cueto's 4-7 record and 4.76 ERA, the Royals made a run to the World Series and he stepped up on the biggest stage, allowing just a lone run in a complete game victory. 

Jesse Winker, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

Perhaps another project signing, but like Wong, Winker has a track record to hope he can regain. A .288/.385/.504 hitter across five seasons with the Reds, Winker appeared to be on the verge of becoming one of the game's best outfielders. 

Cincinnati traded Winker following the 2021 season to Seattle and he moved on again a year later. Since leaving the Reds the bat has completely eluded the now 30-year-old as he's mustered just a .214/.337/.318 line with only 15 home runs in nearly 200 games. 

K.C.'s outfield mix has shown some potential but none of the incumbents appear guaranteed a starting spot next season. Winker could step right into a starting role and if his performance is able to rebound it would give the Royals a reliable option to hit behind Witt.