Royals Linked To Astros 29-Year-Old World Series Champion Via Trade

Will Kansas City add a new defensive star?

Apr 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros hat and glove in the dugout during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

Whether the Kansas City Royals would be willing to move on from center fielder Kyle Isbel is one of the sneaky storylines of the offseason.

It's been obvious all along that the Royals have been hoping to upgrade their outfield, which ranked as the worst in baseball this year in terms of wins above replacement. But Isbel's spot could have been considered safe, as he's at least a sturdy defender at the most important outfield position.

However, a Monday report indicates that the Royals are at least exploring other options at the center field spot, though the name involved isn't exactly a massive offensive upgrade.

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Royals among teams linked to Jake Meyers

Jun 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Meyers (6) makes a running catch in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

On Monday, Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that the Houston Astros were receiving trade interest in center fielder Jake Meyers, who has three years of team control remaining, but fits a similar mold as Isbel in terms of defensive skills versus lack of offensive impact.

The Royals were among the teams Rosenthal and Woo connected to Meyers' market.

"The Astros are open to moving (Meyers) for a controllable major-league starter, according to people briefed on their discussions," wrote Rosenthal and Woo. "And the interest in Meyers entering his age-30 campaign is considerable, other clubs say.

"The Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and (Tampa Bay) Rays are among the teams exploring upgrades in center field, along with the (Baltimore) Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals."

Meyers, 29, put up a 103 OPS+ in 104 games this past season. He's also a rare left-handed thrower/right-handed batter, so in theory, if the Royals wanted to work out some kind of platoon with him and Isbel that also saw one of them getting some time in a corner, there could be a fit.

However, Meyers also sports a 90 OPS+ in his five-year career, and has never had more than 2.4 WAR in a season.

It's always exciting when you can add a World Series champion to your roster, but if Meyers is the Royals' "impact" acquisition this winter, it's reasonable to question how serious this team is about competing for a playoff spot.

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