Royals examining leadoff options for 2025

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KANSAS CITY -- The Royals' top priority this offseason is no secret: They need offense, and they've narrowed it down to needing a leadoff hitter and/or impact bat they can slot into the middle of the order.

Their need for a leadoff hitter goes back to the beginning of the season, when Maikel Garcia started 2024 strong but then struggled and was eventually moved down in the order as his playing time dwindled.

The Royals mixed and matched from there, using Michael Massey as a left-handed option (and for the postseason), Tommy Pham when he joined the organization, and a few who didn't stick, like Garrett Hampson, Adam Frazier, Nick Loftin and even backup catcher Freddy Fermin. Royals leadoff hitters slashed .228/.270/.334 in 2024. Their No. 2 hitter, Bobby Witt Jr., still racked up 109 RBIs while taking 433 plate appearances with the bases empty.

Really, what the Royals need is more on-base. They'll take it anywhere in the lineup. Their hitters did a great job of not striking out in '24 but had a .306 team OBP, which ranked 19th in baseball.

Let's take a look at some names who could help fix that at the top of the order:

Free-agent fits

Jurickson Profar, OF: Coming off a career year at 31 years old, Profar will be looking for a multiyear deal this offseason. He walked at a 11.4% clip for the Padres last year along with a 0.75 walk-to-strikeout ratio, tied for seventh-best in baseball. He slashed .280/.380/.459 with a career-high 24 home runs and a 139 wRC+. The Royals could easily find playing time for the switch-hitter in the corner outfield.

Ha-Seong Kim, INF: He won't be available right away because of shoulder surgery, but Kim is one of the most underrated infielders on the market this winter. The Royals already have a pretty good shortstop, but Kim could play second or third. The 29-year-old hit .233 with a .330 OBP before surgery this year and posted a 12.3% walk rate and 16.4% strikeout rate, the best numbers of his MLB career.

Gleyber Torres, 2B: The 27-year-old might be willing to sign a short-term deal to build up his value, which would certainly appeal to the Royals. Torres slashed .257/.330/.378 with 15 home runs, and while he's not a threat on the bases by any means, he does have lots of experience at the top of the order for the Yankees. The power potential the right-handed hitter still possesses is intriguing, too.

Trade targets

Jonathan India, INF: The Reds have an infield logjam with their young prospects, and India is one of their highest-paid players. He's due $6.6 million in '25 and then has one more year of arbitration before free agency. The 27-year-old righty posted a career-best 12.6% walk rate in '24 while hitting .248. He also posted a .357 OBP. India has decent power numbers that might be more doubles-heavy at a ballpark like Kauffman Stadium.

Taylor Ward, OF: The Royals were involved in talks for Ward with the Angels at the Trade Deadline this summer. Perhaps the two teams revisit those talks now, because Ward still could be a good fit in Kansas City. He's 30 years old, has two years of control before free agency and is projected to have an $8 million-$9 million salary in arbitration next season. Ward, a righty, posted a .748 OPS and hit 25 homers in '24. He also hits lefties really well, which is a bonus for the Royals.

Jake McCarthy, OF: It'd be interesting to see what the D-backs' price would be for the 27-year-old McCarthy, who is not a free agent until 2029. But as a young player on the rise, he fits the Royals' mold. In his first full season of everyday playing time, McCarthy slashed .285/.349/.400. Now, he hasn't walked much (7.1% career percentage), although he cut his strikeout rate down to 15.8% in '24. But he gets on base and could be a move for now and the future.

Internal options

Maybe the Royals do not find the right fit for their leadoff guy this offseason, or the one they do find doesn't pan out. The obvious internal option, then, is Witt. He's an ideal leadoff candidate with power potential, speed and his walks increasing as he gains experience. Plus, he's the Royals' best player. Why not get him more at-bats?

Witt is simply more comfortable hitting second, and the Royals want to do everything they can to make their star shortstop comfortable. At some point, though, if the club is out of options and desperately needs a spark, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Witt atop the lineup.

Other options include Garcia again. He's a dynamic player on the bases but needs to be more productive than his .231 average and .281 OBP. Massey showed some real promise in the postseason and makes quality contact, but he's more strikeout-prone and posted just a 4.2% walk rate this season. Their potential is why the Royals will be looking for internal improvement in 2025.