Kansas City Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. talk to former Royals pitcher Zack Greinke, who had his family with him to see him throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad [email protected]

Offseason Needs They have eight players hitting free agency, in Will Smith, Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Tommy Pham, Garrett Hampson, Robbie Grossman, Yuli Gurriel, and Dan Altavilla. That creates some holes on the roster, and there isn’t much high-end depth even close to ready on the farm.

Unlike most offseasons — including the last one, when Kansas City had just finished a 106-loss campaign that ranked among the worst in franchise history — the Royals are headed into this one with