Kansas City Royals officially starting the rebuilding process
The Kansas City Royals offseason is finally ready to take shape, as they are now set to begin the rebuilding process.
It had been a long offseason for the Kansas City Royals. With free agency moving slowly, the Royals were in a holding pattern, unsure of the direction they would take. Yes, Joakim Soria and Brandon Moss were traded, but that was more about moving on from their salaries. Alcides Escobar returned, but on a one year contract. Nothing was really going to happen until Eric Hosmer made his decision.
And now, the Royals know their fate. Hosmer ended up moving on, signing an eight year deal with the San Diego Padres. With Hosmer gone, the Royals have decided that it is time to go into rebuilding mode, and will not pursue any major free agents.
The #Royals say they will stay pat and go into rebuild and will not pursue any marquee free agents now that Eric Hosmer went to #Padres
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 18, 2018
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With the Royals now heading squarely into rebuilding mode, it makes their decision to add at the trade deadline last year all the more perplexing. Kansas City had, at best, a tenuous grasp on a Wild Card berth, but decided to take one last shot at the postseason. Instead, their move backfired, leaving the Royals outside the postseason and setting back their rebuilding process.
This also puts to rest those questions about whether or not the Royals will pivot towards Mike Moustakas. This statement, that the rebuild is now in full effect, would seemingly slam the door on his return. However, it does not necessarily take the Royals out of adding a few players like Logan Morrison or Lucas Duda.
The Royals are also in decent shape when it comes to kicking off that rebuild. With Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain having signed elsewhere, Kansas City has added two more draft picks and extra money towards signing international free agents. With the right selections in the draft, and the proper signings in the international market, the good times could return in a few more years.
Next: Royals first base options
It was fun while it lasted for the Kansas City Royals. Perhaps the good times will come again, should the rebuild go forth as planned.