Joc Pederson
While the Kansas City Royals have intriguing pieces for their future in the lineup, there are still several issues.
The most pressing need is a lack of power. Their 138 homers were 26th in the majors and they ranked 12th in the AL in slugging percentage and OPS. Only five players reached double digits in home runs and one of them, Hunter Dozier, cannot be considered a lock to return. The Royals need someone that can actually provide some pop in the lineup.
Joc Pederson may be the best option. While he may never hit 36 homers again as he did for the Dodgers in 2019, he is still a respectable power threat, having hit over 20 homers five times. He is also coming off of a career year, having produced a .274/.353/.521 batting line with 23 homers and 19 doubles in his 433 plate appearances. Chances are, he is going to cost more than the Royals may want to spend.
Pederson would also be a solid veteran option to add to the outfield. Drew Waters and MJ Melendez have plenty of promise, but the Royals could need other pieces. That will especially be the case if they trade Michael Taylor, something that is possible given that several other teams are in desperate need of a center fielder. If they can get another piece for the future for Taylor, signing Pederson would make sense.
The Kansas City Royals need to add some more pop to the lineup. Joc Pederson would be a step in the right direction.