The Yankees’ resurgent playoff star called signing a free agent a “dream” for the Royals

The Kansas City Royals have made the playoffs in 2024, but what happens next?

By the time they reached the American League Division Series, it became clear that the Royals were not real contenders for the World Series. Their lineup was too thin, their bullpen the same, and when the New York Yankees applied pressure, Kansas City fell apart pretty quickly in a 3-1 series loss.

Bullpens can be inconsistent from season to season, but the Royals simply cannot enter 2025 with the same lack of depth in their batting order. Someone needs to come to Kansas City and provide more punch, and perhaps those same Yankees have a player who could provide that punch.

Second baseman Gleyber Torres, who is having a strong postseason after disappointing performances for most of the year, will be a free agent at the end of the Yankees’ playoff run. FanSided’s Zach Pressnell implored the Royals to get Torres as their double-play partner for Bobby Witt Jr.

“It’s still questionable whether the Yankees will aggressively try to re-sign him this winter,” Pressnell said. “If not, Torres would be the perfect option for the Royals. He’s not a great defender, but he wouldn’t need to have Witt on his side. Torres has an elite bat for the position, although he hasn’t played to his full potential this season.

The 27-year-old Torres is a far better fit for the Royals than the Yankees these days. New York needs people on base and good defenders to complement Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but what the Royals need is a high strike rate and run producers.

Despite having a subpar regular season, Torres undoubtedly boosts his free agent stock with his performance in October. He has a .433 on-base percentage in 30 postseason plate appearances this year while hitting one home run, two doubles and seven runs.

Having an elite version of Torres could be the trick that pushes the Royals to the top of the AL Central next season. It’s up to JJ Picollo and the front office to make sure he wears blue by Opening Day.

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