MLB Kansas City Royals

5 Free Agents Kansas City Royals Could Pursue In Offseason

5 Free Agents Kansas City Royals Could Pursue In Offseason

Billy Butler Royals
H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals are coming off their most successful season in nearly three decades. Despite losing to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, the Royals have a strong foundation in place in which to build upon. With that in mind, here are five free agents Kansas City could pursue this offseason.

5. 3B Mark Reynolds

Mark Reynolds Brewers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. 3B Mark Reynolds

Mark Reynolds Brewers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After finishing last in the majors in home runs, the Royals desperately need to add some power to their lineup. While Mark Reynolds does not hit for average, the journeyman has tremendous power. Reynolds also has the ability to play both corner infield positions and would provide great depth off the bench.

4. SP Edinson Volquez

Edinson Volquez Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. SP Edinson Volquez

Edinson Volquez Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Edinson Volquez is coming off one of the best years of his career, posting 13 wins and a 3.04 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Royals are unable to re-sign James Shields, the 31-year-old Volquez would be a nice backup plan.

3. LF Michael Morse

Michael Morse Giants
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

3. LF Michael Morse

Michael Morse Giants
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Morse could be a perfect fit in Kansas City. The 32-year-old left fielder would give the Royals some much-needed power in the middle of their lineup and would likely come at a reasonable price.

2. SP James Shields

James Shields Royals
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2. SP James Shields

James Shields Royals
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

James Shields is the ace of the Royals pitching staff, and it would be detrimental to lose such a key player. The Royals have extended an offer to Shields, but the bidding war for the star pitcher is expected to be intense and KC may not be able to keep up.

1. DH Billy Butler

Billy Butler Kansas City Royals
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. DH Billy Butler

Billy Butler Kansas City Royals
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Royals declined their option on Billy Butler, making him a free agent. A former All-Star designated hitter, Butler has been a staple in the middle of Kansas City's lineup for the past seven years. A return to Kansas City could be beneficial for each side as they look to return to the World Series next season.

K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet