One of the most common arguments among Kansas City Royals fans is what the team could have done differently following the 2024 season to fix its outfield woes.
Holding firm with underwhelming options like MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe clearly wasn’t the solution. But the top free-agent names on the market also came with question marks. Anthony Santander, Jurickson Profar, and Teoscar Hernández, each of whom generated buzz heading into free agency, ultimately delivered down seasons in 2025.
Still, several lower-tier outfielders outperformed expectations. Mike Tauchman had an excellent year on a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox, while Ramón Laureano quietly posted a 3.