Royals trade potential future closer in effort to avoid shallow pitching depth

Nov 3, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo talks with media during a press conference at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesThe Kansas City Royals have made several between-the-margins moves this winter already in an effort to right some of the wrongs of the 2025 season and better their chances of returning to October baseball in 2026.

And Thursday brought another one of those trades, that may've raised eyebrows but had a clear motive in mind for the 2026 season.

According to an official report from the team themselves, the Royals are sending promising relief pitching prospect A.J. Causey…