Royals Make $12M Offseason Dump as 2015 World Series Memory Drives Big change Kinjal TalrejaNovember 3, 2025 at 4:12 AM 0 credits: MLB.COM ©credits: MLB.COM The Kansas City Royals haven't topped their division since that magical 2015 season. Saturday, Nov. 1, marks a decade since the Kansas City Royals captured the World Series title. Before that, you'd have to go all the way back to 1985, when Hall of Famer George Brett was leading the charge. Both of those seasons ended in World Series glory. But beyond that, the Royals have only made the playoffs four times in the past 40 years.
- - Royals Make $12M Off-season Dump as 2015 World Series Memory Drives Big change
Kinjal TalrejaNovember 3, 2025 at 4:12 AM
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credits: MLB.COM ©credits: MLB.COM
The Kansas City Royals haven't topped their division since that magical 2015 season. Saturday, Nov. 1, marks a decade since the Kansas City Royals captured the World Series title. Before that, you'd have to go all the way back to 1985, when Hall of Famer George Brett was leading the charge. Both of those seasons ended in World Series glory. But beyond that, the Royals have only made the playoffs four times in the past 40 years. Now, once again, after another disappointing season that saw them finish 82-80 and third in the American League Central, the Royals are ready to make some big changes heading into the next campaign.
Despite making some significant progress from past seasons, the Royals ended up concluding this season with only 651 runs.
That happens to be the third-lowest in the American League. Now, as the offseason is underway, the Royals' front office has some big roster decisions to make.
The front office has started shaping its offseason plans by declining Michael Lorenzen's $12 million mutual option. They'll hand him a $1.5 million buyout for now. However, a return later this winter remains a possibility.
Credits: MLB.com
The 33-year-old right-hander appeared in 27 games this season, all but one as a starter. Across those games, he recorded a 4.67 ERA. Over 141.2 innings, he struck out 127 batters but also led the American League with 12 wild pitches.
Notably, Lorenzen missed a month due to an oblique strain. He struggled majorly toward the end of the season, as he held a 4.71 ERA in his final nine starts.
He was acquired from the Texas Rangers during the 2024 trade deadline. Lorenzen was impressive early on, recording a stunning 1.57 ERA in seven games down the stretch. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Royals' starting rotation is expected to feature Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Noah Cameron, Kris Bubic, and Michael Wacha, with Alec Marsh, Kyle Wright, Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, and Bailey Falter providing additional depth and rotation options.
While the Royals are restructuring their roster to recreate the winning formula, it's high time they address the uncertainty around outfielder MJ Melendez.
Royals to make a decision on MJ Melendez's future
The Kansas City Royals might be considering letting Melendez go and making him a free agent. Once seen as a promising young power hitter, he hasn't been able to stay consistent at the plate.
He showed flashes with 18 homers in 2022, 16 in 2023, and 17 last year. But 2025 was a tough year. He was sent down to Triple-A Omaha after hitting just .083 with one home run and a .321 OPS for Kansas City.
Those numbers make it uncertain if he's still part of the Royals' long-term plans. With several outfielders showing more promise, his spot looks shaky. Mike Yastrzemski, who came from the SF Giants and brought a real spark, could return on a short deal. If that happens, Melendez's future becomes even more uncertain than it is right now.
Melendez offers defensive versatility. He plays both outfield and catcher. However, clearly his bat hasn't kept up. He's never hit above .235 in a season, and with the Royals aiming to contend in 2026, tough roster calls are coming.
Moving on from Melendez for a low-cost, more consistent veteran bat could be part of that.
No doubt his potential is still there, but time's running out to prove it in Kansas City. This offseason, Chaim Bloom and Co. will have to make a firm call on his future.
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Published: November 03, 2025 at 10:27AM on Source: JAST MAG
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