Royals could crash Reds' offseason plans with aggressive pursuits at Winter Meetings

While the Cincinnati Reds are rumored to be engaged in contract talks with free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, the Philadelphia Phillies are still viewed as the presumptive favorite. As such, Cincinnati needs a backup plan. Unfortunately, it looks as though the Reds and the Kansas City Royals are targeting the same types of players.

The Royals are checking in on several free agents. KC has been linked to veteran outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, and more recently, former Reds outfielder Austin Hays. Though the Reds are unlikely to reunite with Hays this offseason, Cincinnati is undoubtedly shopping for an outfielder at the MLB Winter Meetings this week.

The Royals could be one of the Reds' biggest competitors as both clubs are looking to add one or two outfielders to their respective rosters heading into next season.

The Reds and Royals are both targeting outfielders at the MLB Winter Meetings

Yastrzemski began the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, but was traded to the Royals ahead of the July 31 deadline. KC had hoped that the addition would help them gain some ground in the AL Wild Card chase, but the Royals finished with a record of 82-80, and were five games back of a playoff berth.

Yastrzemski, however, put up big numbers after the trade, hitting .237/.339/.500 with nine home runs in just 50 games with the Royals. He'll be entering his age 35 season in 2026, and most MLB experts assume he'll be able to score a one-year deal worth upwards of $10 million. After agreeing to terms with closer Emilio Pagán last week, that number may be a bit too steep for the Reds.

Another name to watch at the Winter Meetings is former Reds outfielder Harrison Bader. While he failed to find much success with Cincinnati in 2023, Bader possesses an above-average glove in the outfield and absolutely crushes left-handed pitching.

Though the Reds no doubt have feelers out on Yastrzemski and Bader, the most likely way for Cincinnati to upgrade the outfield is through a trade. The Royals, however, are exploring trade opportunities as well, and according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, could move starter Kris Bubic in order to get a deal done. That's one heckuva trade chip.

It's unlikely Reds fans will see the team snag an outfielder before the Schwarber drama comes to a close, and that unquestionably favors the Royals. While Cincinnati undoubtedly has to stand pat until Schwarber makes a decision about his future, that delay could cost the Reds one of their top priorities.