Right-handed hitting outfielders the Royals could still trade for
The Royals are in the midst of a rebuild, and with the start of spring training, the focus is on finding the right pieces to build a competitive team. One area of interest is the outfield, specifically finding a right-handed hitter to bolster the lineup. While the Royals have been quiet on the trade front this offseason, there are still options available, and here are some right-handed outfielders who could be on the move, especially if their teams need pitching.
Jo Adell, Angels
Adell had a breakout season last year, slugging 37 home runs, the ninth-most in baseball. However, his low average and low walk rate, coupled with a high strikeout rate, make him a bit of a one-trick pony. The Royals need power, and Adell, at just 26 years old, has two more years until free agency. While he was a poor defender in center field last year, he could be a better fit in left field. The Angels, with several controllable years left on Adell's contract, might be wise to cash in and add some pitching.
Jonny DeLuca, Rays
DeLuca is a young player who hasn't yet lived up to his potential at the big league level. Acquired by the Rays after the 2023 season in the Tyler Glasnow trade, he struggled in his only extended look in 2024, hitting just .217/.278/.331 with six home runs and 16 steals in 107 games. His defense is solid, but he may be too unproven to be a reliable contributor for the Royals.
Jasson Domínguez, Yankees
The Yankees have a crowded outfield with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham, and Spencer Jones on the rise. Domínguez, a switch-hitter, had mixed results in his rookie season, hitting .257/.331/.388 with 10 home runs and 23 steals in 123 games. The 23-year-old has the potential to be a 30/30 player with an excellent eye at the plate, but the Yankees might be looking to move on and add starting pitching. If they've moved on from Domínguez, the Royals could be a match.
Brenton Doyle, Rockies
Doyle is a two-time Gold Glover in center field, but his 2025 season was a disappointment, batting just .233/.274/.376 with 15 home runs in 138 games. His numbers were inflated at Coors Field, where he hit just .162/.209/.251 on the road. Doyle has three more years of club control, but with a new general manager, the Rockies might be looking to shake things up and add some pitching.
Ramón Laureano, Padres
The Padres have an outfield depth chart with Laureano, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis Jr., and they could be looking to deal some of their outfield talent to acquire another starting pitcher. Laureano, at 31 years old, hit .281/.342/.512 with 24 home runs in 2024, his best season yet. However, he has been inconsistent and is a poor defender. With a manageable salary of $6.5 million, Laureano could be an affordable option for the Royals.
Jake Meyers, Astros
The Royals were reportedly interested in Meyers earlier this offseason, and with the Astros needing pitching, a trade could be a good fit. Meyers had a breakout season in 2025, hitting .292/.354/.373 with three home runs in 381 plate appearances. The 29-year-old is a plus defender in center and has a history of stealing bases. However, he doesn't provide the power the Royals are seeking.
Coby Mayo, Orioles
Mayo isn't an outfielder by trade, but he's taking reps in the outfield during spring training. The Orioles have a logjam in their lineup, and Mayo, ranked as the #14 prospect in baseball, had an underwhelming start to his MLB career. He could be available in a trade, and while he has potential, the Royals would be taking a risk.
Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles
Mountcastle hasn't played outfield since his rookie season, but he's rumored to be available after the Orioles signed free agent first baseman Pete Alonso. Mountcastle's power has slipped each year, and his 2024 season was a career-worst. The Orioles might be looking to move him and his $6.7 million salary for a more affordable option.
Heliot Ramos, Giants
Ramos was an All-Star in 2024 and has hit 20+ home runs in each of the last two seasons. However, his defense in left field has been poor, and he's just 26 years old with three controllable years left. The Giants might be looking to move Ramos and add a pitcher if they feel Drew Gilbert is ready for a starting role.
Spencer Steer, Reds
Steer has hit 20+ home runs in each of the last three seasons, but his wRC+ has regressed each year, sinking to 97 in 2024. He's a solid defender, but the Reds have top prospect Sal Stewart challenging him for a job, making Steer potentially expendable.
Mark Vientos, Mets
Vientos is not a traditional outfielder, but his poor defensive skills as an infielder could make a move to the outfield beneficial. He hit 27 home runs in 2024, but that number fell to 17 in 2025. The Mets might be looking to move Vientos for more pitching depth, especially with a right-handed platoon option for first baseman/DH Jorge Polanco.
