8 Royals Who Won't Return in 2025 Season
By Joe Summers
2. Garrett Hampson - OF
The Royals' lack of offensive punch was ultimately their downfall. Kansas City had the worst offense remaining in the playoffs and couldn't muster enough to overcome the Yankees, despite New York's sputtering at the plate as well.
In order to take that next step, players like Garrett Hampson need to be replaced. He hit only .230 with a .300 slugging percentage in 231 plate appearances with zero home runs and only 16 RBIs. Hampson struck out 59 times and took only 14 walks.
While he played excellent outfield defense, admittedly important when half of your games are at Kauffman Stadium, being a net negative at the plate is unacceptable for a team with World Series aspirations.
Hampson had some good postseason at-bats but ranks among the worst in MLB in virtually every offensive category. He was a quality signing as someone who could rotate positions but he's never proven to be a capable hitter during his career.
With Kyle Isbel penciled in as the starting center fielder, the Royals would be wise to find a more powerful bat to come off the bench. It was a good ride but Hampson's time with the organization appears over.