8 Royals Who Won't Return in 2025 Season
By Joe Summers
8. Yuli Gurriel - 1B
Essentially a hired gun that joined the team midseason, Yuli Gurriel became one of the most important offensive players down the stretch. He typically hit fifth in the order and played in every postseason game, but he's on the wrong side of 40 years old and shouldn't be back in 2025.
Kansas City's most experienced postseason player, Gurriel brought important leadership and savvy to the club. He had an opportunity to change the Yankees series late in Game 3 with Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez both on base, yet unfortunately couldn't come through when the Royals needed him most.
Even still, Gurriel's acquisition was a success. That the organization had to rely so heavily on him does reflect poorly on the roster construction though.
Expect the team to be aggressive in free agency or even potentially the trade market to ensure they don't have to lean on a 40-year-old veteran in the biggest games of the season. With Witt Jr. locked in as the face of the franchise, Kansas City should be an attactive place to sign.
J.J. Picollo has a long offseason ahead with several critical decisions. The foundation is laid for sustained success and now it's on the front office to ensure this Royals team wasn't just a flash in the pan.
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