The Kansas City Royals have gotten off to a frustrating start in the 2026 season, but remain very much in the mix. The American League Central remains wide open with only three games separating the top of the division from the basement. With this in mind, the Royals should be considered buyers in the next few months as long as the tight division race holds. This leads to fans looking around the league and considering what roster KC might consider stealing from.
When looking at collapsing rosters full of talent, none jump out more than the New York Mets. Despite having the league's second-highest payroll, only behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mets are nine games under .500 and find themselves 12.5 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves and firmly in last place in the NL East.
With this in mind, New York's demise could serve as the Royals' opportunity with no shortage of potential fits rostered. Freddy Peralta and Bo Bichette jump out as the most obvious fits that Kansas City could attempt to target if the franchise does want to make a postseason push. Peralta would steady the rotation while Bichette could be played at second.
Neither of Kansas City's infield options at the position is offering much offensive consistency, and Bichette is a proven postseason performer that would benefit from playing alongside Bobby Witt Jr. Taking this a step further, the franchise could also look at New York's bullpen, searching for possible depth improvements.
Royals should take advantage of New York's early-season collapse
A big part of the reason why Kansas City needs to push its chips to the center of the table is the fact that this is a division begging to be won. The Chicago White Sox were the league's worst team a season ago and now sit in second place, speaking to just how open things are and how much trade moves could swing the playoff spot.
It is important to note that it's still very early in the season, and the Royals need to keep their current pace to be within striking distance to justify a trade. If that is the case, the Mets' roster has no shortage of potential answers and should become one of the most talked-about sellers at this year's deadline.
New York would appear to have little choice in the matter, needing to lessen the cost of a team that is in last place in the division and has been truly awful. This misfortune serves as Kansas City's opportunity, with the front office having every reason to begin early discussions and hope that the Mets continue to flounder, opening the door up for a surprise blockbuster trade.
Add us as a preferred source on Google