When looking across Major League Baseball last season, few teams fell as far short of expectations as the Kansas City Royals. There were plenty of clubs that struggled, but the Royals stood out because many believed they were in position to take an important step forward. Other than the Atlanta Braves — who were also widely expected to make a deep postseason run — Kansas City ranked near the top of the list in terms of unmet expectations. The belief heading into the year was that the Royals could at least remain competitive in the postseason race, but instead, they faded from contention and failed to live up to the optimism surrounding the team.
Now, as the offseason continues to unfold, the Royals find themselves in a position where meaningful changes are necessary. If the organization wants to change the direction of the team and avoid another disappointing campaign, it will need to address its most glaring weaknesses. One of the biggest shortcomings from last season was the lack of consistent offensive production. Kansas City struggled at times to score runs, lacked power in key situations, and often failed to deliver timely hits. As a result, the front office is widely expected to pursue offensive upgrades as it prepares for the upcoming season.
There are a number of players available on the market that the Royals could target, but one name that has recently emerged as a possible fit is former Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna, now a free agent, has long been known for his powerful bat and ability to change a game with one swing. According to Jordan Leandre of Just Baseball, the Royals could view him as a logical addition to their lineup as they attempt to boost their offensive firepower.
Leandre highlighted that Kansas City is one of several teams actively searching for more production at the plate. Earlier in the offseason, rumors suggested that the Royals could pursue some of the biggest offensive names on the free-agent market. While that is still a possibility, it may be more realistic to expect the team to sign someone who fits into a more moderate tier of hitters—still impactful, but not necessarily the most expensive superstar available. In that context, Ozuna’s name makes a lot of sense.
While Kauffman Stadium is not known for being a particularly hitter-friendly ballpark, that doesn’t mean power hitters can’t succeed there. In fact, the Royals have shown before that they can take a right-handed slugger and help him thrive in their environment.
The most notable example would be Jorge Soler, who went on an incredible home run tear in a Royals uniform and ended up leading the league in home runs. Leandre pointed to that as proof that just because the stadium is pitcher-friendly doesn’t mean a powerful hitter like Ozuna can’t find success in Kansas City.
It’s also worth noting that Ozuna is slightly older now than Soler was during his breakout stretch, but that alone should not automatically eliminate him as a viable option. Power hitters can often remain productive later into their careers if they maintain good health and strength. Ozuna’s recent numbers suggest that he still has a great deal left in the tank.
Just a few seasons ago, he was among the most dangerous hitters in baseball, crushing 40 home runs in 2023 and following that up with 39 more in 2024. That kind of consistency, especially back-to-back seasons just shy of the 40-homer mark, is extremely difficult to find on the open market.
Those numbers show that Ozuna hasn’t lost the ability to punish opposing pitchers. If he is able to continue performing anywhere close to that level, he would immediately slot in as one of the biggest power threats in Kansas City’s lineup.
His presence alone would change the way opposing pitching staffs attack the Royals. With Ozuna in the middle of the order, pitchers would be forced to be more cautious, which could create better opportunities for hitters around him to see more favorable pitches.
From a strategic standpoint, adding a player like Ozuna could have a ripple effect across the entire roster. It could allow younger hitters to develop with less pressure on their shoulders, knowing that a proven veteran is anchoring the heart of the lineup. It could also bring leadership and postseason experience to the clubhouse, something the Royals could certainly benefit from after a rough campaign.
The question, of course, is whether Ozuna can maintain the level of production he has displayed in recent years while playing in a different ballpark and within a new system. Kauffman Stadium is famously expansive, with large outfield dimensions that can turn potential home runs into long outs or doubles. However, Ozuna is not solely dependent on barely-clearing-the-wall home runs; his power is legitimate and consistent. Many of his home runs leave the bat with enough force that they would be gone in virtually any stadium.
Furthermore, the Royals’ coaching staff and development team might see something in Ozuna that they believe can be further refined or optimized. Kansas City has quietly done a better job of developing hitters than it often receives credit for. If Ozuna pairs his natural ability with a focused plan to adjust to Kauffman Stadium’s dimensions, there is a realistic path to continued success.
Beyond statistics, there is also the matter of message. Signing a player of Ozuna’s caliber would signal to fans, players, and the rest of the league that Kansas City is serious about turning things around. Rather than settling for minor depth additions or short-term role players, targeting a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat would represent a bold and confident move.
For a team that desperately wants to escape the narrative of underperformance, such a signing could go a long way in altering perception. It would inject excitement into the fan base and give the organization a clear focal point heading into spring training.
In the end, while nothing is guaranteed in Major League Baseball, the idea of Marcell Ozuna in a Royals uniform is not as far-fetched as it might initially seem. Given Kansas City’s need for offense, its history of helping right-handed sluggers find success, and Ozuna’s recent production, the fit is logical.
If he can come close to replicating the kind of power numbers he posted in 2023 and 2024, he would immediately become one of the most impactful additions the Royals could possibly make.
For a franchise looking to rebound from a disappointing season and re-establish itself as a contender, taking a chance on a proven power hitter like Ozuna could be exactly the kind of move that helps change the trajectory of the team’s future.
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