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The Kansas City Royals are on a recent hot streak, winning three of their last four games post-All-Star break, two of those wins coming on walk-off hits from Carter Jensen on Friday and Nick Loftin last night. While the Royals remain buried in the American League standings and have just over 60 games left in the season, hopes of them making the playoffs at this point are a fool's errand.
But that doesn't mean that just because 2026 is a lost season, KC should not begin planning and preparing for a bounce-back 2027 campaign. In fact, it seems like general manager J.J. Picollo is setting up the roster for that very goal, as reports have come out that he does not intend to let go of starting veteran pitchers Seth Lugo or Michael Wacha ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
But that shouldn't be where the additions end for Kansas City. An obvious player to keep their eyes on is Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu. The 27-year-old right fielder has been a revelation ever since coming into the league. But Boston, given the depth they have on their roster, seems hesitant to give Abreu the big payday he deserves. For the Royals, it should be a no-brainer to acquire his talent and reward him as such.
Abreu would be the perfect outfield addition to Kansas City in 2027 and beyond
Since trading for Abreu in 2022, the Red Sox have seen him perform like a star on the field and have done nothing but hand him cheap, one-year contracts year after year. Abreu is a dual threat, as he has won two Gold Gloves in 2024 and 2025, has a rocket for an arm, and is accurate as well.
His hitting is just as good as in his last three starting seasons; Abreu boasts a .255 batting average, 17 home runs and nearly 60 RBIs per season, along with 40 walks taken per year and a .463 slugging percentage.
He's been on a tear in the month of July with five homers in 15 games, 11 RBIs, five doubles, eight walks and a .614 slugging percentage. The Royals are in desperate need of outfield help, and while Abreu would cost a pretty penny both in a trade and a new contract, he's probably worth it.
With Jac Caglianone an emerging star in the outfield, along with Abreu opposite him, Kansas City takes its defense up to the next level as well as provides some much-needed help in the batting lineup for Bobby Witt Jr.
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This article was originally published on kckingdom.com as Royals should make blockbuster trade splash for Red Sox Wilyer Abreu.
