Jim Bowden predicts Royals move for Gleyber Torres that could backfire

The Athletic's Jim Bowden predicted that the Kansas City Royals are a potential free-agent fit for second baseman Gleyber Torres on a projected two-year, $42 million deal. However, writer Brian Burrows argues that signing Torres would be a mistake that could backfire for Kansas City, noting it would make Torres the team's third-highest-paid player despite a decline in extra-base hits and below-average defense.

Burrows points out that the Royals already have a trusted option at second base in Michael Massey, who posted a career-best .272 batting average in 2026 and was an AL Gold Glove finalist. Instead of targeting an expensive infielder, the writer asserts that Kansas City needs to prioritize upgrades for its outfield and pitching staff this offseason.