2 free agents targets the Royals are glad can’t get a qualifying offer and 1 who could

Brian Burrows of Kings of Kauffman highlights potential free-agent targets for the Kansas City Royals based on their qualifying offer status. The Royals typically avoid signing players tied to qualifying offers to protect their draft picks. The writer identifies San Diego Padres pitchers Michael King and Robbie Ray as rotation targets who are ineligible for a qualifying offer, making them free agent options without draft pick penalties.

In contrast, Burrows views Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki as an ideal offensive target who is likely to receive a qualifying offer. The writer notes that attaching draft compensation to Suzuki could complicate a potential pursuit by Kansas City, as the small-market franchise has historically never signed a free agent attached to a qualifying offer.