MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies' Alec Bohm, Angels' Taylor Ward Eyed by Royals

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly looking to upgrade their offense this offseason.

According to Anne Rogers or MLB.com, the team has "checked in" on Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, "but nothing has progressed deeply yet."

That follows a report from C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic over the weekend that Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India is "one of several hitters the Royals are targeting" this offseason, with Kansas City starting pitcher Brady Singer "drawing interest from the Reds and other teams seeking to deepen their rotations."

The Royals, behind superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and a solid pitching staff—led by Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha—made a surprising run to the MLB postseason in 2024, sweeping the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Round before losing to the New York Yankees in four games during the ALDS.

In the six postseason games, the Royals averaged 2.5 runs per game. During the regular season, the team ranked 20th in homers (170) and 13th in runs (735).

The future is bright, but an offensive upgrade is clearly needed.

India, 27, hit .248 with 15 homers, 58 RBI, 84 runs and 13 stolen bases in the 2024 season, posting a .750 OPS. He would address the team's need for a leadoff hitter.

Bohm, 28, was excellent for much of the past season, hitting .280 with 15 homers, 97 RBI, 62 runs, 44 doubles and a .779 OPS, earning his first All-Star Game bid. He cooled off significantly late in the regular season and during the playoffs after returning from a hand injury, however, and there have been reports that the Phillies might be interested in moving him to pursue bigger fish in free agency like Juan Soto or Alex Bregman.

Ward, 30, would add some home-run pop to Kansas City's lineup after hitting .246 with a career-high 25 homers and 75 RBI in 2024, adding a .748 OPS. Rogers reported that the Royals were "interested in him at the most recent trade deadline."