It is time to shift gears and look to next season, for me at least. To that end, the first thing to know is – what kind of space does the front office have to add talent? Or what can be done to free up enough money to get what the team needs?

Here are the salaries the Royals are definitely on the hook for in 2026, assuming they don’t trade the contracts. I am putting Salvador Perez’s option as well. He is not leaving this team unless something very weird happens. The most likely change would be that instead of picking up his option, they signed him to a new deal. • Seth Lugo – $21.5 million* • Michael Wacha – $18 million • Bobby Witt – $14.1 million* • Salvador Perez – $13.5 million • Carlos Estévez – $10.1 million • Cole Ragans – $4.6 million *

*Including signing bonus

So,

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