Overview
- The Royals completed four deadline trades, acquiring left-hander Bailey Falter from the Pirates, right-handers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek from the Padres and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski from the Giants in exchange for backup catcher Freddy Fermin and minor-league prospects.
- Bailey Falter posted a 3.73 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 70 strikeouts over 113⅓ innings this season and arrives under club control through at least 2028.
- Mike Yastrzemski joins the bench as a veteran outfielder known for his effectiveness against right-handed pitching and provides lineup versatility down the stretch.
- The deadline additions shore up a rotation depleted by All-Star Kris Bubic’s season-ending injury and move the Royals to within three games of a wild-card berth.
- J.J. Picollo balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term roster control by trading lower-tier prospects and preserving the core of Kansas City’s young roster.