The Royals have been searching for a middle-of-the-order bat throughout the offseason. was evidently one such target. reports that Kansas City made Santander a three-year, $66MM offer that included unspecified deferrals and wouldve allowed him to opt out after the second season. Of course, Santander declined that proposal in favor of a five-year deal with the Blue Jays. That was Brooks Kriske Jersey initially reported as a $92.5MM contract, though extreme deferrals dramatically cut the net present value. For luxury tax purposes, Santanders deal with Toronto was valued . He can opt out of that contract after three seasons, though the Jays could override that by preemptively exercising a 2030 club option. The deferrals in Kansas Citys offer would have also trimmed its net present value to some extent. Without specifics, its impo sible to know the exact NPV. However, its likely that K.C.s offer would have had a stronger average annual value than the approximate $13.7MM mark on his contract with Toronto. Santanders decision to go to Toronto could be a matter of timing more than anything else. Rosenthal writes that the switch-hitting slugger was already committed to the Jays once Kansas City made its strongest offer. A few days after Santander came off the board, inked a three-year deal with the Braves. He received a $42MM guarantee. The Royals had been tied to Profar as far back as November. Rosenthal writes that the Royals were unwilling to go to three years on Profar, who turns 32 next month. Santander and Profar were the two big remaining unsigned outfielders. Kansas City reallocated some of the money they were prepared to invest in the outfield to the bullpen. The Royals finalized a two-year, $22MM deal with back-end reliever this evening. That pushed their projected Opening Day payroll to roughly $132MM, according to the calculations. RosterResource estimated last years season-ending payroll around $114MM, though Rosenthal writes that it was closer to $118MM. In either case, the Royals have added around $15-20MM to their books. Theyve also re-signed for $51MM over three years, re-signed on a $7MM pact, and swapped for . The pitching staff looks excellent. K.C. had one of the best rotations in MLB last season. That should be the case again with , , and Wacha returning at the front end. should be back from shoulder surgery, while they could get a full season out of after he pitched in relief upon his return from Tommy John surgery. Estvez pairs with last years big deadline pickup, , at the back of what should be a stronger bullpen. Theres le s depth in the lineup. India will be an upgrade over at the top of the order. Kansas City hasnt found the big bat theyd hoped to plug behind , and . They again have one of the weakest outfields on paper. and project as their starters in the corners, while will get the bulk of the center field work. India and will divide time at second base and could each see some action in left field. Rosenthal writes that the Royals plan to give the righty-hitting Garcia reps in center field against left-handed pitching, e sentially as a platoon partner for the lefty-swinging Isbel. Garcia has never started a major league game in the outfield. Hes a plus athlete with good speed, though, so its not all that surprising that the Royals are open to letting him roam the outfield on occasion. Robinson Chirinos Jersey