Picollo pleads patience, but says team is “75 percent done” building team for next year

The Royals GM discussed his off-season on the radio this week.

There is still more to do, but Royals General Manager J.J. Picollo said the team is “75 percent” done with their off-season in comments this week on the Cody and Gold show on 96.5 The Fan.

Having already re-signed pitcher Michael Wacha and acquired leadoff hitter Jonathan India, Picollo indicated that the “heavy lifting” for the off-season had been accomplished already. But the team still has some holes to fill, particularly with pitching depth. Picollo also indicated he would like to add a left-handed hitter with a preference for someone capable of playing infield, but more likely a role player, not an everyday starter. The Royals had been rumored to be interested in free agent Josh Rojas. Previous reports also indicated the Royals were pursuing another middle-of-the-order bat.

Picollo said he understood the frustration with wanting to know what next year’s roster looks like, but he pleaded for patience, opining that market prices for players was a bit high.

“We’re going to be a little bit more patient for that right player to become available,” said Picollo. “We want some of these prices to come down when you’re talking about a role player.”

Despite top free agent Juan Soto signing last week, many other top free agents remain unsigned. ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote this week about the stagnant market.

With prices for players at a premium, teams have turned to the trade market as an alternative, leaving free agency stagnant. Teams also recognize the calendar works in their favor. The closer it gets to when spring camps open in February, the more difficult it is for players to remain steadfast in their demands.

This reflects reports about how the Royals would rather pursue a bat through trade rather than free agency. Passan writes the trade market has been more active lately and is “still percolating with activity” with bats like Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arraez, Luis Robert Jr., Starling Marte, Lane Thomas, Mike Tastrzemski, Taylor Ward, Josh Naylor, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Nathaniel Lowe among those that could be available. Meanwhile, the outfield free agent market that includes names like Antony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, and Joc Pederson remains ice-cold.

Picollo discussed how the Winter Meetings have changed and players and teams have become more meticulous and patient in recent off-seasons. He expressed hope that some recent signings could help move the overall market.

“As the free agents are signing...you can sort of see where teams are going, how they’re shaping their clubs, which should lead to better discussions in the coming weeks and months.”

Last off-season, the Royals did not make any signings at the Winter Meetings, but signed Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton, and Hunter Renfroe in the week that followed.

Picollo said he had some flexibility in payroll to to go to ownership to pursue a player whose price dropped, but would only do so for “the right player,” citing how Wacha was targeted last off-season. A report at The Athletic indicated the Royals would have a payroll around $120 million, a number they are running up against already.

“I like where our payroll is right now, I think we’re in a really good spot, we have a little bit of money to spend, we have a few smaller holes to fill, we should be able to manage that well.”

A general manager’s comments in the off-season should always come with the caveat that true transparency works against your own interest. Telling other teams and free agents that you need to add another player only undercuts your own negotiating position. The Royals have made some significant moves this off-season - they have signed the eighth-largest free agent deal of the off-season, and made one of the more significant trades so far.

And yet if this is all, it would be a disappointment. We will see which side blinks first - teams or free agents - to get the hot stove warm again.