Hokius’s 2026 Payroll Blueprint: What if we didn't trade anyone?

[Hokius]

I knocked Salvy's salary down because of deferrals and non-tendered India. In this scenario, the Royals can't get a platoon partner for Cags, but if he falters, they can just start Frazier. At least they'd have one competent outfielder in Bellinger.

 

I trade away Zerpa and Schreiber for prospects to help fill the farm system and save money, add Soto for a power lefty, and I still end up well over-budget but I think the Royals are going to have to go over-budget if they want to win, and I think they will, with the expectation they can spend less later as their farm system continues to improve under Bridges. 

• C: Carter Jensen ($0.8M)
• 1B: Vinnie Pasquantino ($5.40M)
• 2B: Jorge Polanco ($14.0M)
• 3B: Maikel Garcia ($4.80M)
• SS: Bobby Witt Jr. ($13.70M)
• LF: Cody Bellinger ($28.0M)
• CF: Kyle Isbel ($2.70M)
• RF: Jac Caglianone ($0.80M)
• DH: Salvador Perez ($7.5M)
• 4th OF: John Rave ($0.80M)
• Utility: Adam Frazier ($2.5M)
• Utility: Tyler Tolbert ($0.80M)
• Backup C: Luca Tresh ($0.80M)
• SP1: Cole Ragans ($4.60M)
• SP2: Michael Wacha ($18.00M)
• SP3: Kris Bubic ($6.00M)
• SP4: Seth Lugo ($23.00M)
• SP5: Noah Cameron ($0.80M)
• RP: Carlos Estevez ($10.10M)
• RP: Lucas Erceg ($0.80M)
• RP: Luinder Avila ($0.8M)
• RP: Taylor Clarke ($1.90M)
• RP: Gregory Soto ($8.0M)
• RP: Steven Cruz ($0.8M)
• RP: Jonathan Bowlan ($0.80M)
• RP/SP: Stephen Kolek ($1.0M)

Payroll is 12.06% over budget

[Brock Beauchamp]

Has there been any information about what the Royals expect to have in payroll this year? I haven't seen anything. I assume it's going up, but is that a wrong assertion?

[Kevin O'Brien]

On 11/19/2025 at 8:45 AM, Brock Beauchamp said:

Has there been any information about what the Royals expect to have in payroll this year? I haven't seen anything. I assume it's going up, but is that a wrong assertion?

Sherman has said in an interview that he's willing to go up, but he hasn't put a hard amount on it. They spent $138 million last year and that was roughly a $12 million increase from the previous year. My guess is that it will be similar, though may not be less than 12 if they don't find the right player.

 

[Kevin O'Brien]

But here's more about Sherman talking payroll and he's been pretty noncomittal about a set amount, though it doesn't seem like they're planning on "cutting" at all, based from his talk. 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/owner-john-sherman-discusses-royals-payroll.html