3 Players the Royals Should Avoid in Free Agency

The Kansas City Royals have a new manager and a bunch of young talent on their big league roster, but that doesn't mean they won't look at the free agent market for some veterans. However, they have to be smart about who they bring aboard, so here are three players the Royals should avoid in free agency.

3. RHP Matt Albers

The Royals are a far cry from possessing the bullpen they had in 2015 when they won the World Series, so look for that to be a position group they look to upgrade this offseason. Matt Albers has proven over his career to be a dependable arm in relief, likely leading to a payday the Royals can't afford. KC should look elsewhere to shore up the bullpen.

2. RHP Andrew Cashner

Kansas City had one of the worst starting rotations in the sport last year, something Dayton Moore will look to address this winter. They could sign low-risk veterans with upside, but unless they want to bring in a big fish, they shouldn't waste their time. Andrew Cashner started the year off hot, but after a trade to the Red Sox he came crashing back down to earth. At this point, we have a pretty good idea of what he is as a pitcher. Cashner is nothing more than a back-end starter at this point of his career, something the Royals don't need to waste their money on.

1. OF Yasiel Puig

The Royals have already declined outfielder Alex Gordon's $23 million option, and if he decides to retire (which is a possibility) and not come back, Kansas City will looking for an outfielder. There are plenty of replacement options on the market, but they shouldn't put much thought in signing the eccentric Yasiel Puig. Instead of signing someone who will instantly become the face of their team without the production to match, the Royals need to build around their core in Mike Matheny's first season as manager.