After coming up just short in game seven of the World Series, the Royals appear to be wasting no time trying to improve their roster. Reports immediately began surfacing that they had interest in Detroit right fielder Torii Hunter. 

For a team that played spectacular team defense, Hunter could provide another good glove in the outfield, but more importantly he would be an offensive upgrade over Nori Aoki. 

The Royals had the fewest home runs in baseball last season with 95. Hunter had 17 last season on a team that had 155 last season, which was ninth in the majors. Only one Royals player had more home runs than Hunter—Alex Gordon with 19. Hunter was tied for fourth on the Tigers in home runs. Hunter also had a .319 on base percentage, which fits in well with the Royals small ball approach; and he had a .286 average which would have led the Royals last season. He also would have led the Royals in RBI’s this season—he had 83 while Gordon led the Royals with 74. 

Adding Hunter would give the Royals an experienced veteran in the middle of their lineup and provide some power in the middle of the lineup, as well as some lineup protection for Alex Gordon and Billy Butler. He has won two Silver Slugger awards, one as recently as 2013. 

As far as Hunter’s defense, it may not be what it once was when he won nine straight Gold Gloves in Minnesota and for the Angels from 2001-2009, but he can still get it done.  

The nice thing about bringing him in would be that Nori Aoki could platoon with him in right and Hunter could be used as the DH some days, it would provide them more versatility and could slow down the wear and tear of the grind of 162 games, particularly considering the fact Hunter is now 39 and likely not an everyday player at this point in his career. That also means he won’t command as much money so it could be a favorable deal for the Royals—who won’t have to overpay him; heck they could even get a bargain on the deal. 

Going after a player like Hunter would be a good idea for the Royals, could provide a lot of benefits without the hefty price tag.