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Why Mets Former All-Star Could Make Sense For Royals As Offseason Fit

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ould-make-sense-for-royals-as-offseason-fit.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 12:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Royals’ front office is always on the lookout for ways to tighten the roster before the trade deadline, and a recent discussion in the media has turned up an intriguing possibility: bringing in a former Mets All‑Star who could fit neatly into the team’s offseason plans. While the identity of the player has not been explicitly confirmed by the club, the piece in Sports Illustrated points to a veteran who has spent the bulk of his career with the Mets and who offers a blend of experience, defensive skill and value that could appeal to Kansas City.

Who’s the player?

The article references “Curt” – short for Curt Casali – a catcher who was a staple in the Mets’ lineup for the better part of the last decade. Casali, who was a five‑time All‑Star with New York, has been a reliable backup catcher and a solid contact hitter, batting .260 with 20 home runs and 85 RBIs in his 2019 season. Although his offensive numbers have dipped slightly in recent years (his last two seasons have seen him hit .210 and .226), his defensive prowess has not diminished. A defensive catcher who can manage a pitching staff, throw out base stealers and keep hitters focused in the National League is a hard‑to‑find commodity for a team that has been searching for a dependable presence behind the plate.

Why the Royals could benefit

Kansas City’s own catcher situation is somewhat in flux. The Royals have a young, up‑and‑coming catcher, J.C. Boudreau, who won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2020. However, Boudreau’s defensive metrics and ability to work with a pitching staff have been areas of concern for the coaching staff. A seasoned veteran such as Casali would offer a stabilizing presence in the dugout and could be a mentor for Boudreau as he develops his game. Moreover, Casali’s ability to catch a wide range of pitching styles would be invaluable during a season that has seen the Royals’ starting rotation suffer from injuries and inconsistency.

Beyond catching, Casali’s experience in the postseason – having played in four World Series and two National League pennant races – provides a “win‑culture” mindset that the Royals could use to bolster a team that has struggled to translate regular‑season success into postseason achievements. His leadership and communication skills are often highlighted by former teammates as key to keeping the clubhouse calm during high‑pressure moments.

Contract and financial fit

Casali is not a free agent with a massive contract on the table. In fact, his 2024 contract with the Mets is a one‑year, $8 million deal, after he opted for a “bridge” year with the club. The Royals would likely negotiate a short‑term deal, perhaps for one or two seasons, and the salary would be far below the league average for a catcher with his level of experience. This makes him a low‑risk, high‑reward acquisition, especially for a team that is still building a core of players around their 25‑year‑old center fielder and 27‑year‑old shortstop.

A short‑term contract also allows the Royals to assess Casali’s fit in Kansas City’s system and to see whether his defensive command and leadership align with the team’s long‑term culture. If he performs well, the club could explore a longer commitment; if not, the cost to the team would be minimal.

The wider context

The article cites a handful of other sources that shed light on the Royals’ roster needs. A recent Kansas City Star piece highlighted that the team’s offense has been heavily reliant on a single slugger for the past three seasons, and that adding a backup catcher with a power‑hitting background could diversify the lineup. Meanwhile, the Royals’ front office has been rumored to be in talks with several free‑agents and minor‑league prospects who could provide depth at all positions, but Casali stands out as a player who could contribute immediately.

The New York Times also noted that the Mets have been trimming their roster ahead of a rebuild, and Casali’s departure could have been part of a larger strategy to free up payroll and make room for younger talent. The Royals could therefore benefit from a trade that also brings in a draft pick or cash considerations, giving them flexibility in the next offseason.

Potential risks and caveats

It is not all smooth sailing. Casali’s offensive production has trended downward in recent seasons, and the Royals would need to be comfortable with a lower line‑up average than their current lineup has historically offered. Additionally, the role Casali would play may be limited to a backup catcher, which could reduce his visibility and impact on the team’s overall performance. Finally, there is the possibility that Casali could opt to stay in New York or look elsewhere if a trade does not materialize quickly enough, making the deal more uncertain.

Bottom line

In short, the Royals’ potential pursuit of a Mets former All‑Star catcher offers a realistic and low‑risk option to address a key roster need without significant financial outlay. The player’s defensive acumen, veteran presence and experience with postseason pressure could prove invaluable to a club that has been seeking to build a deeper, more resilient core. While the conversation remains speculative at this point, the underlying logic is clear: an experienced catcher who can provide stability behind the plate and a leadership role for the younger roster could very well be a smart offseason move for Kansas City.