The Royals should take advantage of the risk of an injured Guardians ace to boost the rotation

The Kansas City Royals were eliminated from the postseason with their 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series.

The team had a strong 2024 season, securing the second Wild Card spot and finishing the regular season with a record of 86-76.

Michael Wacha started Game 4 of the ALDS against the Yankees, allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings of work. He will likely opt out of his contract and return to free agency. Perhaps this could lead to the Royals targeting Shane Bieber.

“Bieber looked unbeatable in his first two starts of 2024, but then Tommy John surgery blindsided him,” Zachary D. Rymer wrote in Bleacher Report. “The 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner should be back by mid-2025, so look for him to get a two-year deal with some option.”

Obviously, Bieber won't be back immediately in 2025. But his injury history could mean he signs a cheaper contract.

This could put him squarely in the Royals' preferred price range, and with him, Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo at the top of the rotation, they should pose a serious threat to compete for the World Series title in 2025.

It would also be a good opportunity for the Royals to stab a dagger in the Guardians' hearts and possibly even enter next season as AL Central favorites.

It will be interesting to see if Kansas City gives Bieber a chance.

More MLB: The Royals could take a chance on the Red Sox veteran to boost the rotation for 2025