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3 moves the Royals need to make to return to the World Series

Jeff Curry / USA TODAY Sports

Two-time defending American League champions and reigning World Series winners, the Kansas City Royals have plenty to be proud of when looking back at the past two seasons.

But, as they flip the page from postseason to offseason, Royals general manager Dayton Moore and his front office can hardly afford to rest on their laurels.

There's some heavy lifting to be done this winter as several key areas need to be addressed. Here are three moves the Royals need to make if they hope to reach the World Series once again in 2016:

BRING BACK GORDON

The Royals aren't typically big spenders, but after back-to-back seasons of deep playoff runs and a sold-out Kauffman Stadium, it's time to loosen the purse strings.

Signing Alex Gordon needs to be a priority for Moore, as the three-time All-Star has been the face of the organization's revival. With Gordon a free agent, Kansas City has a need in both corner outfield spots, and the four-time Gold Glove winner immediately addresses the left-field vacancy. Gordon missed nearly eight weeks with a groin strain last season, but has been remarkably durable in the four seasons prior, missing just 24 games.

INTERNAL OUTFIELD OPTIONS

Player GP HR AVG/OBP/SLG
Lorenzo Cain 140 16 .307/.361/.477
Jarrod Dyson 90 2 .250/.311/.380
Paulo Orlando 86 7 .249/.269/.444
Reymond Fuentes 107 (AAA) 9 .308/.360/.422

Gordon, who turned down his $12.5-million player option last week, is coming off a year in which he slashed .271/.377/.432 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs despite being limited to just 104 games. He's the best available outfielder in the team's likely pay range.

BRING IN AN ACE

Moore acknowledged that he needs more innings from his starting staff, and a top-of-the-rotation arm should be high on the team's priority list. Though the rental of Johnny Cueto and trade for James Shields in recent years was met with mixed results, that shouldn't deter the Royals from locking down a starter in a rich pitching market.

While David Price, Zack Greinke, and Cueto don't likely fit the budget, Jordan Zimmermann could be a more cost-effective fit, as could a veteran starter like John Lackey, Scott Kazmir, Jeff Samardzija, or Yovani Gallardo.

With Edinson Volquez and Yordano Ventura, the Royals have a solid core to build around, though the currently assembled back end of the rotation comes with injury concerns and consistency issues.

2015 PROJECTED ROTATION

Pitcher W-L ERA IP SO
Edinson Volquez 13-9 3.55 200.1 155
Yordano Ventura 13-8 4.08 163.1 156
Danny Duffy 7-8 4.08 136.2 102
Kris Medlen 6-2 4.01 58.1 40
Brian Flynn Injured

The Royals parted ways with key pitching prospects Brandon Finnegan and John Lamb in exchange for Cueto, making free agency the most likely avenue to find pitching help.

KEY IN ON ZOBRIST

It would be in the Royals best interests to upgrade at second base, but the contract of incumbent Omar Infante could make that problematic. Signed for the next two seasons at $15.75 million, Kansas City will need the soon-to-be 34-year-old to bounce back from a career-worst season, but would be better suited trying to cut ties.

Though they don't have the deep pockets that would allow them to eat Infante's remaining contract, Moore should try to package Infante in an attempt to acquire a replacement at second base. Ben Zobrist would be a leading candidate following his success with the Royals after coming over at the non-waiver deadline. The utility man would also give manager Ned Yost another corner outfield option while allowing World Series hero Christian Colon playing time in the infield.

The 34-year-old Zobrist was one of the Royals' best offensive weapons over the last three months of the season and should command a reasonable contract that fits into the team's range.

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