Kansas City Royals May Replace Nori Aoki Signing Torii Hunter

By Josh Hill | Oct 31, 2014

Sep 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) doubles against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kansas City Royals tried to sign then-Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter in free agency but failed. Things have changed though, and their second pursuit may prove more fruitful.

The Kansas City Royals lost the World Series this year, but the fact that they made it there is a victory in of itself. But the work to return to the postseason is already underway and it won’t be very easy. Kansas City is a small market club, and that means they’re going to have to get creative in how they bring stars back while making sure they don’t go over budget.

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Two moves that may be seen as cost cutting measures is buying out Billy Butler’s $12 million contract at just $1 million and allowing outfielder Nori Aoki to walk in free agency. Replacements will be needed though to make sure there are no holes in the lineup, and AL Central veteran Torii Hunter may be the answer for Kansas City.

According to Jon Heyman, the Royals could ultimately decide to replace an Nori with a Torii this winter.

Royals expected to decline billy butlers $12M option. With aoki a free agent, may pursue torii hunter (they tried 7 yrs ago)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 30, 2014

The Royals have turned into a threat in the AL Central, as they failed to win the division but came closer than the Detroit Tigers would have liked. With the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins all rebuilding, the division seems to be up to the Tigers and Royals to fight for, and Kansas City is ready to come at the Tigers with everything they can get.

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