"We wanted guys who would fit" - Royals' executive Vice President JJ Picollo on team's deadline approach and maintaining a strong clubhouse culture

The Kansas City Royals have emerged as one of the top teams in the MLB thanks to the continued growth of Bobby Witt Jr. This is not to mention the consistency of leader Salvador Perez, pitching ace Cole Ragans, and a wide array of role players who have helped the team post a 61-49 record so far this season.

Because of this chemistry within the Kansas City Royals clubhouse, the team's front office approach to the trade deadline was based around keeping that together. In a recent interview on the hit show Foul Territory, Kansas City Executive Vice President and General Manager JJ Picollo highlighted the organization's team-first thought process.

"We could have taken some risks but we wanted guys who would fit," Picollo said. "We wanted guys that would accept a role and understand that this is about the team," he continued, explaining that for Kansas City, the team comes before any individual player.

"Hunter Harvey and Lucas Erceg are great examples," Picollo said. "They both have the ability to close, but they understand that some nights it might be the seventh inning, some nights it might be the eighth inning."

With some of the bullpen struggles for the Kansas City Royals this season, the flexibility of the newly acquired Hunter Harvey and Lucas Erceg gives the team several options.

Paul DeJong is another team-first player that the Royals acquired before the trade deadline

Paul DeJong is another player who Kansas City traded for before the deadline. The team landed the veteran infielder from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for prospect Jarold Rosado. JJ Picollo highlighted that DeJong perfectly fits the team-first mold:

"He understands Bobby Witt Jr. is our shortstop, he's going to play third base, and we're working him out at second base."

"Paul DeJong on joining the Royals: 'I'm just happy to be on a great team.... Whatever Q needs and whatever this team needs, I'm willing to do'" - @BallySportsKC

Even though DeJong's best years may be behind him, his versatility and willingness to enter the game as a pinch-hitter makes him an important piece for the World Series contenders. DeJong is the type of player that Kansas City needed, instead of some flashier player who may get frustrated with a reduced role behind Bobby Witt Jr.