This week, we wanted to take a look at the upcoming offseason and started by checking out potential departures after 2016. This lead to the potential approach to some mutual options in player contracts, the strategy about issuing the qualifying offer, and the fate of a few players after this season and after 2017.

We also addressed some of the chatter about payroll. The Royals always say payroll will drop, but with most of a contending team returning, can they add to the roster without adding on last year's payroll? 

Finally, we shared thoughts on the current state of the MLB playoffs and news of a potential international draft.

Follow the Vault at @KCBaseballVault. Follow host Jeff Herr at @TheJeffReport, co-host Michael Engel at @michaelengel. You can also email feedback to KansasCityBaseballVault@gmail.com. Email us a question and if we answer it on the air, we’ll send you a gift certificate to our friends at Kelly’s Westport Inn.