Posts

Wacha gets big raise from Kansas City

The starting pitching for the Royals was as dominant as it could be. Entering the offseason, the team aimed to bring back right-hander Michael Wacha. Many fans were concerned that the 33-year-old would test the free agent market. The front office made it a priority to keep the veteran in Kansas City for an extended period. “There’s no question we’d like to have him back,” General Manager J.J. Picollo said. “How we go about that, I’m not sure just yet. … There are reasons to be optimistic. He pitched very well this year, and he’s going to have opportunities with other clubs. So we’ll work on that.” Wacha also expressed his desire to remain with the Royals, though he was uncertain about his future. “I haven’t really thought too much about it,” he said. “I’ve expressed to these guys how much I enjoy being here and want to be back. I guess when that time comes, we’ll handle it then, but I’m not really thinking too much about it right now.” Wacha joined the team last season on a two-year de...
Read more

Should the Royals extend Singer or trade him?

Image
The Royals have just wrapped up an incredible postseason run, and with the offseason approaching, Kansas City faces critical decisions regarding their pitching staff. One player who has been a topic of discussion is right-hander Brady Singer, who has emerged as a potential trade candidate. Last offseason, Singer's name was linked to teams such as the Reds and the Rangers, with Texas being the most notable. Singer has two years of arbitration remaining, including the upcoming season. While he has been a solid contributor throughout his career, his performance has not been stellar. Despite the trade rumors, it seems unlikely that he possesses the trade value necessary for the Royals to secure a desirable return. Over 127 games, Singer holds a career ERA of 4.28, with one playoff appearance from the bullpen against the Yankees, during which he struck out Aaron Judge. At 28 years old, Singer has maintained relative health, missing only one start due to illness, which was ag...
Read more

Are Pratto's days at first numbered?

Image
Following the departure of Eric Hosmer, the Royals have been searching for a long-term replacement at first base. The team brought in several short-term solutions, including Lucas Duda, Ryan O'Hearn, and Carlos Santana. After the Santana era ended, it seemed they had found a potential successor in Nick Pratto. However, that may not be the case. During the 2022 season, the Royals traded first baseman Carlos Santana to the Mariners, opening the door for 11th-round draft pick Vinnie Pasquantino to take over the position. Pasquantino didn’t simply inherit the role; he had to earn it. Pratto had an impressive spring training in 2024, but the Royals ultimately decided to go with Pasquantino. Toward the end of spring training, manager Matt Quatraro explained the decision: "Nick had a phenomenal spring. It was just a bit of a logjam. He can do other things and play in the outfield, but right now, that opportunity is not there. He did everything he could possibly do this sp...
Read more

Royals and the 9/11 attacks

Image
The world was in absolute shock when it was revealed that four planes were hijacked by the terrorist organization al Qaeda on September 11, 2001. At that time, the 2001 Kansas City Royals were not having a stellar season, having lost 97 games and trailing 24.5 games behind the division-leading Cleveland Indians (now Guardians). Remarkably, just over twenty years later, the Royals would again finish with 97 losses in the 2022 season. On September 11, 2001, the Royals were not scheduled to play. Their last game before the attacks had been against the Texas Rangers in Arlington on September 9, which they lost 3-4. Despite not playing on the day of the attacks, the events undoubtedly reverberated through the baseball community. Sports often help bring Americans together after tragic events, and baseball was no exception. The MLB season resumed on September 17, with the New York Yankees playing against the Chicago White Sox and the Mets facing the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yankees man...
Read more

Royals couldn't tap into O'Hearn's potential

Image
Teams sometimes let players go after they struggle in their uniform, and the Kansas City Royals did just that with first baseman Ryan O'Hearn in 2022. Fans often grew frustrated watching him at the plate, and despite his promising start, O'Hearn's performance in his first five years with the Royals was underwhelming. Kansas City drafted O'Hearn in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Draft. During his minor league career, he showcased his power with 120 home runs. The Royals and their fans hoped he could translate this success to the big leagues, but unfortunately, his performance didn't meet expectations. O'Hearn managed to stay with the Royals longer than many fans anticipated, playing a total of 342 games. Over his time in Kansas City, he accumulated 210 hits, 99 RBIs, and 38 home runs. Although his major league numbers were not stellar, his rookie season was a bright spot. In 44 games, O'Hearn hit 12 home runs and drove in 30 runs. The following ...
Read more

Kansas City Royals Make Key Outfield Additions in Playoff Push

Image
The Kansas City Royals have bolstered their outfield depth by adding Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman, both of whom bring valuable experience as the team eyes a return to the playoffs. Pham was claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals, while Grossman, a switch-hitting outfielder, was acquired from the Texas Rangers. Notably, both players began the season with the Chicago White Sox before being moved. Grossman, unlike Pham, has the added benefit of World Series experience, having been a part of the Rangers' recent championship team. While neither Pham nor Grossman is expected to be an everyday player, they each offer unique strengths. The 34-year-old Grossman, for example, has posted a respectable .227 batting average in 70 games this season and can contribute from both sides of the plate, potentially earning him more playing time than Pham. Manager Matt Quatraro may decide to rotate Pham and Grossman based on the opposing pitcher, especially since Kansas City has ...
Read more

Royals Continue to Make Moves Post-Deadline, Adding Veteran Tommy Pham

Image
The Kansas City Royals were active during the trade deadline, making several deals with the White Sox and Athletics. However, even with the deadline behind them, the Royals aren’t finished adding to their roster. Despite failing to acquire veteran outfielder Tommy Pham from the White Sox at the deadline, Kansas City persisted and ultimately landed the 36-year-old after continued pursuit. The addition of Pham, in my opinion, is somewhat perplexing. Pham has shown signs of decline recently, but the Royals believe he still has something to offer as they aim to make a push for October. Earlier this season, Pham signed a minor league deal with the White Sox before being traded to the Cardinals in a three-team deal involving the Dodgers. St. Louis hoped Pham could provide a spark off the bench, with the team stating, "One thing we are super excited about with Tommy is just the fact that we have a long history with him. Whenever he goes to a new place, he performs really well...
Read more