Talkin Royals

Kansas City has many decisions to make with the roster after signing multiple free agents this offseason. The roster must be cut down to 26 before opening day, and one arm has many questions surrounding his future with the team. Carlos Hernandez has pitched in a few different positions for the Royals over the past four seasons. The right-hander has had mixed results in the rotation and the bullpen, but Kansas City seems to still believe in the flame thrower. Hernandez has a lot still to prove despite being in the big leagues for multiple seasons. The 26-year old and the Royals recently agreed to a one-year deal worth $1 million to avoid arbitration. A million dollars won't leave much of a dent in the payroll next season; but with the many additions to the pitching staff this offseason, it raises the question where does Hernandez fit in the team's plans? Last season the Royals gave Hernandez a long look. In the 67 games played, the right-hander posted a 5.27 ERA in 7...

Kansas City has been adding pieces at a rapid rate this offseason and most surprising has been their pitching acquisitions. The infield for the most part is set except for one position. Second base had been a question mark for fans in Kansas City, but the Royals answered the doubters by signing former Orioles second baseman Adam Frazier. Frazier joins Kansas City on a one-year deal $2 million with an $8.5 million mutual option for 2025.The option includes a $2.5 million buyout which makes the full deal worth a guaranteed $4.5 million. What does Frazier bring to the table for the Royals? In my opinion, Frazier has had a pretty solid career up to this point. Last season the Orioles signed the veteran infielder to a one-year deal worth $8 million. With Baltimore, the 32-year-old had a career year. Frazier played in a total of 141 games in an Orioles jersey with 130 games at second and 10 in the outfield and one game likely as a replacement due to an injury or a late inning sub...

The Royals first big league signing this offseason was back in November when Garrett Hampson signed a one-year deal worth $2 million guaranteed. Kansas City fans weren't thrilled with Hampson signing. In fact, fans were super negative when the news broke. They went to X to vent on the Hampson signing. Fans made comments like: "unserious franchise", "So sad, this organization thinks a player like this will make a difference. Really sad, sad for the fans to follow a team like this!" Fans must give Hampson a chance in a Royals uniform. Last season with Miami, Hampson had the best season of his career. The 29-year old appeared in 98 games and played multiple positions such as outfield, second base, shortstop, and third base. The utility player posted career high numbers with the Marlins. Kansas City has a history of signing players with elite speed such as Jarrod Dyson, Billy Hamilton, and Michael A. Taylor and Hampson has solid wheels. The Royals headin...

This offseason Kansas City signed two former Padres starting pitchers in Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha.  Wacha's path to Kansas City isn't as clear as it may seem. Before signing with the Royals, Wacha had the opportunity to remain with San Diego, but he rejected the offer and tested the free agent market. What's the big deal with Wacha leaving San Diego for the Royals? The Padres rejected the right-hander's team option for 2024. Wacha would reject his player option shortly after. Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller explained the organization's decision to move on from Wacha and other pitchers: "The first move of the offseason, we just weren't comfortable at those price points. ... We're very open to those guys coming back." Wacha's decision to not sign for less with San Diego is understandable. Money talks in sports, and players hear it. Wacha signed a 2-year deal worth $32 million dollars with th...

Kansas City was visiting the White Sox on September 19, 2003. The game was supposed to be a typical day at the ballpark. The game looked to be going smoothly as it should; however, a few fans must have not liked the way the game was going at the old Comiskey Park.  Two men seemed to be targeting Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa. Gamboa was in total shock when he was attacked by a couple of shirtless fans. Gamboa responded shortly after the attack: "I felt like a football team had hit me from behind. Next thing I knew, I'm on the ground trying to defend myself," Gamboa told reporters at the time. "It just happened so fast." Both men seemed to be proud of their "fame." Gamboa thought the men didn't get a hard enough punishment: "To me probation is nothing." According to William Ligue Jr's MySpace page he seemed to be proud of the attack on the coach: "ME AND DAD (censored word) UP THA COACH FA THA KANSAS CITY ROYALS....

Kansas City brought in two notable starting pitchers in Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Both Lugo and Wacha will certainly boost the Royals rotation next season. Although both will boost the rotation, they aren't inning eaters. Last season with the Padres Wacha threw a total of 134.1 innings in 24 starts. Lugo on the other hand threw a total of 146.1 innings with the Padres.  Last year the Royals rotation consisted of:  Zack Greinke Brady Singer  Cole Ragans  Alec Marsh  Daniel Lynch  Castillo, Keller and a few others made a few starts for the Royals. Heading into next season, Jordan Lyles is likely the weak link of the Royals rotation and rightfully so. The right-hander has a career ERA of 5.24, and last season it was even worse as the 33-year old posted an ERA of 6.28. The long ball continues to hurt Lyles in his career. Last offseason the Royals signed Lyles to a 2-year deal worth $17 million guaranteed. Kansas City made it clear when they signe...

The Royals stay busy this offseason by signing players at a rapid rate. The amount of money the Royals are spending on free agent pitchers is a big eye opener to Royals fans and fans across the league. Michael Wacha is the second starter the Royals have added in the past two days. Kansas City has spent a combined $77 million give or take between Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Wacha is likely the last addition to the rotation the Royals will make. The right-hander had been linked to the Royals by reporters over the past few weeks or so. Wacha is a well traveled arm, and Kansas City becomes the 32-year old's sixth organization in nearly 12 years. The veteran has a solid track record. Wacha owns a career 3.96 ERA, not too shabby. Wacha and the Royals have agreed to a two-year contract worth $32 million guaranteed. Like Lugo, Wacha played for San Diego last season. Wacha's deal with the Padres included a team option and a player option. Both Wacha and San Diego declined t...