Talkin Royals

Last season, the rotation in Kansas City faced challenges, but it wasn't deemed awful. However, the upcoming season presents a different narrative with the noteworthy additions of Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. As the team approaches the season, the rotation appears solid in the top four spots. Typically, the fifth spot in the rotation is not expected to be a shutdown position, but Kansas City has a reliable starter in Jordan Lyles. At the outset of this article, I highlighted the impactful signings of Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, deeming them fantastic. Despite their history of not going deep into games, my expectations for Lugo's innings this season range between 140 to 150. While I hope for more, I'm not overly optimistic. Similarly, I don't anticipate Wacha being an inning eater for Kansas City, but I'm optimistic about 175-180 innings if he stays healthy. For both Ragans and Singer, I foresee them throwing between 180-185 innings, with Ragans potentia...

The Royals prioritized signing a veteran starter to bolster their weak rotation, considering pitchers like Jesus Luzardo and Marcus Stroman. Despite the younger and more experienced options, they opted for a gamble on Seth Lugo, a reliever turned starter. While the team had interest in Stroman, he chose the Yankees due to his New York roots and a love for the spotlight. Stroman made it clear why he signed with the pin stripes: "I'm from New York and I'm a New York boy. That kind of says everything for itself," Stroman said back then. "I love pitching [at Yankee Stadium]. New York is like the mecca of the world. I love excitement, the bright lights, competition, I love pressure. I always loved pitching here. I haven't necessarily pitched well. I always enjoyed it. Yankee lineups are brutal. They are kind of hard to navigate. I love the spotlight. The bigger the moment, that's what I kind of wanted it to be." Although linked to Luzardo, tra...

The Royals have strengthened their bullpen with the acquisition of veteran reliever John Schreiber in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. In exchange for minor league pitcher David Sandlin, Kansas City adds Schreiber, whom they believe is an excellent fit for their team. Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed the Royals' persistent interest in Schreiber, noting that they had been pursuing him for some time. Schreiber, a right-hander, brings a diverse four-pitch mix, featuring a slider, four-seam fastball, sinker, and changeup. While not known for overpowering stuff, his submarine style contributes to his effectiveness. Despite lacking high velocity, Schreiber played a valuable role in the Boston bullpen last season, recording a solid 3.86 ERA in 46 appearances, including two starts. Despite experiencing some setbacks in his career, primarily due to shoulder tightness, Schreiber provides the Royals with three years of arbitration and won't hit free agency until 2027 at the...

The 2018 MLB Draft saw the Royals select a total of 23 pitchers, including standout Brady Singer. While Singer, Daniel Lynch, and Kris Bubic have shown promise, others like Jackson Kowar and Johnathan Heasley have faced challenges in the big leagues. Kris Bubic, often criticized as a draft disappointment, deserves understanding. Dealing with recovery from Tommy John surgery, he expressed optimism: "I want to pick up where I left off essentially," he stated, emphasizing his determination. In 2023, Bubic diversified his pitches, adding a slider. Reflecting on his injury, he acknowledged the risk of altering one's repertoire but expressed no regrets, striving for self-improvement. Bubic's recovery aligns with the modern trend where pitchers often return stronger post-Tommy John surgery. Despite the risk, Bubic, like successful cases such as Jacob DeGrom and Justin Verlander, aims for a triumphant return. Dr. Vincent Key emphasizes individualized recovery, a f...

The Kansas City Royals, in their quest to enhance competitiveness, have been actively acquiring free agents to bolster their roster for the foreseeable future. Under the leadership of general manager JJ Picollo, the team has signaled a departure from a traditionally cautious approach in the free-agent market. A significant development occurred on February 5th, 2024, when the Royals made a bold move by securing a lucrative 11-year contract extension for shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., amounting to an astonishing $288.8 million. This deal, which includes a three-year team option worth $89 million, could potentially reach a total value of $377.8 million if all options are exercised. Despite the seemingly substantial commitment, Witt Jr. retains flexibility. He holds the option to opt-out of the contract after the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth years. Expressing gratitude to the Royals' front office, Witt Jr. conveyed his commitment to bringing championship baseball back to Ka...

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...