Major League Predictions
The computers think that there will be little change at the top of baseball as the Royals and Dodgers are both predicted to have 100-win seasons. The Royals are given a 109-53 record with both the top offense and top defense in the league. Billy Mumaugh is expected to have a bounceback season with 63 SBs while the only disappointment for the Royals is to see Mike Campney above him and expected to deliver a monster season. On the pitching side, Ethan Chafin is expected to lead the Royals although with a 3.31 ERA predicted there appear to be few weak links in the pitching staff.
Opening Day Lineup
It’s a new look for the Royal as they enter their first season since 2022 without Bobby Witt Jr. on the opening day roster.
With Bob Crimi starting the season on the injured list, only Edgar Mir returns from the playoff roster in the infield, while Natalino Villa wins the spot to replace Jimmy Goodman in the outfield, his offseason improvements seeing him take the starting CF position from Chase Standberry.
It is still very much a homegrown roster with nine of the thirteen signed by the Royals from the draft or as International Amateurs.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Tuesday, March 26th , 2041
Optioned C Gearl Jernigan to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Andres Raygoza to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CF Ken Troutman to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RF Chris Slate to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RF Bobby Nickelberry from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
Dan Carrig replaces Min-ho Kim in the opening day rotation and, with Bailey Pinsmail back from injury, all five starters pitched in the rotation in 2040.
The bullpen is a mix of returners and new faces as a stuff-heavy collection has been put together. Every single reliever has plus stuff at minimum with some excitement as to how many Ks the Royals will record in 2041. Dan Nichols steps in the replace Banmei Kataoka in the Stopper role while Nate Avis beats out Eric Jones for the Closer role. Joe Manley and Jon Yuhas as the other two new faces to go with Nichols and the Royals will look to deliver a shut down bullpen in 2041. Manley was the surprise inclusion as the ST invite impressed to earn a spot and send some more experienced pitchers down to AAA.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Tuesday, March 26th , 2041
Optioned RP Jimmy Cappello to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Jonathan DePalmer to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Alvaro Baladez to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Tug Adams to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Mike McDaniel to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP B.J. Heaton to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Alfredo Cadena to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Dan Acton to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Joe Davis to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Juan Anaya from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned RP Ben Lane from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Placed RP Joe Manley on the secondary (42-man) roster.