Our scout Jason McLeod compiled the scouting reports published since May 1st, 2024, and provided a list of notable player development changes. Overall, there was improvement throughout our minor league clubs, significantly in the A, High-A, and Double-A teams.
I’m pleased that Cole Ragans improved his stamina and overall rating, and that 3B Maikel Garcia showed improvement in his plate discipline, contact, and shows potential for more. He can develop into a great utility infield starter and backup for Bobby. Let’s hope we keep him healthy. However, I knew I was going to see dismal reports on Salvy and Centeno. I still don’t have a solid catcher to bring up from Triple-A; we’re even giving former LF Peyton Wilson a shot there since we’re overloaded on outfielders throughout the high-A ball clubs. That’s trade fodder for improving the roster, is what I’m thinking now. As far as an immediate level up for a catcher, I’m either looking at the waiver wire or possibly a trade with someone, which could be massive.
Here's the top player development list:
SP Cole Ragans, Age 26, Kansas City Royals:
• + Current stamina rating improves from 45 to 50.
• + Overall and potential ratings improve to 60. (As SP)
C Salvador Perez, Age 34, Kansas City Royals:
• - Current and potential power ratings drop from 60 to 55.
• - Overall and potential ratings drop to 50. (As C)
C Juan Centeno, Age 34, Kansas City Royals:
• - Current defensive rating at Catcher drops from 60 to 55.
• - Current gap rating drops from 45 to 40.
3B Maikel Garcia, Age 24, Kansas City Royals:
• + Current contact rating improves from 55 to 60.
• + Current eye rating improves from 45 to 50.
• + Potential rating improves from 45 to 50 / 80. (As 3B)
RP Josh Taylor, Age 31, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
• - Current and potential stuff ratings drop from 55 to 50.
• + Current and potential movement ratings improve from 45 to 50.
• - Current velocity drops from 94-96 Mph to 93-95 Mph.
RP Tyler Duffey, Age 33, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
• - Current and potential stuff ratings drop from 50 to 45.
• - Current and potential control ratings drop from 50 to 45.
RP Jason Alexander, Age 31, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
• - Current and potential stuff ratings drop from 40 to 35.
• - Overall and potential ratings drop to 35. (As RP)
C Peyton Wilson, Age 24, Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple A):
• + Current eye rating improves from 45 to 50.
• + Current defensive rating at Left Field improves from 45 to 55.
I’m still committed to keeping Salvy with the franchise and selling other pieces I’m not so fond of. Maybe a few years ago, my thoughts were different, but he’s been a part of KC for so long, I’m not sure we have an identity without him. I mean, I know that’s not how a GM should think to run an MLB organization, but that’s just how I see things right now. This may be what determines my fate come off-season, in fact, highly likely, but I’m willing to take that risk, knowing it was a huge risk John Sherman took to even bring me on so close to this season’s start back in March.
As far as those other pieces for trade go, at the top of my list are RF Hunter Renfroe, 2B Adam Frazier, 2B Michael Brosseau, SP Michael Wacha, SP Seth Lugo, and RP Chris Stratton, among those I see for first consideration. There's also plenty of minor league trade pieces to include that could shore up a nice trade deal if we need to, but that comes with the negotiations, and hard to know what other teams might be interested in outside of those happening. I’m holding a meeting here in a couple of days, after our series with San Diego is over, to finalize some of my thoughts with the front office.