Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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The Royals reward for the second seed in the American League is a BYE and an AL East Division Series match up against either the Boston Red Sox or the Baltimore Orioles. The Royals and Red Sox haven’t faced off in the postseason since 2032, the Royals taking a 3-2 Division Series victory in the only postseason matchup between the teams to date. The Royals an Orioles, however, are familiar foes and this would be a 7th match up, and first since a 2040 League Championship Series sweep by the Royals.

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It’s the Orioles who come through the Wildcard Series in three games. The Angels win the second Wildcard Series in the AL to earn a shot at the Astros while in the National League the Brewers will take on the Dodgers and the Nationals face off against the Reds.

The Orioles were a middle of the road team, ranking 6th in the AL in both runs scored and runs against. Their batting line up is even more right-heavy than the Royals, with only one left hander, DH Mike Kotwica. He is an effective left hander, though, leading the team with a .312 average, and contributing 28 HRs (2nd) and 94 RBIs (2nd). Leading both those categories, as well as steals with 17, is 1B Juan Lozoya, who had 38 HRs to go with 103 RBIs and a .299 batting average. Two former Royals are in their batting line up, Royals favourite Bob Crimi. Playing RF and putting up 4.3 WAR with a 125 OPS+ and Rule 5 acquisition, former 1st round draft pick (2038) Steve Bakke, who has been less successful with a 91 OPS+, and worth negative WAR for the season.

Their pitching is led by ace Mike Geel with a 3.31 ERA, 17 Ws, and over 200 Ks (219) and IP (209.1). Their playoff rotation has one LHP, Jadon Everette, but they have a 5-3 LHP split in the bullpen. That bullpen features Closer Jorge Zambrano, who put up a 2.89 ERA with 43 saves, while MR Ernesto Soriano also had an ERA under 3 (2.64) across 85.1 IP.

The Orioles dominated the Royals in the regular season with a 5-1 record so enter the series as favourites, despite the Royals monstrous regular season performance and most recent playoff success (2040 League Championship Series 4-0).

Game 1 in Kansas City: Greg Moehring vs Chris Manoli (2036 12th Round)
• Kansas City wins 10-1
• Moehring 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R INJ 6 WEEKS
• Manoli (L): 4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R
• Joe Manley (W): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Chris Albright (2nd), Estanislau Covete (5th, GS; 6th, 3R)
• POTG: Covete (KC) 3-5, 2 HRs, 7 RBI
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Joe Davis vs Mike Geel (2041 Trade DET)
• Baltimore wins 6-2
• Geel (W): 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Davis (L): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R INJ 1 WEEK
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in Baltimore: Mike Herzner vs Sean LeVan (2041 Trade TOR)
• Baltimore wins 14-1
• LeVan (W): 7.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Herzner (L): 3.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R
• Baltimore HRs: Juan Lozoya (7th, GS)
• POTG: Lozoya (BAL) 3-4, HR, 7 RBI
• 2-1 Baltimore

Game 4 in Baltimore: Curt Bogans vs Jadon Everette (2038 Trade MIN)
• Kansas City wins 6-1
• Bogans (W): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Everette 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Chris Manoli (L): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Juan Anaya (SV): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Edgar Mir (1st; 5th, 2R), Covete (8th), Jamie Edwards (8th)
• POTG: Mir (KC) 2-3, 2 HR, 2 BB, 3 RBI
• 2-2 Series Tied

Game 5 in Kansas City: Dan Carrig vs Geel
• Kansas City wins 3-2
• Carrig (W): 6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Geel (L): 5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R
• Anaya (SV): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• 3-2 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Estanislau Covete (KC) .286 | 9 RBI | 3 R

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For the third year in a row, the AL League Championship Series will see the Houston Astros take on the Kansas City Royals. The Royals are 0-2 on those series, and have lost the last three postseason series after losing the 2035 League Championships Series as well. Having become the first team in over a century to lose three World Series in a row, the Royals will be seeking to avoid joining the 1976-1978 Royals team in losing three ALCS in a row.

At this point the Royals are very familiar with the powerhouse that is the Houston Astros. They led the AL in runs scored and runs against, as well as both defensive metrics.

Their line up has stars all the way through, with Wilfredo Terrazas probably just about the pick, the CF hitting .280 with 44 HRs and 150 RBIs. That batting average was only good enough for third on the team, though, with 2B Nelson Aguirre hitting .299 and former-Royal Mike Thomas .289 with 105 RBIs. Another former-Royal Mike Campney was second on their team with 28 HRs and is part of their balanced line up that features 5 righties, 1 lefty, and 3 switch hitters.

On the pitching side, they will be without their major offseason acquisition J.J. Tjepkema, who only managed 9 games but still put up 2.5 WAR before suffering a torn rotator cuff. In his absence, their two RHP, two LHP starting rotation includes 2.94 ERA Juan Silva, 14-2 record Jon Elfstrom, and 10-3, 2.69 ERA Juan Llamas. Their bullpen has 3 LHPs but their star this season was closer Luis Danys Rhodes, who had an ERA of 1.65 while recording 42 saves in 59 appearances.

The Royals won the regular season series six games to one, which is normally a portent for a bad postseason outcome for these Royals.

Game 1 in Houston: Joe Davis vs Juan Silva (2038 Scouting Discovery)
• Kansas City wins 1-0
• Davis: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R INJ 1 DAY
• Silva: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Gilberto Matos: RBI (10th)
• POTG: Silva (HOU)
• 1-0 Kansas City


Game 2 in Houston: Mike Herzner vs Jon Elfstrom (2040 Free Agent)
• Kansas City wins 4-3
• Herzner (W): 7.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R
• Elfstrom (L): 6.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R
• Juan Anaya (SV): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Houston HRs: Mike Campney (4th)
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Kansas City: Curt Bogans vs Zach McLean (2041 1st Round)
• Houston wins 6-0
• McLean: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R
• Bogans (L): 5.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R
• Sergio Leyva (W): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• POTG: Mike Thomas (HOU) 3-5 RBI
• 2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in Kansas City: Dan Carrig vs Juan Llamas (2040 Trade KC)
• Houston wins 6-5
• Llamas: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Carrig: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R
• Daniel Montoya (W): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Doug Campos (L)(BS): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Chris Kern (1st), Jamie Edwards (2nd, 2R), Jadon Tezeno (6th, 2R)
• Houston HRs: Mike Thomas (5th)
• POTG: Kevin Barlow (HOU) 3-4, BB, 2 RBI
• 2-2 Series Tied

Game 5 in Kansas City: Davis vs Silva
• Kansas City wins 3-2
• Davis (W): 7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Silva (L): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Juan Anaya (SV): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• 3-2 Kansas City

Game 6 in Houston: Herzner vs Elfstron
• Houston wins 6-5
• Herzner: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R
• Elfstrom: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Daniel Montoya (W): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Dan Nichols (L): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Kansas City HRs: Edgar Mir (2nd), Tezeno (8th)
• 3-3 Series Tied

Game 7 in Houston: Bogans vs McLean
• Kansas City wins 8-6
• Bogans 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R
• McLean: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R
• Doug Campos (W): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R INJ 5 months
• Brad Bjorn (L): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R
• Juan Anaya (SV): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Chris Kern (4th, 2R), Estanislau Covete (5th)
• Houston HRs: Wilfredo Terrazas (1st, 3R), Nelson Aguirre (9th, 2R)
• 3-2 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Juan Anaya (KC): 1-0, 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 8 K, 0.00 ERA

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For the fourth time in six years, the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles claim their respective pennants and face off in the World Series.

The Dodgers had a 108-54 record as they earned the top seed in the National League with the most runs scored and second fewest runs against. It’s a familiar set of foes for the Royals as RF Ben Glaze, CF Butch Anderson, SS Vince Elkins, 2B Jens Broder Mosser, and 3B Juan Sosa all remain in the line up from the 2040 series. One man missing, though, will be 2B Grady Emerson, a ruptured Achilles ruining his season. Since 2040, though, the Dodgers have brought through 1B Dave Morrison (.329 | 51 HRs | 128 RBIs) to strengthen their line up further. While Morrison led the Dodgers in HRs and RBIs, Broder Mosser (.330) had the better batting average, Elkins managed 49 HRs and both had over 100 RBIs. It is truly a formidable batting line up with two SH (Elkins, DH Luis Aguilera) and LH Butch Anderson breaking up the line up perfectly.

Pitching wise, the Dodgers will be missing two-time Cy Young Award winner Mike Spence, but can still call on a balanced LHP/RHP starting rotation that includes four-time All Star Josh Contreras and 2040 Cy Young winner, and four time All Star, Luis Peralta. The Royals will have to score their runs before the late innings as well because lurking there will be lockdown closer Pat Black, who the Dodgers outbid the Royals for in the offseason (Black is in the first year of a three-year, $37.5m per year, contract). Black pitched in 57 games, recorded 47 saves at a 93.2% rate, and a 0.87 ERA. Their bullpen is, like the starting rotation, evenly split between LHP and RHP and joining Black in a destructive LHP option is Shamar Waltower, who went 10-2 with a 2.99 ERA in 78.1 IP.

The Dodgers swept the regular season series 3-0, a worrying portent based on historic regular season to post season results that does at least provide Kansas City with the

Game 1 in Kansas City: Joe Davis vs Josh Contreras (2030 1st Round)
• Los Angeles win 4-3
• Contreras (W): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R INJ D2D IR
• Davis (L): 5.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R
• Pat Black (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• 1-0 Los Angeles

Game 2 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs Luis Peralta (2042 Free Agent)
• Kansas City win 3-2 (12)
• Baquerizo: 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Peralta: 6.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R
• Juan Anaya (W): 4.0 IP, 1 H
• Randy Navarro (L): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Kansas City HRs: Jamie Edwards (4th)
• Los Angeles HRs: Josh Gudex (2nd)
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in Los Angeles: Ben Lane vs Josh Perry (2041 Trade ATL)
• Kansas City win 8-1
• Lane: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R
• Perry (L): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R
• Moon-Soo Im (W): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Bobby Nickelberry (3rd, 3R), Gilberto Matos (5th, 2R), Estanislau Covete (9th, 2R)
• POTG: Bobby Nickelberry (KC) 2-5, 3-R HR, 3 RBI
• 2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in Los Angeles: Mike Herzner vs Julio Barrera (2042 Free Agent)
• Los Angeles win 7-6
• Herzner: 7.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R
• Berrera: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Pat Black (BS)(W): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R
• Juan Anaya (BS)(L): 0.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Los Angeles HRs: Vince Elkins (8th, 2R), Juan Sosa (9th, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Edgar Mir (3rd, 2R), Bobby Nickelberry (9th, 2R), Chris Kern (9th)
• POTG: Edgar Mir (KC) 2-3, 2-R HR, 2 BB, 3 RBI
• Natalino Villa: INJ 5 weeks
• 2-2 Series Tied

Game 5 in Los Angeles: Curt Bogans vs Jim Heiser (2042 Trade CIN)
• Kansas City wins 3-1
• Bogans (W): 7.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R
• Heiser (L): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Joe Manley (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Los Angeles HRs: Ben Glaze (6th)
• Kansas City HRs: Jamie Edwards (4th, 2R)
• 3-2 Kansas City

Game 6 in Kansas City: Davis vs Peralta
• Kansas City wins 5-4
• Davis: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R
• Peralta: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 H
• Juan Anaya (W): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Pat Black (L): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Kansas City HRs: Estanislau Covete (3rd), Bobby Nickelberry (9th, Walk-Off World Series)
• Houston HRs: Vince Elkins (8th)
• 4-2 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: RF Bobby Nickelberry (KC) 10-29, 3 HR, 8 RBI

At the sixth time of asking Colin Stewart guides the Kansas City Royals to a World Series victory. That the victory comes at home and in the bottom of the 9th inning makes it all the sweeter. That it was Bobby Nickelberry, who only returned from injury for the World Series, and ends up being named MVP after a walk off Home Run to win the World Series makes it magical.

It is the Royals first World Series since 2015, and the franchise’s third overall. The only dampener for the franchise is that owner John Sherman didn’t live to see another World Series having passed away in 2042.

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It is a beautiful sight with the Royals claiming the World Series in Colin Stewart’s 17th year in charge of the organisation. To do so against their recent nemesis makes the victory all the better for the Royals as they become the 14th team to win the World Series since 2024, almost half of MLB. The Dodger and the Padres have three each, with Orioles and the Mets taking two each to complete the multi-World Series list.

There are only nine teams that are yet to make an appearance in the World Series since 2023: the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Washington Nationals. The Rays and the Mariners are the only two MLB teams without a World Series with the Mariners never raising a league pennant.

Every single franchise has won at least one division, which of course also means that every team has had at least one playoff appearance. Colin Stewart’s 16th Playoff appearance ties the record with the great Bobby Cox, who also only had one WS to show for those appearances. Stewart also moves above Cox in wins above 500, as the most successful manager. His chase now is for two things – rings and total wins (both of which he has a long way to go).

Kansas City Postseason Stats



With the exception of C Zach Herr and 1B Gilberto Matos the Royals batting line up was as strong in the post season as in the regular season with Bobby Nickelberry coming back from the IR at the exactly right moment to supercharge the World Series with a 178 wRC+.



The starting pitchers produced in the postseason, with Ben Lane matching Bobby Nickelberry in coming back from injury with a strong performance while Joe Davis adding 1.0 WAR in postseason play in five games of work and a 3.43 ERA, with a 1.00 WHIP.

The bullpen was a mixed bag with Julio Pesina and Art Putney struggling, while Juan Anaya excelled, giving up 5 H across 13.0 IP, as did Ben Manley, giving up 3 H in 6.0 IP.

Owner Goal Review



Team Record:
Well done on bringing a World Series title to Kansas City. Keep them coming and the fans may erect a statue of you in front of Kauffman Stadium!

Acquire a player:
Well, you have figured out a great way to disappoint your boss and the owner of a popular baseball team. I wish you really would have worked harder when I asked you to bring in a Hometown player.

Improve your team record:
There's room for improvement in extra-inning games.

Long Term:
I gave you 4 years to bring a trophy to the city when I set out my vision years ago. And I certainly can't complain now. Well done!

Minor Leagues



Postseason

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] won the Championship.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] won the Championship.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] missed the playoffs by 18 games.
Columbia Fireflies [A] won the Championship.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] won the Championship.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] missed the playoffs by 5 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] lost in the 1st Round of the Playoffs. 

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International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Ramiro Aguirre, 15 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Ramiro Aguirre hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has above average contact potential and could hit for a .290 batting average. His raw strength and quick wrists should give him above average power. He grades out as an average runner on the basepaths. Aguirre can be a second division starter at center fielder.

Juan Aguayo, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Juan Aguayo hails from Maracaibo, Venezuela. He should feature a nasty slider as well as a fastball with good life at his peak. He has the type of stuff that will miss bats combined with advanced control that should limit the free passes he issues. Aguayo has the talent to flourish in a key bullpen role.

It was a great practice and none of the invitees disappointed in showcasing their talent.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Jesus Celedon, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
Ignacio Dibene, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Luis Flores, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Pamphile Molina, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Marty Birley, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Cooper Gallard, 16 year-old CF out of Australia
Armanno Muraro, 16 year-old SS out of Colombia
Juan Soriano, 17 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
 

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The Royals outperformed their expected record by 6 games on the way to the World Series, despite a losing record in extra-inning games. With the exception of a challenging 13-10 July, every full month had a winning record exceed .625 while the RH heavy line up was brutal on LHP with a .722 record.

The batting line up was a consensus top two group with the damage done in slugging and stealing (1st in slugging percentage, extra base hits, home runs, and stolen bases). The pitching was a consensus top three group, ranking 1st in walks and strikeouts, while improving from 10th to 4th in HRs allowed.

The defense was good, not great, ranking 6th and 4th for efficiency and ZR respectively.



Catcher

Both Zach Herr and Mike Woods offered above average bats for the Royals with Herr adding 20 HRs to a 4.5 FRM rate that saw him add 2.9 WAR, a top 5 level of production among Catchers. Woods (112 wRC+) slugged over .500 but struck out in almost 40% of his at bats as a fairly pure power bat. Both right handers, the Royals could look for a lefty or switch hitting back up if there was trade interest in Woods.

Infield

Gilberto Matos missed time only appearing in 110 games but hit .273/.370/.488 with a 131 wRC+ when he was fit, adding 19 HRs. Next year will be a big one for Matos to stay fit and produce at his 2042 levels rather than his 2041 or 2043 levels to justify his salary. Luis Aceves disappointed with a 66 wRC+ in almost 200 PAs but his potential plus plus power to go with plus plus gap power (and plus speed) and an above average seems like it should have value, especially with some potential in his contact. Andres Raygoza with his plus plus contact is someone the Royals want to succeed but after two seasons has a 70 wRC+ from 350+ PAs and so is definitely at risk this off season.

Edgar Mir had another stellar year, 130 wRC+ plus to go with 15.0 ZR for a 6.9 WAR (good for a top ten season for the Royals of which he has three, including the best). He also moved into the top three in all-time WAR for the Royals, 17.7 behind George Brett. He earned more than 100 walks for the second season, moving up to 3rd on that all-time list as well.

Estanislau Covete bounced back after a tough sophomore season, 5.1 WAR based on 36 HRs (8th Royals single season record), and 100 RBIs, and a 155 wRC+. His defense remains below average which has been the factor that has prevented the Royals from signing him to a long term contract. Chris Ambrose (67 wRC+) has the glove but his bat failed to put any pressure on Covete. Scouts believe he still has growth and is certainly a more than competent utility infielder.

Jadon Tezeno made his debut, signed a long-term contract, had a 108 wRC+ and earned over 3 WAR while winning a World Series. It was a very good year for the 25-year old and he still has growth according to Royals scouts.

Outfield

An oft injured outfield saw six players play regular season games with one more forced into post season plate appearances. The majority performed at a good, not elite level, with Chris Kern (121 wRC+), Chris Albright (114 wRC+), and Bobby Nickelberry (124 wRC+) all having strong seasons. Natalino Villa, when fit, was the best of the outfield with a 133 wRC+ and a 4.8 WAR despite missing almost a third of the season with his elite defense. Jamie Edwards (91 wRC+) dropped in his batting output but covered for Villa in CF and did a strong defensive job and offers a switch hitting option. Chase Standberry no longer offers anything with the bat but is a great defensive option in CF while Chris Morrow made his debut in the postseason and offers another left handed bat. Edwards and Standberry are both in arbitration and it may be the end of the road for both of them, with Edwards likelier to return than Standberry.


Offseason / Early 2043 Overview

C Zach Herr
1B Gilberto Matos
2B Edgar Mir
3B Estanislau Covete
SS Jadon Tezeno

LF Chris Albright
CF Natalino Villa
RF Bobby Nickelberry

DH Chris Kern

C Mike Woods
IF Luis Aceves
IF Chris Ambrose
OF Chris Morrow



Starters

Nine players from the final roster started games for the Royals in 2043 with injuries threatening to derail the season. Curt Bogans had a 2.80 ERA with a 77 FIP- although only managed 100 IP in 20 games. That was enough to earn 2.7 WAR and take him to the top of the Royals all-time list, replacing Kevin Appier in 100 IP fewer. He is also within 30 Ks of Mason Barnett but is a free agent. The Royals will at worst offer him a QO, but would like to resign him for the right place and duration.

Dan Carrig had a strange season with a 3.49 ERA, 200 IP, and 218 K ‘only’ providing 2.3 WAR. His K rate was a top ten Royals season but his 39 HRs allowed led the American League and was the most given up by a Royal in a season. That HR rate may cause the Royals to look at the market to see what teams might offer for the long term contract, despite his durable status.

Joe Davis and Ben Lane both had a strong, injury interrupted seasons with about 5.5 WAR between them in 38 GS so showing what they can each do in a full season.

Midseason acquisitions Greg Moehring and Mike Herzner both contributed to the Royals success and will be back, with Herzner the more likely for offers to be listened to.

Ethan Chafin lost his place in the starting rotation and struggled in the bullpen. He is very injury prone and has a TO for $16m for the 2044 season, which will see the Royals with a difficult decision to make.

Bullpen

In the bullpen, Eddie Baquerizo had a reasonable adaptation to the bullpen, adding over 2 WAR with a 71 FIP-. He is a Free Agent and, like Bogans, the Royals will offer him a QO but unlike Bogans are less likely to try to agree any other deal before then.

Tsuguo Abe’s time in Kansas City is likely over after a tough season while the Royals are unlikely to offer midseason reunion Dan Nichols another contract if he won’t budge from a $15m+ starting position.

Art Putney and Darryel Sabatino both had a 4.80 FIP, although Putney’s was in a much bigger sample. As an arbitration candidate, Putney may be squeezed out while Sabatino is unlikely to be offered a renewal of his contract. Bernalldino Caneas also struggled in limited work and although he has one option year left, will definitely be shopped by the Royals before any decision on his arbitration.

Several other pitchers – Im, Manley, Pesina, and Avis – are all in arbitration years and will receive offers to return to the bullpen in 2044.

Offseason / Early 2043 Overview

SP Greg Moehring
SP Joe Davis
SP Ben Lane
SP Dan Carrig
SP Curt Bogans

RP Nate Avis
RP Joe Manley
RP Moon-soo Im
RP Juan Anaya
RP Eddie Baquerizo
RP Ethan Chafin
RP Julio Pesina
RP TBC
RP TBC

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Owner Goals



Finances

You will have $274,000,000 available for the total team expenses. Given your current spending on staff and other costs, this should allow you a team payroll of around $190,000,000.

You may now set your ticket price for next year. You have until the Winter Meetings end on December 20th , 2043, 43 days from now, to set the price. Season tickets will start selling at that point. You have until the end of the pre-season to set your Scouting Budget, Player Development Budget, Draft Budget, and Intl Amateur FA Budget.

You have just been informed from the team owner Jeremy Sherman that latest surveys among fans have shown that their loyalty to the Kansas City Royals has increased to a "Very Good" rating.

Looking back to the start of Stewart’s reign in Kanas City, the budget was $172, with a fan loyalty rating of ‘”Below Average”.



Personnel

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff member of the Kansas City Royals has decided to retire:

Team Trainer Steve Seaboldt

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff member of the Kansas City Royals has decided to retire:

Pitching Coach Billy Diaz

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff member of the Omaha Storm Chasers (IL, AAA) has decided to retire:

Hitting Coach Robert Word

The Royals did not have a Pitching Coach with the right relationships with fellow coaches or players so they will recruit externally for both a new Trainer and Pitching Coach.

In the Minor Leagues, Word’s retirement led to the following promotions:

AAA Hitting Coach Desmond Jennings from AA (started with the DSL Stewart team in 2028)
AA Hitting Coach Diogenes Diaz from A (started with the DSL Glass team in 2038)

The Royals will go out to recruit a new Hitting Coach at the A level.

Minor Leagues

Awards

Four Manager of the Year Awards for Royals Minor Leagues managers with Rookie ball manager Yoiber Ocopio and A ball Alan Williams winning their first, and first since 2040, respectively while AA Robert Donovan and AAA Peter O’Brien both won their 4th awards in a row.

Retirements

The only major retirements were former 4th round pick Markas Huffman, who had come back to the organisation as a depth piece and played AA ball in the 2043 season, and 2033 International Amateur signing Edward Medina, who a year on from playing in the Major Leagues retires from AAA.

Prospect Review

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Personnel

Monday, November 9th , 2043
Signed Pitching Coach Andy Hill to a 5-year, $750,000 per year contract.
Sunday, November 15th , 2043
Signed Team Trainer Jesus Guevara to a 5-year, $350,000 per year contract.

Signed Hitting Coach Chris Scura to a 5-year, $125,000 per year contract as A Hitting Coach.

Awards

It was a fairly barren year for the Royals in awards season, especially as World Series Champions.

Colin Stewart did win Manager of the Year, becoming the most decorated manager of all time with his 5th Award. Generoso Gonzalez, former KC AAA Manager (5x Manager of the Year winner) turned nemesis as Manager of the LA Dodgers earns his 4th Manager of the Year Award in MLB in the year he retires.

Jadon Tezeno came third in the AL Rookie of the Year, while Edgar Mir (2nd) and Estanislau Covete (3rd) were in discussions for the AL MVP, though it was ultimately a unanimous victory for Wilfredo Terrazzas.

AL Great Glove
NL Great Glove
AL Platinum Stick 2B Edgar Mir (6) | 3B Estanislau Covete (2) KC
NL Platinum Stick
AL Manager of the Year Colin Stewart (5) KC
NL Manager of the Year Generoso Gonzalez (4) LAD
AL Reliever of the Year Jesus Median CWS
NL Reliever of the Year Pat Black (4) LAD
AL Rookie of the Year LF Josh Mangan BOS
NL Rookie of the Year 1B Zion Flenery ATL
AL Cy Young Ed Lanham TB
NL Cy Young Andy Pennington MIL
AL MVP 1B Wilfredo Terrazas HOU
NL MVP SS Vince Elkins (3) LAD

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

The pre-arbitration period did not go as the Royals had expected with some bold (or naïve) decisions being made by Colin Stewart.

That started with bringing back Ethan Chafin on his $16m Team Option. While he had moved to the bullpen, and the Royals see him starting there in 2044, he is a great option to have in the case of injuries.

Two further non-arbitration eligible deals were struck as the Royals resigned Doug Campus to a 3-year contract despite him being out for the next 5 months although the second and third years are Team Options, and Dan Nichols to a 2-year contract, which is front loaded with the second year being a Team Option. Both contracts only offer on year of guaranteed money so limit the risk for two players who have been excellent when pitching for the Royals.

There were three trades although only one involved a player who was arbitration eligible. Art Putney was beginning to earn big money and the Royals saw the chance to take some cash from the Nationals, as well as an interesting OF who is close to Major League ready even if the Royals outfield is a tough crew to break into.

Saturday, November 7th , 2043
Executed the contract year option of SP Ethan Chafin.
Wednesday, November 11th , 2043
Signed RP Moon-soo Im to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,500,000.
Signed RP Nate Avis to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,000,000.
Signed CF Natalino Villa to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,800,000.
Signed RP Julio Pesina to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,700,000.
Signed RP Joe Manley to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,420,000.
Signed 3B Estanislau Covete to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,550,000.
Sunday, November 15th , 2043
Signed RP Doug Campos to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $30,000,000.
Tuesday, November 17th , 2043
Signed CF Jamie Edwards to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,800,000.
Wednesday, November 18th , 2043
Signed RP Dan Nichols to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $22,000,000.
Thursday, November 19th , 2043
Traded 26-year old minor league LHP Jon Yuhas and 24-year old minor league RHP Danny Hughes to the Houston Astros, getting 20-year old minor league 2B Argenys Walter and 23-year old minor league RHP Edgar Centeno in return.
Saturday, November 21st , 2043
Traded 30-year old minor league RHP Mearl Bigos and 23-year old minor league RF Luis Ontiveros to the Chicago White Sox, getting 20-year old minor league SS Josh Ziobrowski in return.
Traded 28-year old RHP Art Putney and 22-year old minor league CF Arturo Bustamante to the Washington Nationals, getting 24-year old LF Ed Cunningham and $5,000,000 in cash in return.
Placed LF Ed Cunningham on the active roster.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

The only surprise from Arbitration and Qualifying Offers was Curt Bogans accepting his QO, despite the Royals not being able to come close to him accepting a short term contract in advance. Eddie Baquerizo turns down his QO to leave the Royals after 11 years and 99 wins, ninth place on the Royals all-time list in a host of categories including wins, starts, innings pitched, and sixth in WAR.

The three players not offered arbitration have all had periods of excellence for the Royals but their cost had grown too high to provide value for Kansas City.

Saturday, November 28th , 2043
RP Tsuguo Abe was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
RP Bernalldino Caneas was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
CF Chase Standberry was not offered arbitration, becomes a free agent.
SP Curt Bogans accepted a 1-year qualifying offer worth a total of $18,900,000.
RP Eddie Baquerizo rejected the qualifying offer
Monday, November 30th , 2043
RP Eddie Baquerizo becomes a free-agent.

International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Ramiro Aguirre, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Ramiro Aguirre hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has a balanced, rhythmic swing, and is a talented contact hitter. He has plus raw power potential and has the chance to be a run producer. He should draw 60 walks each year. Aguirre has a high ceiling and projects well on the field and at the plate.

Jesus Celedon, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
6' 5" Jesus Celedon is an intimidating presence on the mound. His most consistent pitch right now is a dominant fastball, which he pairs with a superb slider. He should have truly elite stuff when all is said and done. He'll walk few batters because of his great control. Celedon is projected to develop into a reliever who can pitch well in high leverage situations.

It was a great practice and none of the invitees disappointed in showcasing their talent.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Ignacio Dibene, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Pamphile Molina, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Juan Aguayo, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Marty Birley, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Luis Flores, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Cooper Gallard, 16 year-old CF out of Australia
Armanno Muraro, 16 year-old SS out of Colombia
Juan Soriano, 17 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic
You can view your international practice invitees on the international scouting screen.

Around the League

Retirements

Saturday, November 7th , 2043
Toronto Blue Jays: RF Jimmy Goodman retired from professional baseball.
Baltimore Orioles: 3B Jeremy Rogerson retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SP Daniel Nava retired from professional baseball.

San Diego Padres: 2B Jackson Holliday retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: CF Brady Harris retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SP Brayden Harris retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: SS Parker Loew retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: CL Frank Marmolejo retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: CF Dan Simmers retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: CF Jamie Wolf retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: C Eric Windel retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: SP Andy Cervantes retired from professional baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks: 1B Chris Williams retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: 1B Shamar Quiller retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: 1B Aroghetto Paluari retired from professional baseball.
Baltimore Orioles: SP Daniel Marcano (AAA Norfolk) retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: SP Tim Parrish (AAA Salt Lake) retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: SP Joe Houck (AA Tennessee) retired from professional baseball.
Chicago White Sox: SS Rand Lachman (AA Birmingham) retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: RF Jonathan Roser (AA Midland) retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Juan Espinoza (AA New Hampshire) retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: RP Luis Salazar (AA Richmond) retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: RP Juan Herrera (AA Hartford) retired from professional baseball.
SP Noah Schultz retired from professional baseball.
SP Brenton Lupkoski retired from professional baseball.
RP Josh Bibles retired from professional baseball.
RP Jesus Brizuela retired from professional baseball.
SP Steve Dorrough retired from professional baseball.
SP Phil Sturgis retired from professional baseball.
SP Ben Satchel retired from professional baseball.
RP Jeremy Hotelling retired from professional baseball.
RP Jonathan Drake retired from professional baseball.
SP Andy Newsome retired from professional baseball.
RP Mitch Glass retired from professional baseball.
SP Cliff Phillis retired from professional baseball.
2B Chris Watson retired from professional baseball.
1B Jesus Moreno retired from professional baseball.
RP Tony Moser retired from professional baseball.
SP Brad McCourt retired from professional baseball.
SP Brendan Spears retired from professional baseball.
SP Zach Eckloff retired from professional baseball.
SP Mike Trouten retired from professional baseball.
SP Jonathan Kent retired from professional baseball.
RP Ed Morgan retired from professional baseball.
RP Mike Oceguera retired from professional baseball.
RP Jorge Santa Cruz retired from professional baseball.
1B Esteban Medina retired from professional baseball.
SP Chris Fata retired from professional baseball.
SP Eric Fowler retired from professional baseball.

Baltimore Orioles: Retired #15 in honor of Jackson Holliday. 

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International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Ramiro Aguirre, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Ramiro Aguirre hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has the potential to be a .310 hitter. He generates excellent raw power with his bat speed. He should have a patient approach at the plate and will take a walk if he doesn't get a pitch he likes. Scouts project Aguirre to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Marty Birley, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Lean and athletic, Marty Birley hails from Canberra, Australia. He has a lot of talent, and grades out as a plus contact hitter. The power is more a projection right now, but he has above average power potential. As a shortstop he provides adequate defense. Birley is an above average, everyday big league player.

It was a great practice and none of the invitees disappointed in showcasing their talent.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Ignacio Dibene, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Luis Flores, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Pamphile Molina, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Juan Aguayo, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Cooper Gallard, 16 year-old CF out of Australia
Armanno Muraro, 16 year-old SS out of Colombia
Jesus Celedon, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
Juan Soriano, 17 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic

Development Lab

Gilberto Matos has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at first base.

Edgar Mir has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

Chris Albright has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at right field.

• No noticeable changes.

Estanislau Covete has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at third base.

• Infield arm rating improves by 5
• Infield range rating improves by 5
• Infield error rating improves by <5
• Turn doubleplay rating improves by <5

Chris Kern has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at center field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by <5
• Outfield range rating improves by 5
• Outfield error rating improves by <5

Chris Morrow has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at center field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by 5
• Outfield range rating improves by 5
• Outfield error rating improves by 5

Rule 5 Draft Trades & 42-man Changes

It was a year of change for the Royals with 13 new names on the 42-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft.

To make room for these additions, the Royals made two trades before the draft and subsequently made one post-draft trade to balance out the roster.

The first trade was the expected departure of early trade acquisition Ed Cunningham. The Royals outfield is simply too crowded and he was packaged with 2042 14th round pick, organisational depth pitcher Jonathan Cone in exchange for a reliever slightly ahead of Cone and a potential starter with a profile not explored by Stewart before, low stuff with high movement and control.

The second trade was surely the blockbuster as the Royals moved on from two elite pitchers in RP Moon-soo Im and SP Dan Carrig, as well as high prospect RP Josh Saas and organisational piece SP Mike Ramos. The return was the 85th prospect in baseball, OF Juan Guerrero, who mixes plus corner defence with a plus eye and contact, with above average power potential and a young starter with potential plus stuff, above average control and home run suppression in Benton Geldart. This was, however, a bit of a salary dump as Carrig’s loss of velocity along with a downtick in movement over the last 6 months had alarm bells ringing with 6 years left on the control.

Carrig leaves after four successful years in Kansas City, 666 Ks including a league (and Royals record) 262 in 2041.

The final trade, post Rule 5 Draft, saw the two likely odd men out of the batting corps depart after different careers. Jamie Edwards has had 5 solid years with the Royals, including his outlier 2042 where he batted over 1.000 OPS on his way to 4.7 WAR. He worked on his defense enough to be a strong CF back up but entering final year of arbitration this was a chance for the Royals to get a return for him. Andres Raygoza has a great contact, gap power profile that he has never managed to convert into MLB production and with several strong prospects the Royals choose to move on. The return is a quantity haul, maybe with the loss of quality. The centrepiece of the return is the 100 ranked prospect Tim Bixler, a potential 6-pitch SP with plus control to go with above average stuff and movement. The other three acquisitions all have interesting ceilings although are likely back ups, or just arms, rather than stars.

The Rule 5 Draft saw the Royals lose one player, 2038 International Amateur Class SP Edgar Valles. He has the ability to pitch at the back of the rotation but that didn’t make him special in the Royals pitching farm and the Royals wish him well with the Angels.

Trades

Thursday, December 24th , 2043
Traded 24-year old LF Ed Cunningham and 20-year old minor league RHP Jonathan Cone to the Seattle Mariners, getting 17-year old minor league RHP Juan Oviedo and 20-year old minor league RHP Eric Burden in return.
Traded 26-year old RHP Moon-soo Im (retaining 90%), 27-year old LHP Dan Carrig, 21-year old minor league RHP Josh Saas, 24-year old minor league LHP Mike Ramos, and $13,000,000 in cash league LF Juan Guerrero in return.
Friday, December 25th , 2043
Traded 30-year old CF Jamie Edwards (retaining 100%), 25-year old 1B Andres Raygoza (retaining 100%), and $5,000,000 in cash to the Washington Nationals, getting 22-year old minor league RHP Tim Bixler, 20-year old minor league 3B Esteban Aguirre, 21-year old minor league RHP Beau Bennett, and 21-year old minor league RHP Yoichiro Curtsinger in return.

42-man Roster Additions

Friday, December 11th , 2043
Placed CL Naldo Lizcano on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SS Arturo Oramas on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RP Jeremy Stockhoff on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RP Ernesto Soriano on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 3B Luis Aguilar on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RP Bob Capozziello on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Sunday, December 13th , 2043
RP C.J. Frazee was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
2B Nelson Maldonado was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Placed RP Zyhir Scollan on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed CF Chris Goldberg on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed C Greg Cloward on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Thursday, December 17th , 2043
RP Darryel Sabatino was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Thursday, December 24th , 2043
Placed RP Davon Lamptey on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RP Edgar Gallegos on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RP Juan Armas on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RF Ernesto Pimentel on the secondary (42-man) roster.

Rule 5 Draft Transactions

Thursday, December 24th , 2043
Lost SP Edgar Valles in the Rule 5 Draft to the Los Angeles Angels.

Free Agent Signings

Fans were crushed when Royals legend Eddie Baquerizo signed with the Mets in a multi year deal that took his contract over $50m and therefore netted the Royals a supplementary 1st round pick in the 2044 draft.




Friday, December 18th , 2043
New York Mets: Signed free agent SP Eddie Baquerizo to a 4-year contract worth a total of $73,600,000.

The biggest acquisition of the month came when Luis Danys Rhodes agreed to a three-year $30m contract although only the first year is guaranteed. The 2032 8th round pick is a three time All Star who finished last season in Houston. He has plus plus stuff to go with plus movement and control and will be pencilled in for a stopper role in a Royals bullpen that is looking strong at the top end.



Saturday, December 26th , 2043
Signed free agent RP Luis Danys Rhodes to a 3-year contract worth a total of $30,000,000.
Placed RP Luis Danys Rhodes on the active roster.

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Financial Update

As a reminder, you have $274,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.

Development Lab

Andres Morales has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

• No noticeable changes (poor).

Chris Ambrose has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at shortstop.
I have also finished compiling my report on his progress and here is what I see from him going into

Zach Herr has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at catcher.

Mike Woods has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at catcher.

• No noticeable changes.

Jorge Corujo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at center field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by <5
• Outfield range rating improves by <5
• Outfield error rating improves by 5

Juan Guerrero has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at left field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by <5
• Outfield range rating improves by 5
• Outfield error rating improves by 5

International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Ramiro Aguirre, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Ramiro Aguirre hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He's talented at hitting line drives all over the field and should hit for a high average. He has tremendous power potential. He should have a patient approach at the plate and will take a walk if he doesn't get a pitch he likes. Aguirre has the potential to be a cornerstone player as a center fielder.

Ignacio Dibene, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Ignacio Dibene hails from Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela. He has tremendous power potential. He has improving pitch recognition, and may make consistent contact. He should have an average eye at the plate. Dibene could be an above average center fielder someday.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Jesus Celedon, 17 year-old RHP out of Mexico
6' 5" Jesus Celedon is an intimidating presence on the mound. He mixes in a slider with his primary fastball. Both are currently raw but should develop to quality offerings. With dominant stuff and advanced feel and control he has the chance to be an ace. Celedon has the potential to spend the next half-decade closing out games.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Luis Flores, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Armanno Muraro, 16 year-old SS out of Colombia
Juan Villa, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Juan Aguayo, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Cooper Gallard, 16 year-old CF out of Australia
Pamphile Molina, 16 year-old RHP out of Venezuela
Juan Soriano, 17 year-old 3B out of Dominican Republic

The asking price for high Work Ethic players in this year’s International Amateur class led the Royals to pursue a small, quality first class in which they ended up signing two players, both of whom the Royals believe have the chance of being high-end every day players although both have their flaws as neither show much speed.






Transactions

The only piece of business in January was the opportune acquisition of IF Derek Coulston off waivers from the Yankees. The former 2nd round pick in 2037 has never managed to show enough potential with his bat in the big leagues to back up his versatile glove but, with an option year, seemed an interesting glove to have in Omaha if needed.

Monday, January 18th , 2044
SS Derek Coulston was claimed off waivers from New York.
Placed SS Derek Coulston on the active roster.

Hall of Fame

There are two new inductees to the Hall of Fame in 2044 as there are two first ballot inductees, Michael Harris II (94.6%) and Juan Soto (90.5%). Julio Rodriguez is just short with 73.8% in his second year but Manny Machado takes a step back, only polling 60% as he enters the second half of his eligibility.