Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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MLB Standings

The Royals secure a 14th in a row AL Central on the first day of the month, beating division rivals the White Sox 5-4. In doing so, they tied the Atlanta Braves record for successive division titles, an incredible feat.

The rest of the AL division titles are settled the Rangers clinching the West and the Yankees the East. In the Wild Card it will be two from four of the Astros, Avalanche, Guardians and White Sox to join the Mariners.

In the NL, only the Cardinals have clinched a division title. The East is still up for grabs with the Braves holding a 3-game lead over the Mets so just requiring one more win while the Mets will face the Royals in New York. That will knock the Mets out of the postseason.



Kansas City Results

After winning their 100th game of the season on 1 September, the Royals proceeded to have their worst month of the season, dropping 10 games during the month.



Kansas City Statistics







Transactions & Injuries

More injuries for the Royals in September with minimal returns. C Nelson Saiz fractured his thumb and will miss the month while Bobbby Nickelberry was hit by a pitch again and is suffering from blurred vision – the Royals hope the bye gives time for both of them to recover.

Two players who will not recover are Starting Pitchers Dusty Glick and Ben Lane. Glick is going to miss the whole of next season with a torn UCL while Lane is out for 6 months with a rorn labrum. The six man rotation has not been kind to the Royals injury wise although Rob Cope does return in time for a short Injury Rehan stint in Omaha.

The Royals tried to give some rest with September call ups, with Ken Crome in particular proving useful.

Wednesday, September 1st , 2049
Purchased the contract of RP C.J. Binkle from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Zaire McKines from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Ken Crome from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 2B Branson Huot from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, September 3rd , 2049
SP Dusty Glick was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, September 6th , 2049
SP Dusty Glick diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 12-13 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Jeff Mole from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, September 10th , 2049
C Nelson Saiz was injured in a collision at a base. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, September 13th , 2049
C Nelson Saiz diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 3 weeks.
Purchased the contract of C Chris Early from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, September 14th , 2049
RF Bobby Nickelberry was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: blurred vision. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 2 weeks.
Saturday, September 18th , 2049
Sent SP Rob Cope to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Monday, September 20th , 2049
SP Ben Lane was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, September 22nd , 2049
SP Ben Lane diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 6 months.
Tuesday, September 28th , 2049
Purchased the contract of SP Rob Cope from Triple A Omaha.

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The AL Wild Card race went down to the final day with two places between four teams. The Avalanche and the Astros had the postseason in their own hands, win and they would be in. The White Sox were playing the Astros, having taken the first two games of the series, and knew they had to win and hope the Guardians (who had a 7-6 H2H advantage) lost. The Guardians had to win and hope that the White Sox won as well.

The Avalanche took care of business, a 6-0 shutout of the Angels securing their place. The White Sox finished off the sweep of the Astros to eliminate them from the postseason so it came down to the Guardians needing to beat the 66-93 worst team in the AL Detroit Tigers to squeeze past the White Sox. The pressure was too much, as the Guardians fell to 4-1 defeat, gifting the White Sox a postseason berth that looked highly unlikely at the start of the month.



The Royals swept the Mets to end up with 118 wins, although they underperformed their Pythagorean performance by 4 games, producing a best predicted 122-40 season.

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The Playoffs are set with the Royals and the Rangers earning the byes in the AL, while New York take the AL East and are joined in the WC Series by the AL Central’s White Sox, and AL West’s Avalanche and Mariners.

In the National League, it is the Diamondbacks, with their first division title since 2029, and the Cardinals who take the bye. The Braves win the NL East and are joined by three NL West teams, as the Dodgers, Rockies, and Padres all qualify for the postseason.

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All four home teams progress from the Wild Card series with only the Royals opponents the Mariners needing a Game 3 to settle the series. The Yankees will take on the Rangers in the second AL Division Series while in the NL, the Diamondback take on the Dodgers in an all-NL West match up and the Braves will take on the Cardinals.

The Royals-Mariners match up will be a third post-season series between the teams, and the first since 2037 when Seattle swept the Royals in the Division Series. The Royals had taken the first post-season series, also in the Division Series, 3-2 back in 2030. The Royals took the regular season series 5-2 in 2049.

The Mariners are a pitching team, with second fewest runs conceded in the AL but only ranking 12th for runs scored. The rotation is led by LHP Braden Montalbano, who had a 3.10 ERA and 17 W, with 258 Ks in 220.1 IP, a true ace. Behind Montalbano will be interesting as LHP Jonathan Tucker is suffering from an abdominal strain and Jim French is waiting for an injury diagnosis. Both recorded ERAs under 4.00 in 2049. Jonathan Davies is a third LHP in the rotation, and is the #16th ranked prospect in baseball. Two-time Reliever of the Year Chris Sisk is the Seattle closer, and has 43 SV with a 3.00 ERA this season. Seattle have four relievers with an ERA under 3.00, however, including SU Rens Broekman with a 1.38 ERA in 52.1 IP. This is a formidable pitching line up.

While their batting is not as strong there is plenty of danger for the Royals. LF Jorge Felix had a .302 average to lead the team, as well as 26 SBs while C David Mota hit 27 HRs and had 69 RBIs. The Mariners will miss 1B Laurente Savoldelli, who misses out through injury, as does SS Ken Flores.

Game 1 in Kansas City: T.J. Nooks vs Joe Werley (2043 3rd Round)
• Kansas City wins 6-3
• Nooks: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R
• Werley: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Luis Danys Rhode (W): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Chris Sisk (BS)(L): 0.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R
• Seattle HRs: Jorge Moreno (3rd)
• POTG: Jorge Corujo (KC) 3-5, 2 RBI
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Cason Willard vs Braden Montalbano (2042 2nd Round)
• Kansas City wins 3-0
• Willard (W): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R
• Montalbano (L): 6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R
• Rhodes (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Seattle: Rob Cope vs Jonathan Davis (2044 3rd Round)
• Kansas City wins 4-3
• Cope (W): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R
• Davis: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R
• Sisk (L): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Rhodes (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Seattle HRs: Jorge Felix (7th)
• 3-0 Kansas City wins

Series MVP: Luis Danys Rhodes (KC) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 SV

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Both NLDS go the distance, with the Diamondbacks surviving their Division rival Dodgers, while the Braves shock the Cardinals to advance to the NLCS.

It’s a simpler story in the American League as the Rangers beat the Yankees in 4 to set up a one vs two League Championships Series against the Royals.

This will be a fourth Kansas City – Texas match up in the post season but the first since a Wild Card Series that the Royals won 2-1 back in 2034. Texas leads the match up 2-1, although Kansas City won the regular season series 5-1.

The Rangers are a balanced team, ranking 5th in runs against and 6th in runs scored during the season. The middle of their batting line up is where the danger lies, with DH Sean McCormick winning the batting title with a .319 average, 23 HRs, and 96 TBIs batting fourth, and Juan Ortega, batting fifth, contributing 36 HRs and 102 RBIs. Former Royal Chris Kern has played CF after being acquired during the season.

Yoshihiro Tani was the star of the pitching rotation, putting up a 3.11 ERA with 226 K in 211.1 IP. It’s an all right-handed rotation, with Chris Kupra (4.38 ERA, 210 K), Mike Davidson (4.87 ERA, 152 K), and Josh Carroll (3.71 ERA in 10 GS) making up the rest of the rotation. Their closer Joey Blanchard had 40 saves at a 89% success rate, while LR Coffey McOmish recorded a 2.72 ERA in 59.2 IP. The Rangers have 2 LHP in their bullpen, although both have an ERA over 4.50 in Nelson Exiga (4.76) and Jorge Ramirez (4.86, 24 GS). The Rangers are seeking their first trip to the World Series since 2028, when they lost to the Mets, while the Royals are seeking a fifth AL pennant in a row.

Game 1 in Kansas City: T.J. Nooks vs Chris Krupa (2046 Trade SD)
• Texas wins 6-3
• Krupa (W): 7.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R
• Nooks (L): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Joey Blanchard (SV): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Texas HRs: Sean McCormick (3rd)
• POTG: Andy Raines (TEX) 3-5, 2 RBI
• 1-0 Texas

Game 2 in Kansas City: Cason Willard vs Yoshihiro Tani (2047 International Free Agent)
• Kansas City wins 4-3
• Willard (W): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Tani (L): 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R
• Chris Curry (SV): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• POTG: Jonathan Lish (KC) 3-4, 3 RBI
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in Texas: Rob Cope vs Mike Davidson (2041 8th Round)
• Kansas City wins 5-2
• Cope (W): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Davidson (L): 6.1 IP, 6 H, 5 H
• Curry (SV): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Bobby Nickelberry (4th, 2R), Domingo Carrillo (7th)
• POTG: Bobby Nickelberry (KC) 2-4, 2R HR, 3 RBI
• 2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in Texas: Benton Geldart vs Josh Carroll (2049 Free Agent)
• Texas wins 4-3
• Carroll: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Geldart: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R
• Joey Blanchard (W): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Luis Danys Rhodes (L): 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Texas HRs: McCormick (2nd), Jeff Abbott (3rd, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Jonathan Lish (2nd), Juan Montelongo (7th)
• POTG: Sean McCormick (TEX) 3-3, HR, BB, 2 RBI
• 2-2 Series Tied

Game 5 in Texas: Nooks vs Krupa
• Texas wins 6-3
• Krupa (W): 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Nooks (L): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R
• Jonathan Aguirre (SV): 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Texas HRs: McCormick (1st, 3R)
• Kansas City HRs: Montelongo (7th, 2R)
• Chris Krupa (TEX) INJ pitching DTD 4 days
• 3-2 Texas

Game 6 in Kansas City: Willard vs Tani
• Texas wins 4-3
• Tani (W): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Willard (L): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R
• Blanchard (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Texas HRs: Juan Ortega (2nd)
• Kansas City HRs: Steve Katzin (3rd), Nickelberry (4th)
• 4-2 Texas WINS

Series MVP: Sean McCormick (TEX) 8-23, 3 HR, 7 RBI

The Royals reign comes to an end at the hands of the Texas Rangers as Sean McCormick’s monster series overpowers the Royals bats which just didn’t get going.

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In the battle of the one-time World Series Champions, it’s the Diamondbacks who win to clinch their second title in franchise history after their 2001 victory.

Kansas City Postseason Stats





Owner Goal Review



Team Record:
I told you before the season to win it all, and you at least made a strong push towards it. I am a little disappointed, and I know I push hard, but only because I know this team has the talent to make it that last step.

Extend your player:
It's not easy to lock up a guy who doesn't want to talk. Keep the discussions open with Dusty Glick.

Long Term:
I think team is well on its way to becoming all that I had imagined it to be. If you can bring home another World Series trophy in the near future, that would go further to solidifying your legacy.

I am good with your performance in accomplishing the goals I have given you. However, when I consider the on- and off-field success of the team, my overall mood with your performance is very happy.


Minor Leagues



Postseason

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] won the Championship (back-to-back).
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] missed the playoffs by 1 game.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] missed the playoffs by 16 games.
Columbia Fireflies [A] missed the playoffs by 19 games.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the playoffs by 8 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] missed the playoffs by 17 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] missed the playoffs by 15 games.

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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:

Jorge Minaya, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jorge Minaya hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has elite raw power and can send a fastball a mile. He should be good at working counts. At maturity he should hit a batting average around .250. Minaya has the talent to flourish as a center fielder.

Arturo Puga, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Arturo Puga is a real worm killer who will generate a high number of groundballs. At his peak, his repertoire should include one of the best curveballs in baseball, a good changeup, a good sinker, a good slider, and a decent fastball. His stuff should play well above average once he's finished developing. And he has great command of his pitches that he'll rarely give up a long-ball. Puga is projected to have the stuff and talent needed to be a #1.

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:
David Sandoval, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Domingo Arredondo, 16 year-old LHP out of Dominican Republic
Luis Barrera, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Alfredo Nava, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Luis Romero, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Anbrosio Beato, 16 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Jorge Merlos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Julio Sosa, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic

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Catcher

Nelson Saiz had a strong sophomore year, not quite reaching the heights of his rookie of the year season having missed time with injury, but still recording a 154 wRC+ and hitting 28 HRs. While his FRM rate is once again poor, -8.9, his CERA was a miserly 2.91 and his EFF improved to .984 from below .860 last year. In short, a stellar year and he will start 2050 as a Royals cornerstone.

Dave Forester struggled in a back up role and, while his defense was strong with a 3.6 FRM, he only managed a 3.42 CERA and his bat was well below average, an 88 wRC+.

Chris Early was promoted during Saiz’s injury and did enough to encourage the Royals to move on from Forester. Arturo Ruano is overdue a chance in the big leagues but a serious injury cost him the second half of the season.

Infield

The Royals are going to have some serious decisions to make with the infield which may see the biggest overhaul in years.

1B Luis Aceves struggled with injuries, not reaching 400 PAs, but when he was healthy put up a 131 wRC+. He is one of the true power bats on the Royals roster, sitting 6th All-time with over 200 HRs. However, he is QO eligible and, at 30, is looking for 5yrs at $23.5m to come back. A QO is more likely than a long term contract at this point.

2B Arturo Oramas was another Royal to suffer with injuries, only starting 84 G and putting up a 93 wRC+. His injuries have seen his long term rating drop to fragile. He remains an elite glove but his contact has dipped according to the Royals last scouting report. He still has two years at over $20m before another 2 at decreasing values and, with the prospects behind him, is a definite trade candidate for the offseason.

3B Jadon Tezeno had his best season by WAR since 2046 and his best ever by wRC+. His glove is not elite at 3B but a 133 wRC+ with 2.26 WPA at $14m is good business. Tezeno will be back in 2050 unless something extraordinary happens.

SS Juan Montelongo repaid Stewart’s faith in him with a stellar 5.2 WAR season. His 132 wRC+ included 20 HRs while his glove was 4% better than league average with a 7.4 ZR. A 10yr, $18m AAV extension isn’t outrageous and will be something for Stewart to consider when the dust settles on roster decisions.

Jonathan Lish (2044 1st Round (S)) made his ML debut and ended up featuring in over 100 G, predominantly at SS (allowing Montelongo to move to 2B), but also with time at 2B and 3B. A 10 ZR with 8.9% above league average efficiency reflects his elite glove. Lish also had a 114 wRC+ over the season, adding up to a 3.2 WAR that will earn him a 28-man slot in 2050.

Steve Katzin (2044 3rd Round) had a lot more playing time in his second year in the majors, finishing one PA short of 200, mostly from the DH position. A 192 wRC+ with 15 HRs suggests greater playing time for Katzin in 2050, either at DH or potentially replacing Aceves at 1B.

Bernalldino Igrejas came up during the season and learned 1B on the fly, and is now an elite glove across the whole infield. He also managed a 179wRC+ and the Royals will have to find a place on the 26-man roster for the #15 prospect in baseball to start 2050.

Tonguar Zimmerman suffered from the infusion of youth over the course of the season, limited to 27 GS and 107 PA. His glove remains high quality but he only managed a 77 wRC+ and entering the first year of arbitration is another the Royals likely move on from in the offseason.

Luis Flores earned a September call up but a 77 wRC+ in 87 ABs wasn’t impressive and, with his defensive limitations, it is hard to see Flores earning a spot in 2050 and may be a victim of the 42-man squeeze in December.

Branson Huot, Chad Hart, and David de Anda are all looking for their chance to make a mark, Hart’s season was another disrupted by injury and 2050 will be a make-or-break year for him.

Outfield

RF Bobby Nickelberry had another career year as he posted a 142 wRC+ while smashing the Royals single season RBI record, his 156 being top 30 in baseball history, and the 3rd highest this century after Coby Mayo (161, 2031) and Sammy Sosa (160, 2001). He also posted top ten Royals seasons in SLG, TB, and HR while he is now 2nd on the Royals All-time list for HRs, only 26 behind George Brett.

LF Mike Gronkiewicz had his first full season in the big leagues and led the American League in Runs, with 126, good for 4th on the Royals single season lists. A 134 wRC+, with 31 HRs and 63 SBs, to go with 94 RBIs contributed to his 6.2 WAR. Predominantly playing LF, he also covered Jorge Corujo in CF, a key role in allowing Corujo to avoid injury.

CF Corujo set a Royals single-season SB record with 90, and best in the AL. That helped him to 123 R, 5th on the Royals list, just behind teammate Gronkiewicz. He was rested every 5th game which helped him stay fit and play in a career-high 145 G.

A.J. Terry managed over 500 ABs during the season although a disappointing 93 wRC+ was the worst of his Royals career. He did manager a 20/20 season but, heading into his first year of arbitration, may be someone the Royals look at as surplus to requirements.

Domingo Carrillo had a big decrease in playing time (455 vs 261 PAs) and his 82 wRC+ justifies that move. The switch hitter has seen his defensive capability reduced to that of a corner OF. He has option years left but the Royals will certainly listen to offers.

Ken Crome was the odd man out at the start of the season and remained that way until September call ups. A strong showing in that time means that he will be both a trip to the development lab to improve his defense and earn a shot at the 5th OF role in 2050.

Jorge Morales put up 4.2 WAR at the AAA level and deserves a chance in the Majors next year, although his glove will be a limiting factor for the Royals.

Offseason / Early 2050 Overview

C Nelson Saiz
1B Luis Aceves
2B Juan Montelongo
3B Jadon Tezeno
SS Jonathan Lish

LF Mike Gronkiewicz
CF Jorge Corujo
RF Bobby Nickelberry

DH Steve Katzin

C Chris Early / Arturo Ruano
IF Bernalldino Igrejas
IF TBC
OF Ken Crome
OF A.J Terry



Starters

The six man rotation was very successful for the Royals up until September when injuries hit hard, both Dusty Glick and Ben Lane suffering serious injuries to miss the end of the season.

The season opening rotation all posted FIP- before 100, with Ben Lane’s 90 the worst of the set. T.J. Nooks put up 5.5 WAR despite only starting 28 games, with Cason Willard 4.8 from his 27. Willard’s season ERA (2.29) was the 4th best in Royals history as was his 8.2 rWAR. Nooks will be back but Willard is QO eligible and, looking for 7yrs / $27.2 AAV, the 31-year old is likely to move on.

Benton Geldart and Dusty Glick are both arbitration eligible and it is likely the Royals pick up those contracts. Glick is the only question mark as he will miss the whole of next season so the Royals benefit is first chance at an extension depending on his post-injury ratings. The Royals may investigate the trade market for Glick despite owner Sherman hoping for a contract extension. Geldart, meanwhile, continues to impress with his 10.4 K/9 good for 8th all time on the Royals single season list.

Rob Cope is due $18.8m next year which is beginning to get expensive although the loss of Glick for the season and likely loss of Willard to Free Agency increases his chance of returning.

Jeff Mole and Jorge Zagal filled in with 12 starts between them, Zagal outperforming Mole although the ceiling for both is likely that of 5th starter and they will be competing for a maximum of one spot in the Spring.

Bullpen

The Royals bullpen could see some changes although it is as likely that the best bullpen in the American League returns largely unchanged.

The only long term contracted player is Juan Anaya, a $10m contract for 2050 a good deal for a pitcher who had 77.2 IP with a 74 FIP- and a 21:12 SD:MD ration.

Pete Acors (35.0 IP, 33 FIP-) and Chris Morrow (45.0 IP, 64 FIP-) will both be back on league minimum salaries in 2050, the only question being whether they can improve their 6:4, 5:3 ratios to earn more prominent roles.

Mike Krebs (16.1 IP, 89 FIP-) and Chris Curry (34.1 IP, 21 FIP-) both enter their first year of arbitration and are likely to be back although Krebs is a player the Royals would listen to offers for.

C.J. Binkle is in his second year of arbitration and serves up consistent Middle Relief, with 27.1 IP for a 72 FIP-. He also has one option year left making his return an easy decision.

Joe Mays and Bob Capozziello are harder decisions. Mays (74.0 IP, 83 FIP-) because his arbitration number ($7.8m) is that of a starter while Capozziello (45.1 IP, 116 FIP-) on performance. It is unlikely both return and there is a good chance neither return.

Luis Danys Rhodes is QO eligible but is only looking for a reasonable $8m in an extension. The challenge is that he is looking for 4 years and, at 36, that might be too much for the Royals. 89.2 IP with a 65 FIP- show he still has the ability, though and the Royals will enter into good faith discussions to try to get a deal done – Rhodes did overtake Joe Manley for 5th place on the Royals save list this season, while he tops the WHIP list, his 0.98 WHIP from 598.2 IP the only one below 1.00.

Zaire McKines (2044 9th Round) earned a September call up and only gave up 5 H in 9.1 IP for a 44 FIP-. McKines will be looking to cement a place in the bullpen for 2050.

Neither Zion Merkerson (2045 6th Round) nor Steve Campista (2043 9th Round) pitched for the Royals in 2050 with Campista limited by injury. Both will be back in 2050 and hoping to earn playing time.

Offseason / Early 2050 Overview

SP RHP T.J. Nooks
SP RHP Ben Lane
SP RHP Rob Cope
SP LHP Benton Geldart
SP RHP Jeff Mole / RHP Jorge Zagal
IL LHP Dusty Glick

RP RHP Juan Anaya
RP LHP Pete Acors
RP RHP Chris Morrow
RP LHP Chris Curry
RP LHP Mike Krebs
RP RHP Joe Mays
RP RHP C.J. Binkle
RP RHP Zaire McKines
RP RHP Luis Danys Rhodes

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Owner Goals

An interesting set of goals this offseason from Jeremy Sherman. Winning the Championship and building a dynasty are the baseline for this franchise as we end the decade. However, extending Dusty Glick who will miss the whole of next season (his final arbitration year) seem bold, as does the desire for the team that led the league in slugging and home runs to need to acquire a power hitter.



Finances

After another postseason run and a season of sellouts despite the increased ticket price, Sherman increases the budget by $4m, backing Stewart in the offseason.

I have just decided on your budget for the upcoming season.
You will have $306,000,000 available for the total team expenses. Given your current spending on staff and other costs, this should allow you a team payroll of around $220,000,000.



Personnel

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

• Scouting Director Joe Witkowski

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff member of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (TL, AA) has decided to retire:

• Manager Robert Donovan

The Office of the Commissioner has informed you that the following staff member of the Kansas City (ACL) Royals (ACL, R) has decided to retire:

• Pitching Coach Garrett Sherrill

The Royals promote internally to replace Robert Donovan, with Alan Williams moving up from A ball after 10 years while Quinn Pippen earns a promotion from the ACL to replace Williams.

The Royal look externally for a new Scouting Director, as well as Manager and Pitching Coach at Rookie Ball. A new Scouting Director is the priority to allow for contract decisions to be made in the coming month.

Minor Leagues

Awards

Four Royals Minor League pitchers win awards, with 2047 15th Round Josh Palmer and 2046 6th Round Eric Isles winning Reliever of the Year at Rookie and A Ball respectively. Further up the system, two trade acquisitions win Outstanding Pitcher Awards, Dusty Bartosik at AA and Danny Mueller at AAA.

The Royals dominate at AAA with Ken Crome winning the MVP Award and Peter O’Brien winning his second Manager of the Year Award in a row.

Retirements

The Royals have two retirements from AA, both Free Agent signings to demonstrate the successful escalator they have developed in the Minor Leagues.

Prospect Review

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Personnel

Tuesday, November 9th , 2049
Signed Scouting Director Dalfis Ortiz to a 5-year, $1,250,000 per year contract.



R(ACL) Manager Mike Matheson
R(ACL) Pitching Coach Brian McKenna

Awards

For once, some recognition in the write up for Manager Colin Stewart, who wins his 10th Manager of the Year Award, an impressive return for the unheralded appointment from 2026.

The Royals have several major award winners, with Luis Danys Rhodes earning his second Reliever of the Year Award while Mike Gronkiewicz follows Nelson Saiz in winning the Rookie of the Year Award, a unanimous decision for the LF, who also claimed a Platinum Bat. Cason Willard showed a 6-man rotation doesn’t have to hurt individual accolades as he claims the AL Cy Young Award.

While T.J. Jaeger took home the AL MVP, the Royals dominated the vote getting list, with Bobby Nickelberry 3rd, Gronkiewicz 3rd, and Willard 4th.

In the NL, J.J. Tjepkema breaks Roger Clemens record with his 8th Cy Young while Ernesto Buenrostro claims his 4th MVP Award in a row.

AL Great Glove LF Chris Albright BOS
NL Great Glove 3B Mike Schwind CHC | CF Sergio Ruiz ATL
AL Platinum Stick LF Mike Gronkiewicz KC | CF Jorge Corujo KC | DH Bobby Nickelberry (3) KC
NL Platinum Stick DH Juan Minnelli SF
AL Manager of the Year Colin Stewart (10) KC
NL Manager of the Year Timothy Cox ARI
AL Reliever of the Year Luis Danys Rhodes (2) KC
NL Reliever of the Year Josh Saas (3) COL
AL Rookie of the Year LF Mike Gronkiewicz KC
NL Rookie of the Year 1B Tadayoshi Okumura CHC
AL Cy Young Cason Willard KC
NL Cy Young J.J. Tjepkema (8) LAD
AL MVP T.J. Jaeger MIN
NL MVP CF Ernesto Buenrostro (4) SD

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

The Royals managed to negotiate a 2-year, $8m AAV, contract with Luis Danys Rhodes, with the second year a TO. A.J. Terry was offered arbitration, as was, somewhat surprisingly, Dusty Glick. That was only possible due to the strong financial position of Kansas City, meaning that a $15.6m advance chance at a long term contract was viable.

All of the expected Arbitration eligible players were offered, and accepted, contracts but there were five major departures from the club.

In a simple one for one exchange the Royals said goodbye to postseason hero Chad Johnston, whose annual cost was too high for a 7th SP role. In return the Royals acquired some MiL organisational depth in pitcher Roogan Acuffe.

There were two more trades on 11 November, both including more prominent members of the Royal franchise.

First up was the end of the road for Arturo Oramas, as the younger players, combined with Oramas’ fragility, meant that moving on from his $22m contract was the most obvious course of action. The Royals wanted to ensure they got a proper return for their star 2B though and starting pitching was the obvious need. SP Braden Montalbano is coming off a season for the Mariners where he led the league in IP, K, and W, and the 28-year old is signed through his age 32 season. The Mariners were willing to talk about a trade and the question quickly became how much of Montalbano’s $110m remaining salary the Mariners would retain. The answer was 85%, which came at the cost of solid RP (and potential SP for the Mariners) Joe Mays, as well as utility IF (now surplus to Royals requirements) 2042 3rd round pick Tonguar Zimmerman. The Royals, therefore, acquire an ace LHP for 4 years at less than $5m per year.

The second deal saw long-time RP Bob Capozziello ending his time with the Royals. With an ever increasing arbitration figure, and longer arms pushing for roles, the Royals cashed in, packaging Capozziello with several prospects (2042 International Amateur 2B Frank Tarazon, 2046 International Amateur 21-year old SS Jorge Arizmendi, and 2042 Trade Acquisition 24-year SS Luis Moreno) in return for the Rockies 1B plus-plus power potential prospect Jorge Rico.

Tuesday, November 9th , 2049
Signed RP Luis Danys Rhodes to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $16,000,000.
Signed RP C.J. Binkle to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
Signed SP Benton Geldart to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,600,000.
Signed RP Mike Krebs to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,450,000.
Signed RF A.J. Terry to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,400,000.
Signed CL Chris Curry to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,500,000.
Thursday, November 11th , 2049
Traded 26-year old minor league RHP Chad Johnston to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 25-year old minor league RHP Roogan Acuffe and $500,000 in cash in return.
Traded 27-year old minor league 2B Arturo Oramas, 27-year old RHP Joe Mays, and 25-year old SS Tonguar Zimmerman to the Seattle Mariners, getting 28-year old LHP Braden Montalbano (retaining 85%) in return.
Traded 24-year old minor league 2B Frank Tarazon, 21-year old minor league SS Jorge Arizmendi, 28-year old RHP Bob Capozziello, and 24-year old minor league SS Luis Moreno to the Colorado Rockies, getting 21-year old minor league 1B Jorge Rico in return.
Monday, November 15th , 2049
Signed SP Dusty Glick to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $15,600,000.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

Both Luis Aceves and Cason Willard rejected their Qualifying Offers and will test free agency, with the Royals expecting two supplemental 1st round picks to be coming their way as a result.

Friday, November 26th , 2049
1B Luis Aceves rejected the qualifying offer
SP Cason Willard rejected the qualifying offer
Sunday, November 28th , 2049
1B Luis Aceves becomes a free-agent.
SP Cason Willard 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:

Jorge Minaya, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jorge Minaya hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has plus power potential. He projects to be an above average contact hitter. He has shown promising pitch recognition skills. Minaya has all the skills scouts look for in a center fielder.

Luis Romero, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Luis Romero hails from Caracas, Venezuela. He is a plus contact potential. He has plus power potential. At maturity he should have an above average eye. Romero has a high ceiling and projects well on the field and at the plate.

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:

Jorge Merlos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jorge Merlos hails from Pedernales, Dominican Republic. He has a significant projection for very high contact. His pure speed grades out as plus. Scouts project Merlos to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Alfredo Nava, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Alfredo Nava hails from Santiago, Dominican Republic. He has a quick bat that handles most fastballs, but off-speed stuff can challenge him. Expect a batting average around .270. He is a good slugging prospect who should have above average power. He projects to draw an average number of walks. Nava is a worthwhile development project for a future starting role as a center fielder.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Arturo Puga, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
David Sandoval, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Anbrosio Beato, 16 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Julio Sosa, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Barrera, 17 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Domingo Arredondo, 16 year-old LHP out of Dominican Republic

Around the League

Retirements

Friday, November 5th , 2049
San Antonio Avalanche: SP Eddie Baquerizo retired from professional baseball.
Seattle Mariners: 1B Juan Moreno retired from professional baseball.

Milwaukee Brewers: RP Tim Wilson retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: CF Luis Moreno retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: LF Juan Nieves retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: RF Ben Glaze retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SP Josh King retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: 3B Johnny Powell retired from professional baseball.
Detroit Tigers: SP Cauy Maring retired from professional baseball.
Miami Marlins: RP Brad Biorn retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: SS Daniel Leos retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: RF Joe Upmeyer retired from professional baseball.
1B Jorge Zabala retired from professional baseball.
SS Juan Jaramillo retired from professional baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers: RF Jeremy Haskell (AA Biloxi) retired from professional baseball.
RP David Ojeda retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: SP Sam Hamer retired from professional baseball.
2B Eurico Aguilera retired from professional baseball.
Atlanta Braves: SP Johnny Monahan retired from professional baseball.
SP Jamie Holmes retired from professional baseball.
SP Josh Carpenter retired from professional baseball.
SP Steve Mathews retired from professional baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies: CF Albert Barela (AA Reading) retired from professional baseball.
RF Jorge Mata retired from professional baseball.
SP Robbie Austin retired from professional baseball.
LF Colt Boyer retired from professional baseball.
Chicago Cubs: SP Sam Maldonado (AAA Iowa) retired from professional baseball.
SP Al Kramer retired from professional baseball.
1B Luis Alcantara retired from professional baseball.
SP Danny Tallerico retired from professional baseball.
SP Ernesto Figueroa retired from professional baseball.
RP Mike Long retired from professional baseball.
CF Pete McVeigh retired from professional baseball.
SP Mike Gorham retired from professional baseball.
SP Jake Warren retired from professional baseball.
RP Vygandas Giaquinto retired from professional baseball.
SS Ian McCaster retired from professional baseball.
SP Gredan DeGennaro retired from professional baseball.
LF Chris Sandoval retired from professional baseball.
RP Jamie Lieggi retired from professional baseball.
RP Joey Georg retired from professional baseball.
SP Doug Ficken retired from professional baseball.
RP Sergio Romero retired from professional baseball.
RP Rodolfo Coca retired from professional baseball.
RP Ben Schmidt retired from professional baseball.
CF David Salinas retired from professional baseball.
SP Phil Musser retired from professional baseball.
SP Beau Arnold retired from professional baseball.
SP Hesston Phoenix retired from professional baseball.
RP Luis Gallegos retired from professional baseball.
SP Jon Luke retired from professional baseball.
Atlanta Braves: RP Rodolfo Quintana (AA Mississippi) retired from professional baseball.
RP Alejandro Machado retired from professional baseball.
3B Levi Moritz retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: LF Luis Avaloz (R Los Angeles A (ACL)) retired from professional baseball.
C Lupe Maduena retired from professional baseball.
RP Tokuei Okimura retired from professional baseball.

Cincinnati Reds: Retired #47 in honor of Juan Nieves.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Retired #10 in honor of Ben Glaze. 

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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:

Arturo Puga, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
Lean and athletic, Arturo Puga hails from Mexico City, Mexico. He pairs an off the charts changeup with an off the charts curveball. His stuff should play well above average once he's finished developing. And he has great command of his pitches that he'll rarely give up a long-ball. Puga should rank among the best starting pitcher prospects in any organization.

Luis Barrera, 17 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Barrera is a big 6-foot-4, 205-pound first baseman from Pedro Brand, Dominican Republic. He shows tremendous raw power. He has above average contact potential. He can be as good with the bat as anyone out there at his level. He projects to be a patient hitter with good discipline. Barrera has a considerable ceiling and can be a first division starter in the majors.

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:
Jorge Merlos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Minaya, 17 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Alfredo Nava, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
David Sandoval, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Domingo Arredondo, 16 year-old LHP out of Dominican Republic
Anbrosio Beato, 16 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Luis Romero, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Julio Sosa, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic

Rule 5 Draft Trades & 42-man Changes

There were nine new faces on the 42-man roster heading in the Rule 5 Draft as the Royals turned off the bottom of their Major League programme very effectively.

This came with four multi-player trades including a mix of Rule 5 Eligible players and 42-man roster players who had been usurped.

First in that second list was Dave Forester, the 2049 back up catcher. Forester’s bat had struggled in the back up role and, with several similarly profiled catchers in the Minor Leagues, the Royals chose to move on. Packaging him with AAAA MiL FA 30-year old RHP Rodolfo Arroyo, 2045 15th Round 23-year old minor league RHP Mike Rapp, and 2044 International Amateur 22-year old 1B Luis Flores, enabled the Royals to acquire the 88th ranked prospect in baseball, 2B Ignacio Pavon, who profiles potential plus contact and power to go with plus speed.

OF Ken Crome was the second casualty of the Royals logjam as, despite a better than league average career to date, Stewart couldn’t see a route to regular playing time. He joins the Mariners, along with 2049 Trade Acquisition 23-year old RH SP Ken Logan, 2045 6th Round 25-year old RH RP Zion Merkerson, and 2045 Trade Acquisition 23-year old LF Jorge Morales. In return, the Royals acquire two young prospects with power and contact upside in 20-year old 2B Mike Cerda and 19-year old LF Brad Zisman.

The final two deals saw Rule 5 eligible players traded for, slightly worse but younger prospects who the Royals hope their coaching staff will improve in the coming years.

Despite these clear out, the Royals still lost three players in the Rule 5 Draft as 2043 Scouting Discovery LF Allvaro Pisani, 2048 Trade Acquisition LF Sam Heath and 2042 15th Round C Joey Haigh were all taken. Haigh had the potential to provide defensive depth at C in 2050 but none of the three had expectations with the Royals in 2050 or beyond and can be replaced.

Trades

Monday, December 13th , 2049
Traded 30-year old minor league RHP Rodolfo Arroyo, 26-year old C Dave Forester, 23-year old minor league RHP Mike Rapp, and 22-year old 1B Luis Flores to the Atlanta Braves, getting 20-year old minor league 2B Ignacio Pavon in return.
Traded 25-year old LF Ken Crome, 23-year old minor league RHP Ken Logan, 25-year old minor league RHP Zion Merkerson, and 23-year old minor league LF Jorge Morales to the Seattle Mariners, getting 20-year old minor league 2B Mike Cerda and 19-year old minor league LF Brad Zisman in return.
Thursday, December 23rd , 2049
Traded 23-year old minor league RHP Eddy Martin and 20-year old minor league SS Maxwell Norlander to the New York Mets, getting 18-year old minor league SS Eloy Villarreal and 24-year old minor league LHP David Parrilla in return.
Friday, December 24th , 2049
Traded 25-year old minor league DH Franyerber Baesman to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 20-year old minor league SS Andres Delgado in return.

42-man Roster Additions

Monday, December 13th , 2049
Placed C Arturo Ruano on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 1B Juan Soriano on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed CF Rodolfo Lara on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed CF David Rojo on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed LF Esmarly Roseberry on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SP Danny Mueller on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SP Dusty Bartosik on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed RP Eric Bustamante on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Tuesday, December 14th , 2049
Placed 1B Jorge Rico on the secondary (42-man) roster.

Rule 5 Draft Transactions

Friday, December 24th , 2049
Lost LF Allvaro Pisani in the Rule 5 Draft to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Lost LF Sam Heath in the Rule 5 Draft to the Washington Nationals.
Lost C Joey Haigh in the Rule 5 Draft to the San Francisco Giants.



Around the League

Thursday, December 23rd , 2049
New York Yankees: Signed free agent 1B Luis Aceves to a 4-year contract worth a total of $92,800,000.

 

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Financial Update

As we get closer to the start of the season, I have reviewed the team's financial state as of this moment.
As a reminder, you have $306,000,000 available for the total team expenses for the season.

You may review all your financials on your front office page .

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:

Jorge Minaya, 17 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jorge Minaya hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His power potential grades out as plus. He is very patient at the plate and should draw plenty of walks. He has improving pitch recognition, and may make consistent contact. Minaya has all the skills scouts look for in a center fielder.

Alfredo Nava, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Alfredo Nava hails from Santiago, Dominican Republic. He has a good swing. He won't likely set records, but could become a solid contact hitter. He has the potential to display above average power to all fields. He has good recognition of balls and strikes and is projected to draw 50 walks each year. Nava has the talent to flourish in the majors.

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:

Jorge Merlos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Jorge Merlos hails from Pedernales, Dominican Republic. His plus-plus contact ability projects to a high batting average. He has blazing speed and will swipe an above average number of bags. Merlos could develop into a productive regular on a contending team.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
David Sandoval, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Frank Valadez, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Barrera, 17 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic
Anbrosio Beato, 16 year-old 3B out of Venezuela
Arturo Puga, 16 year-old RHP out of Mexico
Luis Romero, 16 year-old SS out of Venezuela
Julio Sosa, 16 year-old 1B out of Dominican Republic

Fall League News

It wasn't easy but Danny Grant made it look that way.

Grant silenced the San Jose Red Claws, 11-0, in a Virginia Beach Maulers triumph at Ballpark of San Jose. Despite the appearance of dominance, Grant said that he felt like he was struggling all game. He gave up 1 walk and 2 hits.

"It didn't feel quite right today, but I made the decision to bear down and work through it," he said. "I made a few mistakes but it goes to show what you can do with grit and not much else."

So far this year, Grant has compiled a 10-0 record with a 1.91 ERA.

Andy Rainey of the Virginia Beach Maulers had a fine season this year and today he accepted the Most Valuable Player for 2049.

The 20-year-old center fielder put up a .360 average and a .461 on-base percentage, piling up 73 hits, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 21 home runs, 62 RBIs and 45 runs scored.

He received 24 first place votes out of a possible 30. Steve Foister of the Virginia Beach Maulers finished second in voting, while Alexis Guadalupe of the Virginia Beach Maulers finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Andy Rainey - Virginia Beach Maulers - 24 - 388
Steve Foister - Virginia Beach Maulers - 0 - 253
Alexis Guadalupe - Virginia Beach Maulers - 0 - 162
Juan Landa - Dallas Black Gold - 6 - 143
Arturo Serna - Mesa Solar Sox - 0 - 138

Transactions

The Royals locked up their middle infield for the next decade as they signed Juan Montelongo to an 11-year, and Jonathan Lish to a 10-year, extension. Montelongo has proven that patience can be rewarded as the Royals took a chance on his potential when he ran out of options and have been rewarded with a potential legend of the club while Lish’s defensive ability should allow Montelongo to sit in 2B, collecting GG awards to go with batting records.

The Yankees approach the Royals with an offer of a potential plus-plus power OF in exchange for two organisational pieces which Stewart was happy to accept.

In the International Amateur pool, the Royals missed out on their top target, SP Arturo Puga and pivoted to CF David Sandoval, locking him up with their max offer.

Wednesday, January 5th , 2050
Signed 2B Juan Montelongo to a 11-year contract extension worth a total of $176,000,000.
Saturday, January 15th , 2050
Signed SS Jonathan Lish to a 10-year contract extension worth a total of $120,000,000.
Sunday, January 16th , 2050
Traded 25-year old minor league LHP Jaquan Baliey and 20-year old minor league SS Zachariah Urry to the New York Yankees, getting 17-year old minor league RF Luis Salazar in return.
Sunday, January 23rd , 2050
Signed international amateur CF David Sandoval out of Dominican Republic to a minor league contract with a $4,750,000 signing bonus.



Minor League Transactions

Sunday, January 9th , 2050
Promoted international complex member C Julio Alvarado to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Jorge Ledesma to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member RF Aberto Porcellato to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 3B Biagio Torrisi to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member RF Frank Vega to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SS Jean-Yves Lévy to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Aubert Ramos to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Jesus Alba to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Guerrero to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Arturo Corujo to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Tamayo to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Hiroshi Kawabata to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Padilla to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Horacio Loya to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Jorge Mendoza to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Frank Morales to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Jorge Robles to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Maxime Brun to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Frank Espinosa to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Jorge Gaitan to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Frank Rojas to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Ernesto Villatoro to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SP Juan Mora to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member RP Juan Ochoa to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member SS Santiago Chairez to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF David Flores to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Juan Manzano to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 1B Jorge Mercado to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member LF Maup Moerkerk to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Sergio Montalvo to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member 3B Luis Rivera to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted international complex member CF Alejandro Serpas to Rookie League Kansas City (DSL).
Promoted LF Ismael Casarez from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Alexis Guadalupe from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Luis Arrezola from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Andres Delgado from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jesus Higuera from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Rogelio Temblador from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Zachariah Urry from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CL Edgar Zaragoza from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Ernesto Arreola from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Becerra from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jorge Caldero from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Aureliano Castilleja from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Celaya from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Cervantes from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Guerrero from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Edgar Magana from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP David Medina from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Rodolfo Moreno from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Julio Pineda from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Alexis Sanabria from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jayden Shervill from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Wilson Tinajero from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Albert Casares from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Tomiji Fukuda from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Esteban Campuzano from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Jorge Cardenas from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Andres Castillo from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted LF Juan Flores from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CL Sergio Malave from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Abalos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP David Aguirre from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Alaniz from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Alcover from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP David Alderete from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jorge Arambula from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Jesus Arce from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Bautista from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Frank Brito from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Jorge Campos from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Chavira from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Adryão Fareleiro from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Luis Godoy from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RF Etsuya Hamano from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP David Lara from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Alejandro Ontiveros from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Juan Pulido from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Eleuterio Remartinez from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Fidel Caban from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Alejandro Orozco from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 3B Zach Cavanaugh from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Eric Chaney from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Danny Copeland from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Tim Elkins from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 1B Steve Pelliccio from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Luis Saldua from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Danny Schibler from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Tim Hicks from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Caleb Hayes from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Nate Skinner from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Nobuji Asai from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted C Tadasumi Toyota from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CF Hudson Girton from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SS Luis Mendoza from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted 2B Jesus Caldera from Rookie League Kansas City (DSL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted RP Yasunobu Fujimoto from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted SP Yutaka Yoshimura from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Promoted CL Chris Kelley from Rookie League Kansas City (ACL) to Class A Columbia.
Sent 2B Ignacio Pavon from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 1B Jorge Rico from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent LF Daniel Jaurigui from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Alejandro Avelar from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent LF Luis Castaneda from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Guadalupe Madrid from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SS Juan Miranda from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Jesus Puentes from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Ignacio Vargos from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Jesus Villareal from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 3B Jesus Abredo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Sergio Aguirre from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 3B Jorge Barrientos from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent LF David Borghese from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Randy Bridenbaker from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jesus Cabrera from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Andres Coronado from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Sean Dawson from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jorge Guerrero from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Joel Harris from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Jeff Ocampo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Arturo Olivia from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Kevin Pasquale from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Juanito Portillo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent CF Dan Thomas from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP David Varela from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent RP Alexis Cerda from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Josh Weas from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 3B Dan Arango from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SS Kurt Ferullo from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent 2B Andres Delgado from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Ernesto Valle from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent C Nobuji Asai from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted RP Eric Chaney from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted RP Yasunobu Fujimoto from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted CL Chris Kelley ffrom Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted RP Danny Schibler from from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Sent SP Yutaka Yoshimura from Class A Columbia to High-A Quad Cities.
Promoted 1B Jorge Rico from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 2B Alfredo Cuevas from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SS Lupe Aguilar from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jaquan Baliey from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Alfredo Compean from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jesus Esquivel from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP David Herrera from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jesus Hurtado from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Vicente Marmolejo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Alejandro Ramos from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 2B Jesus Urquiza from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 3B Luis Villarreal from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Guonçalle Ales from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Luis Almaguer from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP David Becerra from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jorge Contreras from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Juan Lavariega from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Juan Noboa from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP David Padilla from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RF Ernesto Sosa from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Sergio Suazo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted C Dane Cook from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Bobby Friedland from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted 3B Dan Arango from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Deonte Clark from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SS Kevin Lawrence from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Mike Steward from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CL Jorge Ramirez from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Jonathan Taylor from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Juan Armenteros from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Yutaka Yoshimura from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Joel Harris from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted RP Juanito Portillo from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted SP Josh Weas from High-A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Promoted CF Nate Kees from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted C Frank Guevara from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted 3B Ernesto Arellano from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Eric Isles from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP David Conforto from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted RP Juan Ochoa from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Jim Stokes from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted CL Jared Baynes from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Luis Sifuentes from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.
Promoted SP Nelson Ayala from Double A Northwest Arkansas to Triple A Omaha.

Around the League

The big news around the league comes with Cason Willard signing with the Giants on a 6-year, $201m contract paying $33.5m each year, with a final year vesting option. That secures the Royals a second supplementary 1st round pick in the draft and is riskier than they would have been willing to go for the almost 32-year-old.



Hall of Fame

Ethan Salas becomes the third Catcher since the start of Stewart’s career to be selected to the Hall of Fame, after Yadier Molina and the Royal’s Salvador Perez. He does it with 92.9% of the ballot as a first timer, the second year in a row there has been a single inductee and as a first timer. Mike Miller is named on 69.7% of ballots in his first year on the ballot while Bobby Witt Jr. polls more than 60% in his 5th. No other player receives over 55% of the vote.

[benp28]

Development Lab

Bernalldino Igrejas has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Rodolfo Lara has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Mike Gronkiewicz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Juan Montelongo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his two-strike approach.

Nelson Saiz has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Steve Katzin has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

Jorge Corujo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.

• No noticeable changes.

Jorge Zagal has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his secondary pitch.

• Potential sinker stuff improves by <5
• Current sinker stuff improves by <5

David Rojo has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his quality of contact.

• Current babip rating improves by 5

Dusty Bartosik has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his secondary pitch.

• Potential knuckle curve stuff improves by 5
• Current knuckle curve stuff improves by <5

Davide de Anda has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to generate more batspeed and homerun power.

• Potential power rating improves by 5
• Current power rating improves by 10

Jonathan Lish has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his plate discipline.

• Potential eye rating improves by <5
• Current eye rating improves by <5

Preseason & Spring Training

It was a bombshell to start preseason as Colin Stewart announced this 24th season would be his final one in Kansas City. Having won four World Series and 10 American League titles, Stewart felt the time was right, and the club was in the right place, to hand over the reins. It was not lost on anybody present that this year the Royals have the chance at a 15th straight AL Central title, which would break the Braves record for consecutive division titles. If Stewart wanted to give motivation to his team, they have been given the best possible goal of sending Stewart out on top of the baseball world.

The Royals start out a perfect 5-0 to start Spring Training, a Spring Training with places up for grabs after the off season turnover. Ben Lane’s absence for most of Spring Training gives Joe Teichner a non-roster invite to start in a 6-man rotation with another couple of non-roster RPs invited to supplement a young, but exciting, 42-man ST roster.

Thursday, February 24th , 2050
Purchased the contract of C Arturo Ruano from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 1B Juan Soriano from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of 1B Jorge Rico from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of 3B David de Anda from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF Rodolfo Lara from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of RP Steve Campista from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of CF David Rojo from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of 2B Chad Hart from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of LF Esmarly Roseberry from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Danny Mueller from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Dusty Bartosik from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Eric Bustamante from Triple A Omaha.
Invited non-roster RP Jared Baynes to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster RP Ferlon Goins to Spring Training camp.
Invited non-roster SP Joe Teichner to Spring Training camp.

Transactions

It’s a quiet February for the Royals with no transactions beyond Scouting Discoveries and Spring Training decisions.