Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

[benp28]

The reward for the Royals for ousting Baltimore; a rematch with divisional rivals the 100-win Chicago White Sox. For the third year in a row, and fourth time in the last six, the divisional rivals will face off. The Royals will be looking to avenge their defeat to the White Sox 1-3 at the same stage last year, while the White Sox are looking to get back to the World Series after their final hurdle defeat in 2034.

The White Sox are a power machine with the most home runs and highest OPS in the American League. That is built around 30-HR bats 1B Ben Kaiser (2031 1st Round) and RF Juan Soreni (2025 International Amateur).

Pitching-wise, they rely on their bullpen, the best in the American League. Frank Marmolejo (2027 4th Round) recorded 41 saves and a 2.40 ERA over the season with Eric Romriell (2026 5th Round) and Nate Carannante (2032 7th Round) both recording sub-3.00 ERAs for the season. This is backed up by the League’s best defence.

The regular series was close, with the White Sox taking it 7-6.

Game 1 in Chicago: Daniel Nava vs. Dan Nichols (2027 1st Round)
• Chicago WINS 5-2
• Nichols (W): 6.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Nava (L): 3.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R
• Frank Marmolejo (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Chicago HRs: Ben Kaiser, Juan Borja, Juan Cardiel
• 1-0 Chicago

Game 2 in Chicago: Mike Hoffer vs Ronnie Chapman (2035 Trade COL)
• Kansas City WIN 14-6
• Hoffer: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Chapman (L): 1.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (W): 5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Bobby Witt Jr. (POTG): 3-5, 2R HR, 4 RBI
• Kansas City HRs: Enny Van Dyke, Witt Jr., Edgar Mir
• 1-1 Series Tied

Game 3 in Kansas City: Curt Bogans vs Andres Saldana (2033 Trade HOU)
• Kansas City WIN 7-5
• Bogans: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Saldana: 6.2 IP, 7 IP, 4 R
• Chase Dollander (W)(BS): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Marmolejo (BS)(L): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R
• Tim Storer (POTG): 2-4, 3-R HR, 3 RBI
• Kansas City HRs: Jimmy Goodman (2nd), Storer (8th)
• 2-1 Kansas City

Game 4 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs Tim Portscheller (2035 Trade MIA)
• Kansas City WIN 7-3
• Baquerizo (W): 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Portscheller (L): 3.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Cade Townsend (SV): 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Tim Storer (POTG): 4-4, HR, 4 RBI
• Kansas City HRs: Storer (3rd), Mir (5th)
• 3-1 Kansas City WINS

MVP: Tim Storer .400, 7 RBI, 4 R

[benp28]

Having seen off the winningest team in baseball in the Chicago White Sox, the Royals will face the AL West Champion Houston Astros (85-77) as they bid for a third World Series visit during Stewart’s reign.

The Astros, like the Royals, have come through the Wild Card Series, needing all three games to eliminate the Toronto Blue Jays before taking four games to end the New York Yankees season. They are a better batting than pitching team, with a top four offense in most categories, including 3rd in HRs and Batting Average.

2028 1st Round Steve Metzger is the shining light of the offense, 35 HRs and 117 RBIs leading the team in both categories. LF Luis Rojas, acquired in 2031 from the Phillies, also hit 30+ HRs (32) while SS T.J. Pompey (2026 2nd Round) stole a league-leading 45 bases.

Paul Skenes (2034 Free Agent) leads the pitching rotation with a 3.86 ERA and 9.0 K/9. Khal Stephen (2034 Waivers LAD) took the closer role for most of the season, amassing 31 saves with a 1.80 ERA.

This will be third postseason match up between the teams, with the Royal leading 2-0, most recently winning 3-2 in the Division Series in 2031 on the way to the first World Series of the Stewart era. In what may be a first, the teams meet in the Championship Series with the Royals having swept the regular season match up, 7-0.

Game 1 in Houston: Daniel Nava vs. Paul Skenes (2034 Free Agent)
• Houston WINS 4-2
• Skenes (W): 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R
• Nava (L): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R
• Khal Stephen (SV): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Houston HRs: Luis Rojas 2R (3rd), Kevin Bryant (4th)
• 1-0 Houston

Game 2 in Houston: Mike Hoffer vs. Cauy Maring (2031 7th Round)
• Houston WINS 10-1
• Maring (W): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Hoffer (L): 6.0 IP, 10 H, 5 R
• Houston HRs: Joendry Vargas 3R (7th)
• 2-0 Houston

Game 3 in Kansas City: Curt Bogans vs. Julio Barrera (2031 5th Round)
• Kansas WIN 5-1
• Bogans (W): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R
• Barrera: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Brad Hovey (L): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R
• Chase Dollander (SV): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• 2-1 Houston

Game 4 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs. Josh Hartle (2035 Trade LAA)
• Houston WIN 12-2
• Hartle (W): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Baquerizo (L): 4.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R
• Houston HRs: Vargas 2R (9th), Rojas (9th), Chaz Roberts (9th), Bryant 2R (9th)
• 3-1 Houston

Game 5 in Kansas City: Nava vs Skenes
• Houston WIN 9-1
• Skenes (W): 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R
• Nava (L): 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R
• Rojas (POTG): 2-4, 2R HR, 2 RBI
• Houston HRs: TJ Pompey 2R (5th), Rojas 2R (9th)
• 4-1 Houston WINS

Series MVP: Joendry Vargas .421, 8 RBI, 5 R

The Royals season comes to another frustrating end. After taking out the best team in baseball, the White Sox the Royals are outscored 36-11 in 5 games by the Astros.

[benp28]

The San Diego go back-to-back, beating the Astros 4-2, becoming the first time since the Orioles ten years ago to repeat as World Series Champions. Jackson Merrill is the MVP, going 10-22 with 5 RBI and a 1.065 OPS.

Kansas City Postseason Stats



Edgar Mir (127 wRC+) and Tim Storer (180 wRC+) were the bright spots for the Royals, both hitting 3 HRs – as did Jeremy Rogerson (112 wRC+) – while knocking in 14 and 10 RBIs respectively.

Bobby Witt Jr. (54 wRC+) struggled, one HR and only 9 hits in 57 Plate Appearances a meagre return for the legend in potentially his final playoff appearance as a starter.



Daniel Nava (153 FIP-) was the disappointment of the post season, giving up 18 hits in his 16.1 innings, including 5 HRs. Mike Hoffer (120 FIP-) gave up 21 hits in his 14.1 innings. The starting rotation failed to provide a single Quality Start during the postseason, a damning statistic for the best starting rotation in the American League regular season.

The bullpen provided average support but were called on too many times to be able to bail out the starters.

Owner Goals Review



The team missed their ‘High’ priority goal of increasing fan interest, although it did go from 79 to 82 so an increase was achieved. Brad LaPointe left the team, failing that goal that had replaced the request to acquire a Cy Young Award winner. More successful was their team record, making the post season as requested by Sherman. Two long term goals remain to win more close games and build a championship team.

Minor Leagues



Post Season

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] won the Championship.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] won the Championship.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] won the Championship.
Columbia Fireflies [A] won the Championship.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the Playoffs by 4.5 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] won Championship.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] lost in the Championship Final.

[benp28]

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:

Humberto Bustillos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Humberto Bustillos hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Once he fully develops he should have enough power to be a home run threat at the plate. He has big league skills at the shortstop position. His eye grades out as above average. Bustillos looks like a potential regular in a key role at the big league level.

Juan Parra, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Parra hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Even with a still-developing body he consistently displays plus raw power and quickening bat speed. He has above average contact potential and could hit for a .290 batting average. As he develops he's expected to be a very athletic second baseman. Parra has the talent to flourish as a second baseman.

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:
Nelson Montemayor, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Andres Raygoza, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Brendon Rigbye, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Sergio Rivera, 15 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Daniel Soto, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Ismael Villafane, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Medrano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Arturo Navas, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic

Around the League

Transactions

Wednesday, October 31st , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed SP Payton Martin to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $3,480,000.
Monday, October 29th , 2035
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent 1B Young-tae Kim to a 3-year contract worth a total of $4,800,000, (posting fee: $16,000,000, signed from the Doosan Bears).
Sunday, October 28th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent 2B Jung-ha Kim to a 3-year contract worth a total of $5,760,000, (posting fee: $16,000,000, signed from the Kiwoom Heroes).
Monday, October 22nd , 2035
San Diego Padres: Signed C Luis Flores to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $228,500,000.
Sunday, October 21st , 2035
Los Angeles Angels: Signed 1B Aroghetto Paluari to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $103,480,000.
Tuesday, October 16th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: Signed LF Mitch Jackson to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $177,200,000.
Sunday, October 14th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: Signed CL Joe Kohl to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $23,200,000.

Injuries

Saturday, October 27th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: David Ramos has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 2 months.
Monday, October 15th , 2035
San Diego Padres: SP Nate Brooks diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 2 months.
Tuesday, October 2nd , 2035
Chicago Cubs: LF Mitch Jackson diagnosed with a strained rib cage muscle, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
Monday, October 1st , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Juan Medina diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 6 months.

[benp28]

Catchers

The catcher combination of Sam Hart (90 wRC+) and Edgar Rivera (105 wRC+) performed well over the course of the season, adding 3 WAR at the position with positive framing from both options. There are options in the Minor Leagues but this combination are favourites to keep their jobs for 2036.

Infield

Rogelio Camacho (51 wRC+) couldn’t keep the strikeouts down (43%) to offset his power. Unless he can rectify this over the offseason it is difficult to see a place for him in the Royals opening day roster for next year. Bobby Witt Jr. (99 wRC+) moved across to 1B as his defence continue to decline; while not the future of the position this could be a hiding place for the Kansas City legend.

At second best, a new star was born as Edgar Mir (147 wRC+) won two Rookie of the Month Awards and his 4.8 WAR was only limited by his midseason injury. Ed Nicholson (98 wRC+) was a league average bat but his defence didn’t align with his ratings and makes him at risk to replacement.

Jeremy Rogerson (97 wRC+) moved back to 3B midseason due to Witt Jr.’s decline and struggled in an injury hit season. A solid post season will hopefully see him bounce back in 2036, especially with Eric Rose (96 wRC+) offering similar return for a much cheaper price if Rogerson can’t replicate his early years.

Tim Storer (79 wRC+) was the star of the post season with the bat but had quietly put together an elite defensive season stepping in to everyday SS when the Ed Nicholson experience did not work out. He is in arbitration but will certainly return to the Royals in 2036, with a firm grip on the starting SS position.

Outfield

It was an injury riddled year for the Royals lauded outfield. Drew Burress (122 wRC+) was limited to 67 games, while Billy Mumaugh (132 wRC+) managed 104, Enny Van Dyke (135 wRC+) 115, and Jimmy Goodman (98 wRC+) 125, many at CF early in the season. That meant Alex Duke (122 wRC+) appeared in 119 games, and he did a good job for the team but that is the not the solution the Royals want. Danny Rose (93 wRC+) joined mid season and was able to cover the CF position better than other options in the Royals organisation. Tim Spears (78 wRC+) and Albert Thomas (106 wRC+) both had a cup of tea without demanding they be retained so it is likely that the outfield core will return in 2036.

Offseason / Early 2036 Overview

C Sam Hart
1B Bobby Witt Jr. Free Agent
2B Edgar Mir
3B Jeremy Rogerson
SS Tim Storer Arbitration

LF Billy Mumaugh
CF Drew Burress
RF Jimmy Goodman

C Edgar Rivera
INF Ed Nicholson
INF Eric Rose
OF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke
OF Alex Duke / Danny Rose



Starters

Despite the postseason meltdown, the starters earned their record for the lowest ERA among starters in the American League with three pitchers earning over 5 WAR.

Daniel Nava (70 FIP-) struck out over 25% of batters he faced while posting a 3.09 ERA for his season. Mike Hoffer (74 FIP-), however, may have been the star of the rotation, his 5.3 WAR coming from 195.2 IP, holding opponents to .222. Curt Bogans (72 FIP-) was the third of the 5-WAR club, his coming from 182.1 IP, and only giving up 13 HRs all season.

Eddie Baquerizo (93 FIP-) and Cade Townsend (98 FIP-) complemented the top half well, adding over 5 WAR between them from 354.1 innings.

Bullpen

Running a more traditional bullpen worked out well for the Royals. New Closer Chris Wagner (57 FIP-) racked up 39 saves from 45 chances across 65 games, giving up only 44 hits. Connor Phillips (66 FIP-) was wildly overpaid (the cost of the Daniel Nava trade) but contributed over 1 WAR from his 54.1 innings, and provided 2 starts. Jon Holtz (77 FIP-) was the final star, giving up 34 hits in 48.1 innings before injury ended his season early.

Offseason / Early 2036 Overview

SP Daniel Nava Arbitration
SP Mike Hoffer Arbitration
SP Curt Bogans
SP Eddie Baquerizo
SP Cade Townsend Arbitration

RP William Schmidt Arbitration
RP Jon Holtz Arbitration
RP Connor Phillips Free Agent
RP Yoshinobu Yamamoto Free Agent
RP Bill Nicklas Arbitration
RP Chris Wagner
RP Mason Barnett
RP Chase Dollander

[benp28]

Owner Goals



The playoffs are once again the goal in 2036, which is the floor of Stewart’s aspirations. The rest of the goals are more longterm – in 2038, the Royals should have a Hometown player, a Top 6 farm, and be winning close games regularly. Here is a list of all players born in Kansas City. The simple, but expensive, solution will be to resign Daniel Nava but with Mike Halpin in AAA there are routes to this.

Finances



Total attendance dropped below three million in 2035 but, with the increase in ticket price, an increase in revenue per game of around $5k, equivalent to over $400k over the season.

This helped convince owner Sherman to open the wallet and keep the budget at $230m, with $180m of that earmarked for player payroll. This has seen Sherman make some cuts to scouting and development spending so there will be some difficult decisions for Stewart to make.

The Sherman family take out over $100m from the club in 2035, the fan robbery continues!

Personnel

At the end of another Championship season, Arkansas Naturals club legend Manager Dan Jones retired. He joined the Royals in 2027 and went 936-297 over the following nine year. The Naturals made the playoffs every year of Jones’ tenure, with the regular guy manager earning Manager of the Year Award 8 years in row.

Johnny Isom was promoted internally from the A ball Columbia Fireflies to take over from Jones with Mathew Figueroa backfilling Isom from ACL Rookie ball.

Owner John Sherman rewards Colin Stewart with a new 2-year deal at $2.2m per year.

Minor Leagues

Awards

Peter O'Brien DSL Manager of the Year
Johnny Isom A Manager of the Year 3x
Aaron Cames A+ Manager of the Year
Dan Jones AA Manager of the Year 8x
Generoso Gonzalez AAA Manager of the Year

Luis Morga 2030 Trade HOU A Most Valuable Player Award
Edward Lantigua 2035 MiL FA AA Most Valuable Player Award

Brad Demarest 2029 4th Round AAA Outstanding Pitcher Award

Mike Halpin 2028 19th Round AAA Reliever of the Year

Hometown boy Mike Halpin is named the AAA Reliever of the Year, and along with 2029 4th Round pick, is set for the Big Leagues in 2036.

Notable Retirements

Among the raft of retirements of Minor League players for the Royals, a few former draft picks ended their careers from various levels:

2027
20th Round RP Stephon Marine AAA

2029
8th Round RP Ramiro Cepeda AAA
13th Round CF James Tronstein AA

2030
17th Round RP Jaquan Boxton AAA

2031
8th Round CF Steve D'Amore Rookie (ACL)

Trade
2031 CHC SP Luis Escobar AAA

KC Top 500 Prospects Performance

[benp28]

Personnel

The retirement of Dan Jones and subsequent promotions left a Manager Role in Rookie Ball available. Aaron Pinto was signed to a two-year placeholder contract with a lack of quality options available.

Later in the month, Colby White (Pitching Coach for the ACL Rookie team) was approach by the Pirates to be their new Bench Coach. He left with Stewart’s blessing as another disciple for the coaching tree.

He was replaced on a one-year deal by Adam Wharton.

Awards

The big success of awards season was Edgar Mir winning an unanimous AL Rookie of the Year Award, the first in Stewart’s tenure.

Also of note, Chris Wagner finished 2nd in the Reliever of the Year Award while Mike Hoffer and Edgar Mir received votes in the Cy Young and MVP Awards respectively.

AL Great Gloves
NL Great Gloves
AL Platinum Sticks
NL Platinum Sticks
AL Manager of the Year David Kelton CWS
NL Manager of the Year Jason Smith SF
AL Reliever of the Year Jeremy Sidener TOR
NL Reliever of the Year Joe Rohloff NYM
AL Rookie of the Year Edgar Mir KC
NL Rookie of the Year Juan Nieves CIN
AL Cy Young J.J. Tjepkema NYY
NL Cy Young Stephon Mickell SD
AL MVP Johnny Powell TEX
NL MVP Luis Moreno COL

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

Sunday, November 4th , 2035
Traded 34-year old RHP Chase Dollander and 30-year old RHP William Schmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 22-year old minor league 3B David Estrada and $45,000,000 in cash in return.
Thursday, November 8th , 2035
Signed 1B Bobby Witt Jr. to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $7,500,000.
Signed SP Cade Townsend to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $10,900,000.
Signed SP Daniel Nava to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $21,000,000.
Signed SP Mike Hoffer to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,000,000.
Signed SS Tim Storer to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,300,000.
Signed RP Billy Nicklas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,150,000.
Friday, November 9th , 2035
Signed RP Jon Holtz to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,350,000.



Arbitration

All players eligible for arbitration were offered contracts or traded ahead of the deadline.

Qualifying Offers

Tuesday, November 27th , 2035
3B Colt Keith becomes a free-agent.

Only Colt Keith and Bobby Witt Jr. were eligible for the QO, with neither offered it, and Keith becoming a free agent.

Free Agents

Tuesday, November 27th , 2035
RP Connor Phillips becomes a free-agent.
RP Yoshinobu Yamamoto becomes a free-agent.
RP Jim Porter becomes a free-agent.
RP Jonathan Fleri becomes a free-agent.
RP Bobby Martin becomes a free-agent.
RP Eric Armstrong becomes a free-agent.

International Free Agents

There were no International Free Agents of interest for the Royals.

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:

Humberto Bustillos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Humberto Bustillos hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He generates excellent raw power with his bat speed. As he matures he is expected to provide above average defensive value. He should do a good job of working the count. Bustillos has the potential to be an impact player as a shortstop.

Juan Parra, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Parra hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has plus power potential. He has a quick bat that handles most fastballs, but off-speed stuff can challenge him. Expect a batting average around .290. He is a quality defensive second baseman. Parra has good potential and a very promising future.

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:
Sergio Rivera, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Jorge Medrano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Nelson Montemayor, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Arturo Navas, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Andres Raygoza, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Brendon Rigbye, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Daniel Soto, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Ismael Villafane, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic

Around the League

Retirements

Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Brendan White retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: SP Daniel Lynch retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: SP Kyle Hurt retired from professional baseball.
Cincinnati Reds: SP Shane Baz retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: SP Jack Leiter retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: C Adley Rutschman retired from professional baseball.
Detroit Tigers: LF Tyler Black retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: 3B Isaac Paredes retired from professional baseball.
Los Angeles Angels: LF Colton Cowser retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: LF Felix Stevens retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: CL Ben Joyce retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RF Joey Wiemer retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Carson Palmquist retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: 1B Brett Baty retired from professional baseball.
San Antonio Avalanche: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: SS Bo Bichette retired from professional baseball.
Seattle Mariners: 1B Yordan Alvarez retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Braxton Ashcraft retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Nick Frasso retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: LF Garrett Mitchell retired from professional baseball.

Transactions

Friday, November 30th , 2035
The San Francisco Giants traded 22-year old minor league 2B David Bernabe, 20-year old minor league RHP Mike Hilton, and 16-year old minor league RHP Edgar Contreras to the Seattle Mariners, getting 30-year old RHP Brett Renfrow and $1,280,000 in cash in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 31-year old SS Dylan O'Rae to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 22-year old minor league 1B Esteban Ramirez in return.
Thursday, November 29th , 2035
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 23-year old minor league CF Jorge Vargas, 24-year old minor league RHP Arturo Lujan, 21-year old minor league 3B Juan Flores, and 21-year old minor league RHP Nelson Parada to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 33-year old minor league RHP Jackson Jobe in return.
Wednesday, November 28th , 2035
Los Angeles Angels: Signed free agent SP Mike McVey to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,960,000.
The Baltimore Orioles traded 22-year old minor league CF Alpha Shamblee, 18-year old minor league RHP Juan Vargas, and 24-year old minor league RHP Jabari Belnavis to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 29-year old RHP Sam Bigelow in return.
The San Diego Padres traded 29-year old C Jonathan Miller (retaining 80%) and $880,000 in cash to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 25-year old 3B Brad Shoemake and 23-year old minor league 3B Alejandro Celaya in return.
The Houston Astros traded 20-year old minor league LF Marquis Tesfaye to the Atlanta Braves, getting 35-year old RHP Mat Olsen in return.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 22-year old minor league 3B Swen Kirch, 24-year old minor league 3B Juan Ornelas, and 18-year old minor league RF Juan Rosalez to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 29-year old RHP Steve Green in return.
Tuesday, November 27th , 2035
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent 2B Sam Jones to a 2-year contract worth a total of $5,760,000.
The Colorado Rockies traded 20-year old minor league RHP Dan Stratton to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 36-year old minor league 3B Brett Wisely in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 25-year old RHP Andy Newsome to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 23-year old minor league RF Juan Yepes and 20-year old minor league LF Fidel Lara in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 27-year old 2B Ted Quinn to the Houston Astros, getting 22-year old minor league 1B Andres Pulido and 22-year old minor league 1B Dave Hull in return.
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 27-year old C Jeremy Smetek and 24-year old minor league LF Chris Sulak to the Washington Nationals, getting 28-year old RHP Jonathan Flenner and 21-year old minor league 1B Erik Cribbs in return.
The Washington Nationals traded 21-year old minor league 2B Fidel Zacatenco and 21-year old minor league RHP Juan Zamarripa to the Miami Marlins, getting 32-year old C Malcolm Moore (retaining 95%) in return.
Monday, November 26th , 2035
The Cincinnati Reds traded 26-year old 3B Edgar Silva and 24-year old minor league RHP Nelson Solar to the Washington Nationals, getting 26-year old 2B Kadarrius Converse in return.
Sunday, November 25th , 2035
The Cincinnati Reds traded 27-year old minor league RHP Jamie Terry to the Minnesota Twins, getting 19-year old minor league RF Eddie Granthamin return.
Cleveland Guardians: CL Jim Kelley rejected the qualifying offer
St. Louis Cardinals: RF Max Clark rejected the qualifying offer
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Mason Albright rejected the qualifying offer
Colorado Rockies: 2B Grady Emerson rejected the qualifying offer
San Francisco Giants: 2B Jordan Lawlar rejected the qualifying offer
Saturday, November 24th , 2035
The Seattle Mariners traded 28-year old 2B Jake Sharbono and 20-year old minor league LF Andres Ramos to the Miami Marlins, getting 28-year old 1B Jaheim Osagie in return.
Thursday, November 22nd , 2035
The Atlanta Braves traded 26-year old RHP Danny Sarpaneva to the San Diego Padres, getting 19-year old minor league LF David Resendez in return.
Monday, November 19th , 2035
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 23-year old minor league C Juan Griego, 22-year old minor league RHP Dawson Weatherstone, and 23-year old minor league RHP Dave Wilburn to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 34-year old minor league RHP Po-Yu Chen in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 26-year old LHP Tim Wilson to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 22-year old minor league RF Josh Cox and 20-year old minor league LHP Antoni Alexander Jolly in return.
Sunday, November 18th , 2035
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 28-year old LF David Rosa to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 24-year old SS Jimmy Musgrave, 20-year old minor league LHP Nelson Fuentes, and 21-year old minor league RHP Luis Danys Rhodes in return.
Saturday, November 17th , 2035
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 29-year old RHP Forbes Zuwiski to the New York Mets, getting 22-year old minor league 2B Jorge Corral and 21-year old minor league RF Kody McAvoy in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 27-year old 1B Andres Rico to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 21-year old minor league 1B Juan Sauceda in return.
Friday, November 16th , 2035
The Cincinnati Reds traded 25-year old minor league RHP Kevin Mair to the New York Yankees, getting 20-year old minor league RHP Sean Petersand 23-year old minor league 1B Vince Edwards in return.
Thursday, November 15th , 2035
The Atlanta Braves traded 26-year old RHP Joe Stevens and 23-year old minor league RF David Villatoro to the San Francisco Giants, getting 23-year old RHP Steve Robinson in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 35-year old LF Corbin Carroll to the Colorado Rockies, getting 26-year old RHP Kurt Konzen and 19-year old minor league LF Guadalupe Medina in return.
Wednesday, November 14th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: Signed SP Tim Wilson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,160,000.
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 25-year old RHP Kevin Bryan Murphy to the Minnesota Twins, getting 24-year old minor league 1B Mike Fox and 20-year old minor league 1B Will Saggers in return.
The Philadelphia Phillies traded 27-year old 1B Gilberto Carrillo to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 25-year old RHP Zyaire Litzsey and 23-year old minor league RF Alejandro Flores in return.
Tuesday, November 13th , 2035
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 26-year old RF Ken O'Loughlin to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 26-year old 1B Ken Munden in return.
Monday, November 12th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: Signed C Eric Windel to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,640,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed SS Ernesto Cordero to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,780,000.
The San Diego Padres traded 28-year old RF Joe Harmon and 20-year old minor league RHP Dan Epperson to the Washington Nationals, getting 27-year old RF Dave Goumas in return.
Sunday, November 11th , 2035
Los Angeles Angels: Signed SP Aires Machadinho to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,200,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed CL Arturo Castillo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,100,000.
The New York Yankees traded 23-year old minor league RF Bob Hardge, 21-year old minor league 2B Dan McCoy, 21-year old minor league CF Danny Shultz, and 20-year old minor league RF Juan Guerrero to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 28-year old 1B Andres Mendoza in return.
The San Francisco Giants traded 28-year old SS Alex Harrington to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 28-year old RHP Steve Carlson and 23-year old minor league 3B Arturo Plata in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 26-year old LHP Luis Ramirez to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 24-year old minor league 1B Dan Russell in return.
Saturday, November 10th , 2035
San Francisco Giants: Signed SP Jimmy Gillean to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,160,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed RP Juan Medina to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,680,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed LF Jeff Dost to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,640,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed LF Luis Gotay to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,560,000.
New York Mets: Signed CL Joe Rohloff to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,640,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 27-year old LHP Oristel Handl to the San Diego Padres, getting 23-year old minor league 1B David Alvizures in return.
Friday, November 9th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: Signed CF Homer Bush Jr. to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,660,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed RP Cole Schoenwetter to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,460,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP Franklin Gomez to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,440,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed 3B Ramiro Cervantes to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,680,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed SP Joe Houck to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,560,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed CL Mitch Glass to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,160,000.
Kansas City Royals: Signed RP Jon Holtz to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,350,000.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 29-year old RHP Joshua Whritenour to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 24-year old minor league LF Mike Segurin return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 27-year old 1B Dameyune Land to the San Diego Padres, getting 23-year old C Chris Burke and 24-year old minor league RF David Ibarra in return.
Thursday, November 8th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: Signed SP Minjae Seo to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $49,100,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed SP Mike Crawford to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $46,200,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed 2B Chris Ryder to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $126,700,000.
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed RF Josh Hays to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $130,460,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed SP Timothy Theophanous to a 6-year contract extension worth a total of $139,200,000.
New York Mets: Signed C Jaheem Wineglass to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $120,620,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed SP Chris Mueller to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $37,400,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed SP Dave van der Molen to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $119,000,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed SP Amari Ravenell to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $22,060,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed 1B Juan Ramon to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $280,500,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 26-year old RHP Zach Eckloff to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 23-year old minor league 3B Mike Schaidt in return.
The Arizona Diamondbacks traded 29-year old 3B Danny Vaughan to the Chicago Cubs, getting 19-year old minor league 2B Mike Shepherd and 24-year old minor league RHP Alexis del Valle in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 27-year old RHP Andy Cervantes to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 16-year old minor league RF Alejandro Turciosin return.
Wednesday, November 7th , 2035
The Minnesota Twins traded 30-year old 2B Yoeilin Cespedes and 22-year old minor league RHP Gilberto Rojas to the Texas Rangers, getting 27-year old 1B Steve Morris in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 28-year old RHP Jared Caudillo to the Seattle Mariners, getting 24-year old minor league 3B Howie Wirth in return.
Tuesday, November 6th , 2035
The Atlanta Braves traded 29-year old RHP Joel DiPaola to the Washington Nationals, getting 24-year old SS Joel Willingham in return.
Monday, November 5th , 2035
The New York Yankees traded 26-year old 3B Dylan Espana to the Washington Nationals, getting 29-year old RHP Edgar Briones and 24-year old CF Dylan Dietz in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 26-year old LF Luis Menchaca and 21-year old minor league 3B Amari Hoskie to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 30-year old SS Bryce Rainer in return.
Sunday, November 4th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: C Kevin Bazzell has executed his contract year option.
Atlanta Braves: Voided the team option year(s) of SP Gavin Williams for a buyout of $7,500,000.
Miami Marlins: 3B Elly De La Cruz has executed his contract year option.
New York Mets: SP Ricky Tiedemann has decided not to opt out of the remaining portion of his contract.
Colorado Rockies: 1B Gavin Grahovac declines his contract option.

Injuries

Thursday, November 29th , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: SP Arturo Quintero diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Saturday, November 24th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Frank Marcial diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 3 months.
Monday, November 19th , 2035
Seattle Mariners: Emmanuel Clase has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 15 months.
Sunday, November 18th , 2035
New York Yankees: SP Juan Arcos diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 12 months.
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Nelson Armendariz diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 4 months.
Friday, November 16th , 2035
New York Yankees: SP Wilson Cigala diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 11-12 months.
Tuesday, November 13th , 2035
Colorado Rockies: SP Gerry Naismith diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 5 months.
Sunday, November 11th , 2035
Cincinnati Reds: SP Edgar Viamontes diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 3 months.
Sunday, November 4th , 2035
Detroit Tigers: SP Juan Bustos diagnosed with a ruptured finger tendon, will miss 3-4 months.
Saturday, November 3rd , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Luis Alfaro diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 9 months.

[benp28]

[benp28]

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:

Humberto Bustillos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Humberto Bustillos hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has plus power potential and has shown an advanced approach at the plate. He should be able to provide above average defense as a shortstop. 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 Bustillos to fill a key role for a contending team in the big leagues.

Andres Raygoza, 17 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Andres Raygoza is a long, lean athletic second baseman who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He's skilled at going the other way and possesses a strong hit tool. He has game changing speed. Raygoza is a reliable hitter in the organization's grand scheme.

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:
Sergio Rivera, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Juan Parra, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Medrano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Nelson Montemayor, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Arturo Navas, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Brendon Rigbye, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Daniel Soto, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Ismael Villafane, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic

Development Lab Results

Jimmy Goodman 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.

Billy Mumaugh 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

Alex Duke 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

Rule 5 Draft

The crunch of major league capable players at the top of the Royals farm is real now with a busy run up the Rule 5 Draft. Several players with Big League experience were exposed to waivers in order to add some higher upside players.

The biggest departure was Eric Cook, two year relief pitcher who had to make way for younger, higher upside arms. The core trade was simply Cook for Skyler Van der Linden, a RHP with four average pitches and the ability to reach the big leagues if everything goes right for him. In discussions, the Royals and Astros decided to swap 2034 draft pitchers, the Astros giving up their 3rd round B.J. Heaton for the Royals 2nd round Erik Omelanczuk. A groundball pitcher, Heaton more closely aligns with the Royals strategy, with four pitches to combine with above average stuff and control.

On the day of the draft, the Royals chose to add outfield Joe Wallace to the 40-man, putting Ismael Conston onto waivers.

Even then, the Royals lost seven players, the biggest losses being SP Brad Harrington and C Jorge Lona, although neither were likely to have cracked the roster in 2036.

Friday, December 14th , 2035
2B Dan Colligan was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
SS Alejandro Estrada was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
RF Albert Stefanov Thomas was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
RP D'Mani Hamble was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Placed SP Ethan Chafin on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed 3B Juan Moreno on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed 3B David Estrada on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed SS Marquis Foggie on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed RP Jesus Sandoval on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed C Ajinkya Corley on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed CL Ben Alvarado on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Traded 28-year old RHP Eric Cook and 21-year old minor league RHP Erik Omelanczuk to the Houston Astros, getting 22-year old minor league RHP Skyler Van der Linden, 20-year old minor league LHP B.J. Heaton, and $5,000,000 in cash in return.
Monday, December 24th , 2035
RP Ismael Conston was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Placed LF Joe Wallace on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Lost C Silas Ardoin in the Rule 5 Draft to the Seattle Mariners.
Lost RF Edward Lantigua in the Rule 5 Draft to the Cleveland Guardians.
Lost C Jorge Lona in the Rule 5 Draft to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Lost SP Jesus Mayor in the Rule 5 Draft to the Boston Red Sox.
Lost CF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart in the Rule 5 Draft to the Detroit Tigers.
Lost SP Juan Bautista in the Rule 5 Draft to the Texas Rangers.
Lost SP Brad Harrington in the Rule 5 Draft to the Texas Rangers.

Trades & Free Agents

The cost of the Rule 5 Draft continued three days afterwards as Detroit picked up Ismael Conston.

Thursday, December 27th , 2035
RP Ismael Conston was claimed off waivers by Detroit.

Saturday, December 29th , 2035
Our fans aren't really happy about the loss of Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The overall fan interest decreases slightly.

Sunday, December 30th , 2035
The reactions by the fans to the loss of Connor Phillips are terrible!
The overall fan interest decreases a lot!

Around the League

Transactions

Monday, December 31st , 2035
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent LF Julio Rodriguez to a 2-year contract worth a total of $16,200,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RF Daylen Lile to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
New York Mets: Signed free agent SP Jose Corniell to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,400,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent SP Chase Burns to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent SP Steve Carlson to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,840,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent C Jonathan Gerew to a 4-year contract worth a total of $41,800,000.
Chicago Cubs: LF Owen Caissie was designated for assignment and placed on waivers (from active).
Sunday, December 30th , 2035
New York Mets: Signed free agent SP Connor Phillips to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,400,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Bobby Miller to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,400,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent SP Folger Boaz to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,060,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent 2B Joendry Vargas to a 3-year contract worth a total of $20,100,000.
Saturday, December 29th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Blake Walston to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,520,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent SP DL Hall to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,500,000.
New York Mets: Signed free agent SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,980,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent SP Gavin Williams to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,480,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent 1B Hunter Owen to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,140,000.
Friday, December 28th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent SP Josh Hartle to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,120,000.
Thursday, December 27th , 2035
Houston Astros: Signed free agent SP Zion Theophilus to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,940,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent SP Chris Kenworthy to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,380,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RP Mike Bowe to a 1-year contract worth a total of $12,300,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent SP Josh Carpenter to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,340,000.
The San Francisco Giants traded 20-year old minor league 3B Sam Freitag to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 33-year old LF Luis Matos (retaining 80%) and $2,280,000 in cash in return.
Wednesday, December 26th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Raimon Gomez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,480,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent RF Caleb Danzeisen to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,860,000.
Tuesday, December 25th , 2035
The San Antonio Avalanche traded 25-year old CF Jesus Anaya to the Atlanta Braves, getting 26-year old RF Fidel Vargas in return.
Monday, December 24th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent CF Michael Siani to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,360,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 32-year old RF Cam Cannarella (retaining 80%) and $2,060,000 in cash to the Chicago White Sox, getting 20-year old minor league C Jesus Mundo and 24-year old minor league RHP Mike Banner in return.
The Detroit Tigers traded 30-year old SS Rafael Ramirez Jr. to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 20-year old minor league RHP Steve Carder in return.
Cincinnati Reds: Drafted RP Tommy Estridge in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 1, 1st overall Pick) from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted LF Danny Stellato in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 4, 4th overall Pick) from the Minnesota Twins.
Boston Red Sox: Drafted SP Frank Mena in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 6, 6th overall Pick) from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Drafted LF Jim Jenkins in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 7, 7th overall Pick) from the Seattle Mariners.
Cleveland Guardians: Drafted RF Edward Lantigua in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 10, 10th overall Pick) from the Kansas City Royals.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Drafted SP Mike Moore in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 11, 11th overall Pick) from the Seattle Mariners.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Drafted SP Kevin Moore in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 13, 13th overall Pick) from the San Antonio Avalanche.
Texas Rangers: Drafted RP Juan Corona in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 18, 18th overall Pick) from the Milwaukee Brewers.
St. Louis Cardinals: Drafted C Jorge Lona in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 21, 21st overall Pick) from the Kansas City Royals.
Colorado Rockies: Drafted SS Eric Miller in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 23, 23rd overall Pick) from the Washington Nationals.
New York Mets: Drafted RP Nelson Luna in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 1, Pick 28, 28th overall Pick) from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted SS Ian Bridgeford in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 2, Pick 4, 34th overall Pick) from the Washington Nationals.
Boston Red Sox: Drafted RP Jared Caudillo in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 2, Pick 6, 36th overall Pick) from the Seattle Mariners.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Drafted RP Chris Grandson in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 2, Pick 13, 43rd overall Pick) from the Los Angeles Angels.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted 1B Art Kaufman in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 4, 64th overall Pick) from the Los Angeles Angels.
Boston Red Sox: Drafted RP Jesus Mayor in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 6, 66th overall Pick) from the Kansas City Royals.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Drafted RP Shemar Voltaire in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 7, 67th overall Pick) from the Baltimore Orioles.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Drafted RP Sean Theobald in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 3, Pick 13, 73rd overall Pick) from the Minnesota Twins.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted RP Phil Riley in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 4, Pick 4, 94th overall Pick) from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Boston Red Sox: Drafted RP Jared Rumer in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 4, Pick 6, 96th overall Pick) from the Seattle Mariners.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted RP Jeff Schever in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 5, Pick 4, 124th overall Pick) from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Boston Red Sox: Drafted RP Chase Preudhomme in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 5, Pick 6, 126th overall Pick) from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted CF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 6, Pick 4, 154th overall Pick) from the Kansas City Royals.
Boston Red Sox: Drafted SP Jaquan Flugence in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 6, Pick 6, 156th overall Pick) from the New York Yankees.
Texas Rangers: Drafted RP Juan Bautista in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 6, Pick 18, 168th overall Pick) from the Kansas City Royals.
Detroit Tigers: Drafted RP David Ocampo in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 7, Pick 4, 184th overall Pick) from the Los Angeles Angels.
Texas Rangers: Drafted RP Dane Thames in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 7, Pick 18, 198th overall Pick) from the Baltimore Orioles.
Texas Rangers: Drafted RP Brad Harrington in the 2035 Rule 5 Draft (Round 8, Pick 18, 228th overall Pick) from the Kansas City Royals.
Friday, December 21st , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Tanner McDougal to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
Thursday, December 20th , 2035
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RF T.J. White to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,720,000.
Wednesday, December 19th , 2035
Chicago White Sox: Signed free agent SP Jesus Escobedo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $930,000.
Tuesday, December 18th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent RP Tyson Neighbors to a 2-year contract worth a total of $2,720,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 23-year old minor league LHP Juan Paz, 24-year old minor league 1B Andres Castaneda, and 24-year old minor league RF Mike Ortego to the Texas Rangers, getting 32-year old RHP Chase Petty in return.
The Detroit Tigers traded 29-year old 2B Flint Pallard and $2,780,000 in cash to the Chicago White Sox, getting 23-year old SS David Rojas in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 35-year old RHP Haruya Taniguchi to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 22-year old minor league CF Eddie Stowe, 17-year old minor league RF Eddy Alfaro, 22-year old minor league 1B Juan Garza, and 24-year old minor league LF Bob Childress in return.
The Detroit Tigers traded 26-year old LHP Jorge Salazar and $700,000 in cash to the Minnesota Twins, getting 18-year old minor league C Edgar Sosaand 22-year old minor league 3B Paxton Romanov in return.
Monday, December 17th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SP Eric Segura to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,100,000.
Sunday, December 16th , 2035
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent LF J.J. Wetherholt to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,960,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent C Edgar Quero to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,280,000.
Saturday, December 15th , 2035
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent 2B Cole Young to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,000,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SP Mason Albright to a 5-year contract worth a total of $74,800,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed free agent RF Danny Beeman to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,840,000.
Friday, December 14th , 2035
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed free agent 1B Juan Soto to a 2-year contract worth a total of $45,800,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent CF Druw Jones to a 6-year contract worth a total of $81,600,000.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 29-year old RHP Josh Manly to the Texas Rangers, getting 26-year old 1B Adan Hadley and 23-year old minor league LF Gregorio Mauricio in return.
Thursday, December 13th , 2035
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent C Logan O'Hoppe to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,840,000.
Wednesday, December 12th , 2035
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 28-year old CF Ismael Garza to the Houston Astros, getting 26-year old LHP Cauy Maring and 20-year old minor league 2B Chris Patton in return.
Monday, December 10th , 2035
The Miami Marlins traded 26-year old LHP Chris Reed to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 19-year old minor league LHP Sergio Aponte, 23-year old minor league 1B Luis Delgado, 23-year old minor league LF Julio Trevino, 19-year old minor league SS Daniel Morales, 21-year old minor league LF Jim Griffis, and 22-year old minor league RHP Sam Westman in return.
Saturday, December 8th , 2035
The Atlanta Braves traded 25-year old LHP Tommy Rodis to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 24-year old LF David Flores and 20-year old minor league LHP Alvin Brennan in return.
Friday, December 7th , 2035
Baltimore Orioles: Signed free agent SP Andrew Healy to a 2-year contract worth a total of $3,000,000.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 27-year old 1B Sergio Perales and 24-year old minor league RHP David Romero to the Colorado Rockies, getting 19-year old minor league RHP Shamar Kallon in return.
Thursday, December 6th , 2035
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent SP Cole Wilcox to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,160,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent 2B Grady Emerson to a 8-year contract worth a total of $270,900,000.
The Colorado Rockies traded 17-year old minor league LF Vicente Gallego, 22-year old minor league C Luis Tafoya, and 23-year old RHP Vincent Pulido to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 36-year old 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand (retaining 70%) and $800,000 in cash in return.
The Houston Astros traded 20-year old minor league 2B Alan Wolak, 22-year old minor league RHP Juan Morales, and 24-year old LHP Caleb Kuhlman to the Minnesota Twins, getting 27-year old RHP Jeff Sparks (retaining 20%) and $900,000 in cash in return.
Wednesday, December 5th , 2035
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent RF Max Clark to a 7-year contract worth a total of $177,000,000.
The Washington Nationals traded 19-year old minor league RHP Vincent Benito and 22-year old minor league RHP Rodolfo Molina to the Seattle Mariners, getting 34-year old LHP Mason Fluharty (retaining 80%) and $1,730,000 in cash in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 23-year old minor league LF Flint Beaubien and 21-year old minor league RF Alfredo Guitierez to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 31-year old RHP Louis Rodriguez in return.
Tuesday, December 4th , 2035
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent 3B Ju-chan Bae to a 5-year contract worth a total of $102,000,000.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 20-year old minor league LHP Jeremy Borden to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 32-year old LHP Garrett Horn in return.
The New York Mets traded 21-year old minor league LHP Joe Goodall and 24-year old minor league LHP Luis Caballero to the Seattle Mariners, getting 30-year old LF Josue De Paula in return.
Monday, December 3rd , 2035
The Los Angeles Angels traded 35-year old RHP Hayden Juenger (retaining 80%) and $4,880,000 in cash to the New York Yankees, getting 20-year old minor league LHP Sergio Morales in return.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 24-year old 2B Juan Espinosa, 24-year old minor league C Hank Schultz, and 23-year old minor league SS Jhonnatan Murphy to the Detroit Tigers, getting 35-year old LF Riley Greene (retaining 50%) and $1,420,000 in cash in return.
Sunday, December 2nd , 2035
Chicago Cubs: Signed CF Pete Crow-Armstrong to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $116,000,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed free agent RF Shamel Drummer to a 2-year contract worth a total of $1,890,000.

Injuries

Monday, December 31st , 2035
Milwaukee Brewers: SP David Rojas diagnosed with a damaged elbow ligament, will miss 14 months.
Friday, December 14th , 2035
Seattle Mariners: SP Nelson Crespo diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 12 months.
Tuesday, December 4th , 2035
San Antonio Avalanche: SP Luis Salas diagnosed with a fractured elbow, will miss 6-7 months.
Saturday, December 1st , 2035
San Diego Padres: RF Eric Young was injured while playing basketball. The Diagnosis: torn posterior cruciate ligament (knee). He's expected to miss about 10 months.

[benp28]

[benp28]

Finance

Owner John Sherman was happy with the levels of spending over the first half of the offseason and made no changes to the budget.

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:

Juan Parra, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Parra hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has tremendous power potential. He has a quick bat that handles most fastballs, but off-speed stuff can challenge him. Expect a batting average around .290. He may not be an elite defensive second baseman, but he's solidly above average. It's early and Parra is young, but his development prospect as a future second baseman looks extremely promising.

Sergio Rivera, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, Sergio Rivera hails from Carúpano, Venezuela. He has plus-plus contact ability and a very smooth swing allows him to hit for average. He has decent power now and has the chance to have above average power in the future. His pure speed grades out as above average. Rivera looks like a potential regular in a key role at the big league level.

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:
Humberto Bustillos, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Jorge Medrano, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Brendon Rigbye, 16 year-old SS out of Australia
Daniel Soto, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Ismael Villafane, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Andres Raygoza, 17 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Nelson Montemayor, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Arturo Navas, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic

Having reviewed the reports from Cowan over the winter, it was Juan Parra that the Royals targeted, a $4m signing bonus enough to secure his place in the International Complex.



Humberto Bustillos was their second choice but wouldn’t accept the $1.2m offered so priorities moved to Jorge Medrano who was more amenable to that figure and signed with the Royals for a two-player international amateur class. Medrano is an average 2B defender, with poor speed but potential for a plus plus contact to go with average power.



Development Lab

Tim Storer 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.
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.
Sam Hart 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.

Trades & Free Agents

Wednesday, January 16th , 2036
Received former Rule 5 draft pick RF Edward Lantigua from the Cleveland Guardians.
Monday, January 28th , 2036
Received former Rule 5 draft pick C Silas Ardoin from the Seattle Mariners.

Around the League

Transactions

Tuesday, January 29th , 2036
New York Mets: Signed free agent 2B Jordan Lawlar to a 5-year contract worth a total of $175,000,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent RP Josh Roberts to a 1-year contract worth a total of $19,400,000.
Friday, January 25th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent 1B Gavin Grahovac to a 4-year contract worth a total of $110,600,000.
Thursday, January 24th , 2036
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Julian Aguiar to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,360,000.
Tuesday, January 22nd , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent 3B Thomas Saggese to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,300,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed free agent RP Logan Lunceford to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,240,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent RP Keiran Cousins to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,420,000.
Friday, January 18th , 2036
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent RP Chan-koo Kim to a 3-year contract worth a total of $50,400,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent RF Tim Nicosia to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,300,000.
Wednesday, January 16th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RP Brusdar Graterol to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,620,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent RP Camilo Doval to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,380,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RP Nick Robertson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,240,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed free agent 1B Luis Garcia to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,360,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent 2B Andres Gimenez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $5,900,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Prelander Berroa to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,380,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RP Alex McFarlane to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,240,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Gregory Santos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,280,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent RP Woo-suk Go to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Luke Little to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,460,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Ronan Kopp to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,280,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RP Chase Lee to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,240,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed free agent RP Tyler Dean to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,060,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed free agent 1B Jon Bittorf to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,540,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RP Jeff Pavone to a 1-year contract worth a total of $780,000.
Tuesday, January 15th , 2036
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent RP Justin Steele to a 1-year contract worth a total of $5,000,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed free agent RP Nathan Lavender to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed free agent SP Cole Henry to a 1-year contract worth a total of $740,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed free agent SP Tekoah Roby to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,560,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed free agent RF Xavier Isaac to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,140,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SP Ryan Reich to a 1-year contract worth a total of $7,300,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent RP Ryan Loutos to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,480,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed free agent RP David Morales to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,800,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent CL Luis Bravo to a 3-year contract worth a total of $7,040,000.
Monday, January 14th , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent RP Cole Paplham to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,140,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Josh Hammond to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.
Saturday, January 12th , 2036
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SS Jefferson Rojas to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,580,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent RP Arturo Iniguez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $810,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent RP Frank Caraballo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,320,000.
Friday, January 11th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Wikelman Gonzalez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,380,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent RP Sheng Chi Hancock to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,040,000.
The Seattle Mariners traded 30-year old RHP Art Burnett (retaining 45%) and $670,000 in cash to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 23-year old LF Jamie Mathews, 24-year old 1B Jorge Resendez, and 16-year old minor league C Gilberto Ibarra in return.
The San Antonio Avalanche traded 32-year old 2B Nacho Alvarez Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 20-year old minor league 2B Thaniel Breyand 24-year old minor league LHP Dave Heistand in return.
Thursday, January 10th , 2036
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 20-year old minor league CF Mike Lowe, 22-year old minor league RHP Onfrio Taschini, and 20-year old minor league RHP Nate McFadden to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 27-year old 2B Jesus Veliz in return.
Wednesday, January 9th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent SP Thomas White to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,320,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed free agent RF Luis Baez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,960,000.
Tuesday, January 8th , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed free agent RP Chris Botchway to a 3-year contract worth a total of $4,220,000.
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 28-year old RHP Nick Bradley to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 24-year old SS Gwang-woo Kim in return.
Monday, January 7th , 2036
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed free agent 2B Kyren Paris to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,560,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed free agent 1B Graham Pauley to a 1-year contract worth a total of $7,700,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Cade Kuehler to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,080,000.
Sunday, January 6th , 2036
Cincinnati Reds: Signed free agent RF Zac Veen to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,240,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed free agent CF Emmanuel Rodriguez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,120,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent SS Marcelo Mayer to a 4-year contract worth a total of $50,000,000.
Houston Astros: Signed free agent RP Luis Valdez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $960,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent RP David Hagaman to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,220,000.
The Atlanta Braves traded 25-year old RHP Steve Hudson to the New York Yankees, getting 22-year old LF Sergio Salas, 20-year old minor league LHP Makai Contee, 19-year old minor league 1B Alejandro Marez, and 22-year old minor league 1B Edgar Ramirez in return.
Saturday, January 5th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent RP Franco Aleman to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,520,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed free agent SS Royce Lewis to a 1-year contract worth a total of $7,300,000.
Friday, January 4th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: Signed free agent 3B Jett Williams to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,500,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed free agent 3B Wilfredo Lara to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,640,000.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 27-year old 1B Aroghetto Paluari to the Houston Astros, getting 25-year old LF Steve Metzger in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 35-year old RHP Drew Thorpe to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 20-year old minor league 3B Gilberto Lujan in return.
Tuesday, January 1st , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent SS Ezequiel Tovar to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,540,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent C Endy Rodriguez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $7,500,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Landon Harmon to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,020,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP David Molina to a 1-year contract worth a total of $740,000.

Hall of Fame

Two first year balloters were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2036 as Mike Trout and Jose Altuve both heard their names called with over 90% of the vote. Trout appeared on 99.2%, just sort of the magical unanimous decision (only Justin Verlander, 2030, joining Mariano Rivera in that achievement so far) but still 5th all time in the share of the vote.

Four more players were on more than half the ballots, with KC’s Salvador Perez (51.1%, 4th year) on that list.

[benp28]

Development Lab

David Estrada has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at third base. It was ugly, and that may even be an understatement.
Greg Alford has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at left field. It was bad, real bad.
Joey Vessels has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at center field.
• No noticeable changes.

Drew Burress 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.
Enny Van Dyke 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.
Chris Arington has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his pitch control.
Rogelio Camacho 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.
• No noticeable changes.

Ethan Chafin 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

Jeremy Rogerson has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his strength and conditioning.
• Proneness improves from Somewhat Fragile to Somewhat Normal
• Potential power rating improves by <5

Juan Moreno 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 15

Chase Standberry 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.
• Potential babip rating improves by <5
• Current babip rating improves by <5

Eric McDonald 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.
• Potential babip rating improves by <5
• Current babip rating improves by <5

Preseason & Spring Training

The Royals had a good preseason and start to Spring Training with the usual opportunities for all relievers with no allocations and players learning new positions on the diamond. This year there are several bullpen places up for grabs so every inning is a chance for players to stake a claim for a place.

Transactions & Injuries

Tuesday, February 5th , 2036
RP Robby Denton was claimed off waivers from Detroit.
Monday, February 18th , 2036
C Sam Hart was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: intercostal strain. He's expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Wednesday, February 20th , 2036
RP Chris Wagner was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 days.
Monday, February 25th , 2036
CF Danny Rose was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sprained knee. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 3 days.

Robby Denton was signed off waivers to boost the bullpen options with the plus plus stuff and average control an exciting combination despite the below average movement.

A few injuries hit the Royals and any injury, even day to day saw the player sent to the injury list with time still ahead of the season.

Around the League

Transactions

Saturday, February 23rd , 2036
New York Yankees: Signed 2B Andres Mendoza to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $82,400,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed free agent SP Jared Caudillo to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,520,000.
Friday, February 22nd , 2036
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RP Cole Wilcox to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,520,000.
Wednesday, February 20th , 2036
Texas Rangers: Signed SP Josh Manly to a 6-year contract extension worth a total of $203,000,000.
Saturday, February 16th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: Signed free agent RP Cole Henry to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,220,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent SS Colt Emerson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,920,000.
Friday, February 15th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: Signed free agent SP Steven Echavarria to a 1-year contract worth a total of $970,000.
Friday, February 8th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: Signed free agent RP Jim Kelley to a 3-year contract worth a total of $85,200,000.
Thursday, February 7th , 2036
Seattle Mariners: Signed free agent C Jose Medina to a 3-year contract worth a total of $21,000,000.
Tuesday, February 5th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: Signed free agent 1B Juan Aguirre to a 1-year contract worth a total of $770,000.
Saturday, February 2nd , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed free agent SP Eric Hamilton to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,200,000.

Injuries

Friday, February 29th , 2036
Minnesota Twins: RF Luis Baez diagnosed with a sprained wrist, will miss 5 weeks.
Thursday, February 28th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: RP Joel Diaz diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, it's a career-ending injury.
Wednesday, February 27th , 2036
Houston Astros: SP Jeff Sparks was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore shoulder. He's expected to miss about 7-8 weeks.
Monday, February 25th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: RP Nicanor Berns diagnosed with an elbow strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Baltimore Orioles: RP Harry X McDaniel diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, February 24th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: RP Matt Scott diagnosed with a strained biceps, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Los Angeles Dodgers: RP Daniel Ramirez diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 11 months.
San Francisco Giants: RP Ken Maus diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 5-6 months.
Saturday, February 23rd , 2036
San Francisco Giants: RP Justin Steele diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 9 months.
Friday, February 22nd , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Chase Dollander diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 6 months.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RF Caleb Danzeisen diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb, will miss 5 weeks.
San Diego Padres: C Luis Flores diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 6 weeks.
Milwaukee Brewers: RP Eric Keen diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 8 months.
Thursday, February 21st , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: RP Sem Robberse diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 11-12 months.
Cleveland Guardians: 2B Joe Faust diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 5 weeks.
Arizona Diamondbacks: LF Luis Camacho diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 6 weeks.
Tuesday, February 19th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RP Franco Aleman diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 3 months.
New York Mets: RP Bryan Woo diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 6 weeks.
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Greg Haron diagnosed with a forearm strain, will miss 3 months.
Cincinnati Reds: CF Gavin Turley was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Monday, February 18th , 2036
Cincinnati Reds: CF Daylen Lile diagnosed with a strained rib cage muscle, will miss 4 weeks.
Detroit Tigers: RP Lamonte Wine was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Sunday, February 17th , 2036
San Francisco Giants: RP Andres Salgado was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: ulnar nerve entrapment. He's expected to miss about 3 months.
Thursday, February 14th , 2036
Pittsburgh Pirates: LF Chase Bethea was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Sunday, February 10th , 2036
San Diego Padres: Josh Dering has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3 months.

[benp28]

Development Lab

Jimmy Goodman has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.
• Leg proneness increases from Somewhat Durable to Normal Bordering on Durable

Marquis Foggie 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. Don't get me wrong, he plays a difficult position, but he somehow managed to make it look even harder.
• No noticeable changes.

David Estrada has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.
• Leg proneness increases from Normal to Somewhat Normal

Greg Alford has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals. This was a very poor training session for Greg Alford.
• Leg proneness increases from Somewhat Durable to Normal Bordering on Durable

Eric Rose 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.
• No noticeable changes.

Alex Duke has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.
Edgar Mir has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.
Alan Klingsberg has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.
• Stealing improves by 5
• Stealing aggressiveness improves by <5

Danny Rose has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his base-stealing technique.
• Stealing improves by <5
• Stealing aggressiveness improves by <5

Billy Mumaugh has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
• Baserunning rating improves by 5

Juan Moreno has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
Chase Standberry has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his baserunning fundamentals.
• Baserunning rating improves by <5

Spring Training

The Royals once again lead the AL Central in Spring Training with a 16-8 record.

Transactions & Injuries

Friday, March 7th , 2036
Placed RP Chris Wagner on the active roster.
Wednesday, March 12th , 2036
Placed C Sam Hart on the active roster.
Thursday, March 13th , 2036
Received former Rule 5 draft pick SP Jesus Mayor from the Boston Red Sox.
Thursday, March 13th , 2036
RP Jesus Sandoval was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, March 15th , 2036
RP Jesus Sandoval diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 3-4 weeks.

A quiet second half to Spring Training as the Royals received one Jesus (Mayor, lost in the Rule 5 Draft) and lost one to injury for the start of the year (Sandoval, strained rotator cuff).

Around the League

Transactions

Tuesday, March 18th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent RP Jhoan Duran to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,440,000.
Sunday, March 16th , 2036
The Miami Marlins traded 24-year old minor league LF Abhikhyana Thandray and 22-year old minor league RHP Jeremy Jennings to the New York Yankees, getting 26-year old minor league C Kevin Solomon in return.
Friday, March 14th , 2036
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 23-year old minor league RHP Eric Magaw and 22-year old minor league LHP Marc Oliver to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 28-year old minor league C Curt Counterman in return.

Injuries

Wednesday, March 19th , 2036
Detroit Tigers: RP Ismael Conston was injured in a road rage incident after a car accident. The Diagnosis: fractured eye socket. He's expected to miss about 12 months.
Tuesday, March 18th , 2036
San Antonio Avalanche: 2B Chris Watson diagnosed with an intercostal strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Monday, March 17th , 2036
Miami Marlins: 3B Alejandro Artola diagnosed with a ruptured medial collateral ligament, will miss 9 months.
Sunday, March 16th , 2036
Cincinnati Reds: RP Josh Edwards diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Saturday, March 15th , 2036
Minnesota Twins: RP Brent Headrick diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 8 weeks.
Kansas City Royals: RP Jesus Sandoval diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 3-4 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Joe Niehaus was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: rotator cuff inflammation. He's expected to miss about 2-3 months.
Friday, March 14th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RP David Molina diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 6-7 months.
Thursday, March 13th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: RP Victor Mederos diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 10 months.
Monday, March 10th , 2036
Minnesota Twins: RP Andres Meza diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 14 months.
Sunday, March 9th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: LF Rocky Simmons was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Saturday, March 8th , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Marquis Rocquemore diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 7 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Luis Peralta was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Thursday, March 6th , 2036
Texas Rangers: LF Evan Carter diagnosed with a strained back muscle, will miss 3-4 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: 1B Chris Gaber was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: shoulder inflammation. He's expected to miss about 3 months.
Wednesday, March 5th , 2036
Houston Astros: 2B TJ Pompey diagnosed with a knee sprain, will miss 6 weeks.
Tuesday, March 4th , 2036
San Diego Padres: LF Nate Quinn diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Chicago Cubs: SP Chris King diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 8 months.
Sunday, March 2nd , 2036
Houston Astros: RP Tim Watson diagnosed with a sore shoulder, will miss 5 weeks.
Saturday, March 1st , 2036
Cincinnati Reds: RP Ronan Kopp diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 6 weeks.
Seattle Mariners: RP Matt Brash was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks. 

[benp28]

Major League Predictions



The Royals are once again predicted to be best in the American League, a crown that weighed heavily on the team last year. The best guess of the experts gives the Royals a 17-game cushion over the White Sox with a highest in baseball 917 runs as part of a +242 run differential

Curt Bogans is listed third on the pitchers’ performance list, 214 K predicted in 187 IP. Edgar Mir and Mike Hoffer both join Bogans on the top players list.



The Mets (105-57) are the only other 100-win team predicted in baseball, comfortably ahead of next best in the National League, the SF Giants with 91 wins.

Opening Day Lineup



There was little turnover in the hitting department for the Royals heading into 2036 as Juan Morena is the only new face, earning the 1B starting spot ahead of Bobby Witt Jr., who moves to an infield back up role. Eric Rose, therefore, starts the year in AAA, with Rogelio in the same position as his contact rating has failed to improve enough to make a roster spot viable.

In the outfield the same first choice five start, with Tim Spears sent back to AAA and Danny Rose risked in waivers.

Opening Day Roster Transactions

Wednesday, March 19th , 2036
Optioned C Haden Bursey to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned C Ajinkya Corley to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 1B Rogelio Camacho to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B David Estrada to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned SS Marquis Foggie to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Eric Rose to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned LF Tim Spears to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned LF Joe Wallace to Triple A Omaha.
CF Danny Rose was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.

Opening Day Pitching Battery



It is the same starting rotation for the Royals as finished the 2035 season but the bullpen sees some changes. Brad Demarest (2029 4th Round) moves into a setup role having won the Outstanding Pitcher of the Year Award in AAA in last year, with the AAA Reliever of the Year Mike Halpin (2018 19th Round) joining him in the ‘pen, in a middle relief role. Phil Farmer (2033 Trade WAS) is the third pitcher promoted from AAA last year while waiver wire pick up Robby Denton makes the team.

Opening Day Roster Transactions

Wednesday, March 19th , 2036
Optioned SP Ethan Chafin to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CL Ben Alvarado to Triple A Omaha.

[benp28]

Kansas City Prospects

Juan Moreno (2030 International Amateur) is the star of the show as he graduates to the Big Leagues, but off season acquisition David Estrada isn’t far behind at 18. Ethan Chafin (2033 Trade WAS) is the Royals top rated pitching prospect and will likely appear for the Royals this year, which is true for Joe Wallace (2031 Trade SEA).



Major League Top 20 Prospects

Five of the top twenty prospects are starting the season in MLB, highlighted by the numbers three and four at the Giants and Avalanche respectively. There are a further three player starting in AAA, making this a potentially elite rookie year in baseball.



MLB Farm Rankings

The Royals reloaded over the offseason and are back up to the 6th ranked Farm System in baseball with four Top 100 players and will look to add to that in the draft.

[benp28]

Kansas City Results



A strong start to the season as the Royals sweep a home series against the Twins, outscoring them 16-8, Chris Wagner recording 3 saves.

Around the League

Transactions

Friday, March 21st , 2036
The San Antonio Avalanche traded 20-year old minor league CF Chase Cashaw and 22-year old minor league 1B David Constancio to the New York Yankees, getting 30-year old minor league C Pat Bruggeman in return.
The Miami Marlins traded 16-year old minor league C Luis Maldonado and 18-year old minor league RHP Jesus Guerrero to the Detroit Tigers, getting 31-year old minor league 3B Aidan Miller in return.

Injuries

Monday, March 31st , 2036
Pittsburgh Pirates: SS Gwang-woo Kim diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 4 weeks.
Sunday, March 30th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: RP Chase Petty diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 8 weeks.
Milwaukee Brewers: RF Mike Wills diagnosed with a torn hamstring, will miss 4 weeks.

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The Royals (23-8) have the best record in baseball and lead the AL Central by 6 games. The Mariners (21-9) are hot on their heels while the Orioles (18-11) have also had a strong first month of the season.

In the National League, the Giants (19-11) lead the West while it is tight in the East between the Braves (18-12) and the Marlins (18-13), and the Central is led by a mediocre 16-15 Pirates.



Kansas City Results

A 20-8 month is the best month by the Royals in some time. They did lose three series, all three dropped 2-1 on the road, to the Mets, the White Sox, and the Tigers respectively, with the New York and Chicago defeats involving extra-inning losses in the third game of the series. However, there were also three-game home series sweeps against the Astros (two shutouts) and the Orioles (one shutout), with a four-game home sweep of the Blue Jays. The Royals also took a 2-1 road series against the Orioles and a 3-1 home series against the White Sox, and then finished by taking two games of a three-game road series against the Blue Jays.



Kansas City Team Statistics





The Royals’ great month sees them near the top of nearly all the offensive statistics, with only Home Runs (8th) outside the top three. This includes, maybe for the first time, baserunning (2nd) and stolen bases (3rd), the development lab focus during spring training hopefully beginning to pay off. Similarly, it’s top three in most pitching categories except, surprisingly, Bullpen ERA (5th) and Home Runs allowed (6th). Defense is back to elite levels with a +12.3 ZR leading the American League.

Enny Van Dyke (153 wRC+) has led the way, knocking in 24 RBI with 6 HRs. Defensively, Jimmy Goodman (+4.2 ZR) has had an All-World first home.

Daniel Nava (64 FIP-) and Mike Hoffer (70 FIP-) have both contributed over 1 WAR in a month (6 starts) of work while in the bullpen Chris Wagner (47 FIP-) had 15 saves in the month (47 being the Royals single season record)

Transactions & Injuries

Monday, April 7th , 2036
SP Eddie Baquerizo was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Wednesday, April 9th , 2036
SP Eddie Baquerizo diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 3-4 weeks.
Placed RP Cade Povich on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Purchased the contract of RP Cade Povich from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, April 13th , 2036
SS Tim Storer was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: calf soreness. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 5 days.
Thursday, April 17th , 2036
SS Tim Storer was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, April 19th , 2036
SS Tim Storer diagnosed with a strained abdominal muscle, will miss 5 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 2B Brooks Lee from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, April 22nd , 2036
3B Jeremy Rogerson was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: knee tendinitis. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last 4 weeks.
Saturday, April 26th , 2036
3B Jeremy Rogerson was injured while running the bases. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Sunday, April 27th , 2036
3B Jeremy Rogerson diagnosed with a sore back, but will not miss any additional time.
Wednesday, April 30th , 2036
RP Robby Denton was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.

A few challenges over the first month of the season as the Royals lost a Starting Pitcher and their starting Shortstop to month long injuries in Eddie Baquerizo and Tim Storer. Experience was the order of the day with MiL Free Agent SP Cade Povich called up while 2B Brooks Lee covering the infield. Jeremy Rogerson took a couple of knocks late in the month so was sent to the IR to avoid any risks while Robby Denton left the last game of the month and the Royals await his diagnosis early in May.

Minor League News

International League (AAA) Pitcher of the Month: Ethan Chafin (2033 Trade WAS) 4-0, 2.43 ERA, 38 K, 37 IP

Texas League (AA) Batter of the Month: Jon Basiliere (2034 6th Round) .367, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs

Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Month: Trey Beard (2036 MiL FA) 3-0, 0.43 ERA, 31 K, 21 IP

Midwest League (A+) Pitcher of the Month Award: Skyler Van der Linden (2035 Trade HOU) 3-0, 1.14 ERA, 34 K, 23.2 IP

Around the League

Transactions

Wednesday, April 30th , 2036
The Los Angeles Angels traded 23-year old minor league RF Andres Caudillo, 24-year old minor league RHP Tim Turner, and 22-year old minor league 2B Ernie Rager to the Houston Astros, getting 26-year old minor league 2B Andy Garber in return.
Saturday, April 26th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: Signed SS Mike Sims to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $31,300,000.
Monday, April 21st , 2036
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent SP Codi Henson to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,140,000.
Saturday, April 12th , 2036
Seattle Mariners: Signed SP Tyler Bremner to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $118,000,000.
Tuesday, April 8th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: Signed SP Sam Bigelow to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $14,800,000.
Monday, April 7th , 2036
New York Yankees: Signed LF Jasson Dominguez to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $111,000,000.

Injuries

Tuesday, April 29th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: RF Jeff Wells diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 8-9 months.
Sunday, April 27th , 2036
San Francisco Giants: LF Yin-zhen Le diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 4-5 months.
Saturday, April 26th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Zyaire Litzsey diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 2 months.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Amari Haugh diagnosed with a sore shoulder, will miss 7 weeks.
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Robbie Austin diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 8 months.
Friday, April 25th , 2036
New York Yankees: RF Nolan Schanuel diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 6 weeks.
St. Louis Cardinals: 2B Ed Kolesar diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Thursday, April 24th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: C Drew Romo diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 5 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: LF Josh Gudex was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sprained ankle. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Colorado Rockies: SS Ernesto Cordero was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: elbow strain. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, April 20th , 2036
Detroit Tigers: SS Zach Neto diagnosed with a knee sprain, will miss 6 weeks.
San Francisco Giants: SP Edgar Rubalcaba diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RP Eric Hamilton was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained shoulder. He's expected to miss about 8-9 weeks.
Saturday, April 19th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: LF Beau Cutrone diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 4 weeks.
Kansas City Royals: SS Tim Storer diagnosed with a strained abdominal muscle, will miss 5 weeks.
Thursday, April 17th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: 1B Vince Borden was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained anterior cruciate ligament. He's expected to miss about 8 weeks.
Wednesday, April 16th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: SP Tim Bowman diagnosed with a damaged elbow ligament, will miss 16 months.
Tuesday, April 15th , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Juan Vera diagnosed with a strained triceps, will miss 5-6 weeks.
San Antonio Avalanche: SP Andy Cervantes was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Monday, April 14th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: SP Timothy Theophanous diagnosed with a fractured elbow, will miss 8 months.
Sunday, April 13th , 2036
Detroit Tigers: 1B Fernando Tatis Jr. diagnosed with a fractured foot, will miss 4 weeks.
Saturday, April 12th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: CF Brady Harris diagnosed with a fractured finger, will miss 3 months.
Los Angeles Dodgers: CF Julio Balandran was injured when he was hit from behind while at a traffic signal. The Diagnosis: partially torn labrum. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Chicago Cubs: RP Brayan Bello was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Friday, April 11th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: RF Bryce Eldridge diagnosed with a sprained thumb, will miss 4 weeks.
Thursday, April 10th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP Jack Mahoney diagnosed with forearm inflammation, will miss 4 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: LF Roman Anthony diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, will miss 7 weeks.
Texas Rangers: RP Jon Young diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 13-14 months.
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Jeff Williamson diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 3 months.
Seattle Mariners: LF Jamie Mathews diagnosed with a strained lat, will miss 5 weeks.
Tuesday, April 8th , 2036
New York Yankees: RF Jackson Chourio diagnosed with a concussion, will miss 6-7 months.
Tampa Bay Rays: LF Dave Morrison diagnosed with knee tendinitis, will miss 4 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: SP J.J. Paniagua diagnosed with rotator cuff inflammation, will miss 3 months.
New York Yankees: 2B Matt Shaw was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Tampa Bay Rays: RF Josh Hays was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: elbow inflammation. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.
Monday, April 7th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: 3B Juan Borja diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament, will miss 9-10 months.
Sunday, April 6th , 2036
Milwaukee Brewers: SP Jevin Howard diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 4 months.
Friday, April 4th , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: RF Jimmy Goodman diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 7 weeks.
Wednesday, April 2nd , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: SS Masyn Winn diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, will miss 7 months.
Chicago White Sox: RF Juan Soreni was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (neck). He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The Royals (38-21) remain top of the AL Central, 4 games clear of the Twins. Over in the West, the Mariners (32-27) had a shocking month to leave the Avalanche (38-21) cruising at the top of the division while the Orioles (33-23) remain leaders in the East.

In the National League, the divisions are tighter; the Mets (35-24) half a game up on the Phillies, the Cardinals (30-27) 2 games clear of the Cubs, with the Dodgers (32-27) 1.5 games clear of the Giants and the Padres.



Kansas City Results

A disappointing 15-13 record in May for the Royals with several losing streaks frustrating the fans. Equally, surviving the month without first choice 3B or SS is a good result.

The month started well, finishing the Blue Jays sweep before winning the first two of a three game series against the Rangers. Losing the decider, though, started a three-game slide which meant dropping a series to the Brewers at home. They picked up the final game to avoid the sweep but then lost three of four on the road to the Angels, before finally winning their next series on the road in Seattle to get to the middle of the month at 7-7.

The Mariners were fuming as the Royals then lost two of three to the Avalanche at home but luckily bounced back to sweep the Tigers and then take two of three from the Rays, including two shut outs across the five games. Unfortunately, a trip to Minnesota wasn’t favourable as the Royals lost three of four before finishing the month with a win against the Padres to secure a winning month.



Kansas City Team Statistics





Home Runs are the Royals weakness as they are a top five team in every American League category with the exception of Home Runs (10th) and Home Runs Allowed (6th).

In a weak month, Sam Hart (140 wRC+) and Jimmy Goodman (130 wRC+) both kept the offence ticking, while also providing +1.7 and +5.6 ZR to lead the Royal defensive bounceback in 2036 (2nd ZR).

Mike Hoffer (77 FIP-) led the starters that pitched all month while Eddie Baquerizo (5.2 IP, 2 HA) had a strong outing his first game back from injury.

Chris Wagner (99 FIP-) added five saves to his season total, although did blow two and gave up 12 hits across 8 innnigs. Phil Farmer (131 FIP-) and Mike Halpin (120 FIP-) both struggled for the second month in a row, giving up 5 and 3 HRs in 22.1 and 13.2 IP respectively and are at risk if the right replacements are available in trades or the waiver wire.

Transactions & Injuries

Thursday, May 1st , 2036
Placed 3B Jeremy Rogerson on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to 04/28/2036.
Purchased the contract of 3B Eric Rose from Triple A Omaha.
Friday, May 2nd , 2036
Sent SP Eddie Baquerizo to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Monday, May 5th , 2036
RP Robby Denton diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 8-9 months.
Purchased the contract of RP Ben Alvarado from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, May 18th , 2036
Sent 3B Jeremy Rogerson to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Friday, May 23rd , 2036
Sent SS Tim Storer to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
SP Cade Povich was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Purchased the contract of SP Eddie Baquerizo from Triple A Omaha.
2B Brooks Lee was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Purchased the contract of 3B Jeremy Rogerson from Triple A Omaha.

In a long season, the Royals decided to give Jeremy Rogerson time to recover from his back injury, putting him on the 10 day list and calling up Eric Rose for the month.

Losing Robby Denton for the season was a tough blow but that allowed Ben Alvarado (2030 13th Round) to make his debut for the club.

Eddie Baquerizo’s return to the starting rotation saw Cade Povich released after he refused a demotion to AAA and Brooks Lee was designated for assignment to allow Jeremy Rogerson to return to the line up.

Minor League News

International League (AAA) Pitcher of the Month: Ethan Chafin (2033 Trade WAS) 4-0, 1.53 ERA, 36 K, 35.1 IP

Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Month: Jb Jointer (2030 5th Round) 4-0, 1.79 ERA, 53 K, 40.1 IP

Carolina League (A) Batter of the Month: Andy Alexander (2032 2nd Round) .342, 15 HRs, 37 RBIs

Around the League

Transactions

Sunday, May 18th , 2036
The Los Angeles Angels traded 20-year old minor league 2B Jesus Luna and 20-year old minor league RHP Steve Shields to the San Francisco Giants, getting 30-year old minor league RF Shamar Dossie in return.
Wednesday, May 14th , 2036
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent 3B Graham Pauley to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,360,000.
Tuesday, May 13th , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent RP Joe Gimbel to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,420,000.
Monday, May 5th , 2036
New York Mets: Signed 2B Zach Masteller to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $151,300,000.
Friday, May 2nd , 2036
The Washington Nationals traded 21-year old minor league LF Juan Ibarra and 23-year old minor league LHP Saadyah Hershfeld to the San Francisco Giants, getting 31-year old minor league 3B Young-tae Kim in return.

Injuries

Friday, May 30th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: 3B Danny Petty diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 12 months.
Detroit Tigers: SP Juan Corona was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sprained elbow. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Wednesday, May 28th , 2036
Minnesota Twins: SS Carson Williams diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 7 weeks.
Monday, May 26th , 2036
San Antonio Avalanche: 3B Roderick Arias diagnosed with a fractured wrist, will miss 6 weeks.
Sunday, May 25th , 2036
Detroit Tigers: SS Cristofer Torin diagnosed with a fractured jaw, will miss 4 weeks.
Thursday, May 22nd , 2036
Seattle Mariners: 2B Keon Johnson diagnosed with a partially torn labrum, will miss 4-5 months.
Cleveland Guardians: LF J.J. Wetherholt was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: bone bruise (knee). He's expected to miss about 2 months.
Tuesday, May 20th , 2036
San Francisco Giants: Ken Maus has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 months.
Sunday, May 18th , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: CF Emmanuel Rodriguez diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 4 weeks.
Pittsburgh Pirates: C Dave Holcombe diagnosed with a fractured rib, will miss 4 weeks.
New York Mets: RF Alejandro Moreno diagnosed with a sprained thumb, will miss 5 weeks.
Saturday, May 17th , 2036
Seattle Mariners: SP Robby Snelling was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: rotator cuff strain. He's expected to miss about 8 weeks.
Friday, May 16th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Raheem Whitthorne was injured. The Diagnosis: Torn Meniscus. He's expected to miss about 6 months.
Thursday, May 15th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Blake Walston diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 5 months.
Cincinnati Reds: RP Ronan Kopp diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 10 months.
Chicago White Sox: RF Cam Cannarella diagnosed with bone marrow edema in his knee, will miss 5 weeks.
Tuesday, May 13th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: Roman Anthony has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3-4 weeks.
Chicago White Sox: RP Cade Kuehler was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: forearm inflammation. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Sunday, May 11th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: CF Douggie Dolcy was injured when he slipped on a wet floor. The Diagnosis: sprained knee. He's expected to miss about 8 weeks.
Los Angeles Angels: CF Ken O'Loughlin was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: recurring back spasms. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Saturday, May 10th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: SP Chase Burns diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 2-3 months.
San Antonio Avalanche: RP Jonathan Mastin diagnosed with a finger blister, is day-to-day for 4 days.
Colorado Rockies: Marquis Botchway has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3-4 weeks.
Friday, May 9th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: Chase Petty has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 3-4 weeks.
San Diego Padres: 3B Danny Payton diagnosed with a fractured ankle, will miss 4-5 months.
San Francisco Giants: LF Julio Rodriguez was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: fractured finger. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Wednesday, May 7th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: RP Tink Hence diagnosed with a strained triceps, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Texas Rangers: 3B Johnny Powell diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 7 weeks.
Texas Rangers: CF Ben Heiselman was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Tuesday, May 6th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Haruya Taniguchi diagnosed with a strained triceps, will miss 5 weeks.
Monday, May 5th , 2036
Kansas City Royals: RP Robby Denton diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 8-9 months.
Boston Red Sox: RP Bobby Miller was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Sunday, May 4th , 2036
Cincinnati Reds: RP Leighton Finley diagnosed with elbow tendinitis, will miss 5 weeks.
Saturday, May 3rd , 2036
Milwaukee Brewers: 1B Mike Wills diagnosed with a severely strained hip muscle, will miss 4-5 months.
Atlanta Braves: 3B Juan Salazar diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 4 weeks.

[benp28]

MLB Standings

The Royals (55-32) double their lead at the top of the AL Central to 10.5 games over the White Sox (44-42). Over in the East, the Orioles (48-37) have pushed their lead out to 3.5 games while the Avalanche (55-31) have the best record in baseball and a 7 game lead in the West.

In the National League, it is all a lot tighter still; the Mets (50-33) have extended their lead out to 2.5 games over the Phillies, the Cubs (43-43) now hold a 1.5 game lead in the weak NL Central, while the Dodgers (47-38) still lead from the Giants (45-40).



Kansas City Results

The Royals bounce back with a 17-11 month, including five series wins (including three sweeps), three shutouts (all in Baquerizo starts), one split 4-game series against the Yankees and three series defeats, including being swept in Cleveland over three games.



Kansas City Team Statistics





The Royals remain an elite hitting squad with HRs trending up to 7th, Strikeouts trending down to 4th, and all others remaining top three while every pitching statistic is in the top 4 of the American League, with WAR (14.9) and Ks (821) leading the league.

Billy Mumaugh (190 wRC+) and Edgar Mir (176 wRC+) led the way for the Royals, with Mir knocking in a team-high 22 to go with 7 Home Runs and picking up the AL Batter of the Month award for the first time. Jimmy Goodman (92 wRC+) continues to have a Gold Glove year in RF, with a 7.5 ZR through three months.

On the pitching side, Eddie Baquerizo (60 FIP-) gave up 22 hit across 38.1 innings for a 0.78 WHIP, while Chris Wagner (152 FIP-) gave up 6 hits across 9.1 innings but a perfect success rate in 7 saves to continue his ML lead in that category with 27 and on track for 50, which would be a Kansas City record.

Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, June 1st , 2036
Traded 22-year old minor league RHP Jeremy Joyce to the Boston Red Sox, getting 30-year old LHP Mike Bowe and $20,000,000 in cash in return.
Traded 21-year old minor league C Sergio Benites, 20-year old minor league RHP Nelson Herrera, and 26-year old RHP Phil Farmer to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 27-year old LHP Shawn Bass and $2,500,000 in cash in return.
Optioned 3B Eric Rose to Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SS Tim Storer from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, June 4th , 2036
RP Luis Bravo was claimed off waivers from Houston.
Optioned RP Mike Halpin to Triple A Omaha.
Monday, June 9th , 2036
RP Ben Alvarado was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, June 12th , 2036
RP Ben Alvarado diagnosed with a ruptured finger tendon, will miss 4 months.
Purchased the contract of SP Adam Kloffenstein from Triple A Omaha.
Sunday, June 15th , 2036
Received former Rule 5 draft pick SP Juan Bautista from the Texas Rangers.
Monday, June 16th , 2036
Placed SP Juan Bautista on the 60-day injured list.
Wednesday, June 25th , 2036
SP Mike Hoffer was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Friday, June 27th , 2036
SP Mike Hoffer diagnosed with back spasms, is day-to-day for 2 days.
Monday, June 30th , 2036
SP Mike Hoffer was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: back spasms. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.

Two weak months from Phil Farmer and Mike Halpin were enough for the Royals to take decisive action to start the month.

Jeremy Joyce (2032 16th Round) had made his way to High-A with his two plus-plus potential pitches offering the outline of a Major League pitcher. Mike Bowe, however, was a ready-made Major League arm with a plus-plus fastball and plus curveball to go with average control and above average movement, including plus HR suppression. His $12.3m contract was more than covered by the $20m the Red Sox added to the deal.

Phil Farmer (2033 Trade WAS) had a good 2035 in AAA but his below average HR suppression had seen him give up over 2 HR/9. Shawn Bass grades out with similar HR suppression but had kept his HR/9 comfortably below 2.0 this season and his plus-plus fastball and circle change were seeing him record over 12 K/9 for the Angels. Bass was drafted in 2027 by the Royals but was released in 2033 when he demanded a Major League contract; in the third year of a $8.8m contract, he has turned out to be right. The Royals also gave up 2032 International Amateur Nelson Herrera; his below average control meaning the Royals were happy to move on. In addition, organisational piece Sergio Benites (2031 Scouting Discovery) was added to the deal by the Royals, while the Angels added $2.5m in cash.

The final move was claiming Luis Bravo off waivers; a potential 80 fastball with a plus slider hints at the ability to fit into the Royals K-first approach to pitching.

Juan Bautista was returned from the Rangers but is out for the season and he was joined on this month’s injury list by Ben Alvarado, who will miss 4 months. Mike Hoffer had a couple of day-to-day injuries which might see the Royals scratch him from his next start heading into the All Star Break.

Minor League News

International League (AAA) Pitcher of the Month: Chris Wolff (2032 Trade PHI) 5-0, 3.31 ERA, 32 K, 35.1 IP

Texas League (AA) Batter of the Month: Takara Takayama (2036 MiL FA) .372, 9 HRs, 26 RBIs

Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Month: Jonathon Cote (2034 Trade DET) 4-1, 2.14 ERA, 39 K, 33.2 IP

Dominican Rookie League (R) Batter of the Month: Juan Moralez (2029 Scouting Discovery) .561, 7 HRs, 42 RBIs

Around the League

Transactions

Wednesday, June 25th , 2036
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 23-year old minor league RHP Sean Wilson to the Chicago Cubs, getting 34-year old minor league C Jesus Rodriguez in return.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 23-year old minor league RHP Steve Spell and 22-year old minor league LF Jim Bernard to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 25-year old minor league 1B Chris Gaber in return.
Tuesday, June 24th , 2036
The Texas Rangers traded 29-year old 3B Dashawn Anene to the Chicago Cubs, getting 26-year old RHP Jackson Quero and 24-year old minor league C Tommy Knowdell in return.
Monday, June 23rd , 2036
The Los Angeles Angels traded 19-year old minor league SS Tadeu Kreth and 20-year old minor league RF Alejandro Moreno to the Washington Nationals, getting 28-year old minor league 1B Chris Brock in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 19-year old minor league CF Juan Vigil and 23-year old minor league RHP Alvaro Ibarra to the Toronto Blue Jays, getting 32-year old minor league 2B Gregory Barrios in return.
Saturday, June 21st , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Arturo Ramirez was designated for assignment, placed on waivers and taken off the secondary (40-man) roster.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 29-year old RHP Doug Jallow to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 21-year old minor league RF Wilfredo Patino and 21-year old minor league 1B Joe Cox in return.
Monday, June 16th , 2036
The New York Mets traded 21-year old minor league CF Luis Sierra, 22-year old minor league RF Bobby Landry, and 24-year old minor league LHP Mike Pritchard to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 37-year old RHP Woo-suk Go in return.
Friday, June 13th , 2036
The San Diego Padres traded 20-year old minor league 3B Mike Staiti and 22-year old minor league LF Peysen Pryor to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 33-year old minor league 1B James Tibbs in return.
Friday, June 6th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed free agent RP Colt Eldridge to a 1-year contract worth a total of $820,000.
Monday, June 2nd , 2036
San Diego Padres: Signed free agent RP Jösse Judie to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,420,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed free agent SP Jake Early to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,040,000.

Injuries

Monday, June 30th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP Josh Tickner was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 6-7 weeks.
Sunday, June 29th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: RP Greg Herring diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 11-12 months.
Saturday, June 28th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: Chase Burns has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 weeks.
Thursday, June 26th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: C Drew Romo diagnosed with a strained hamstring, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
Tuesday, June 24th , 2036
San Antonio Avalanche: RP Thomas White diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 5 months.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Ken Munden diagnosed with a broken kneecap, will miss 6 months.
Monday, June 23rd , 2036
San Diego Padres: C Luis Flores was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: fractured finger. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, June 22nd , 2036
Washington Nationals: RP Sawyer Gipson-Long diagnosed with an elbow sprain, will miss 5 weeks.
Washington Nationals: CF Joe Harmon diagnosed with a strained anterior cruciate ligament, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, June 21st , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: 3B Ezequiel Tovar diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, will miss 8 months.
St. Louis Cardinals: 2B Peyton Stovall diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4 months.
Friday, June 20th , 2036
Houston Astros: SP Juan Contreras was injured while playing frisbee in the park. The Diagnosis: rotator cuff strain. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Colorado Rockies: RP Donte LeSane was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: elbow inflammation. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Tuesday, June 17th , 2036
Texas Rangers: SP Hurston Waldrep diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 4 months.
Seattle Mariners: 2B Joendry Vargas diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament, will miss 6-7 months.
Saturday, June 14th , 2036
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP AJ Smith-Shawver diagnosed with a torn meniscus, will miss 4 months.
Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Yiddi Allen diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 14 months.
New York Mets: SP Gautier Riggan was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Chicago Cubs: 2B Sam Van Kirk was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: strained back. He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Friday, June 13th , 2036
Miami Marlins: LF Leborio Orioli was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: strained abdominal muscle. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Thursday, June 12th , 2036
Kansas City Royals: RP Ben Alvarado diagnosed with a ruptured finger tendon, will miss 4 months.
Wednesday, June 11th , 2036
Atlanta Braves: RF Michael Harris II diagnosed with a strained rib cage muscle, will miss 5 weeks.
Tuesday, June 10th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RP Nick Robertson diagnosed with a forearm strain, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, June 8th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Kurt Konzen diagnosed with a ruptured finger tendon, will miss 3-4 months.
Friday, June 6th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: SS Danny De Andrade diagnosed with a fractured wrist, will miss 2-3 months.
Baltimore Orioles: SP Sam Bigelow diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Thursday, June 5th , 2036
Pittsburgh Pirates: 2B Kyren Paris diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 4 weeks.
Wednesday, June 4th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Dave Cass diagnosed with a strained shoulder, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Tuesday, June 3rd , 2036
New York Mets: 2B Jordan Lawlar diagnosed with a strained rib cage muscle, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
San Diego Padres: RF Greg Horton diagnosed with a fractured ankle, will miss 4-5 months.
Monday, June 2nd , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: LF Takashi Toguchi diagnosed with a severely strained hip muscle, will miss 4 months.
Sunday, June 1st , 2036
Detroit Tigers: 1B Fernando Tatis Jr. was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: sports hernia. He's expected to miss about 8-9 weeks.

[benp28]