Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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A strong first half of the month see the Royals (63-35) enter the All Star Break with the best record in baseball, just ahead of the West-leading Avalanche (62-36), with the East-leading Orioles (53-44), in a battle with the Yankees (52-46).

Over in the National League, the Mets (60-37) are the best in class, with the Dodgers (54-43) and Diamondbacks (53-44) fighting it out in the West, while the mediocre Central is led by a .500 Cubs team.



The Royals have four players selected to the All Star Game, but no outfielders for the first time in recent memory. Instead, it is Sam Hart earning his first All Star call, the Royals’ first since Jonathan Gerew’s rookie season, and he is joined by Edgar Mir, earning his second in a row. Pitchers Mike Hoffer and David Nava both earn pitching nods with Mike Bowe also selected although the Royals can’t take credit for those performances.

In addition, two former Royals earn nods, with Chris Maguire and Eric Cook both selected.





Sam Hart (132 wRC+) is having a breakout season with 13 HRs and 50 RBIs. He is just one of many high performing Royals, with only Bobby Witt Jr. (72 wRC+) and the Shortstops Tim Storer (60 wRC+) and Ed Nicholson (58 wRC+) struggling with the bat, although both offer positive glovework. The outfield is all above average, although possibly not as elite as in previous years. It is great to see Billy Mumaugh (1.1 ZR) contribute with his glove while Jimmy Goodman (8.7 ZR) is having himself a Gold Glove calibre season.



The starting rotation is one of the best in the league with three players (Mike Hoffer, David Nava, Cade Townsend) all contributing over 2 WAR already. Townsend is the only one of the pitchers to have given up 100 hits, while both he (10.1) and Nava (10.0) are striking out over 10/9.

Chris Wagner (86 FIP-) has 29 saves through 37 appearances, with Jon Holtz (29 H, 42 IP) leading the season-long relief corps. Several of the new faces have had elite first halves of the season with their previous team which the Royals will be looking for them to replicate.

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Owner Goals

Team Record:
Winning sure feels good and you have been doing a lot of it during the first half of the year. Don't stop now! Get the guys to keep it up, so we can really be considered one of the top teams in the league.

Acquire a player:
I asked you at the beginning of the season to improve the team at Hometown player. So far, you haven't made any progress. I hope you'll keep looking. I think a new Hometown player is just what this team needs to turn the corner.

Build your farm:
Do you think you've done a good job at rebuilding our farm system? To me, I think we're still a long way away from completing this task. It would be nice to be complimented for our minor league system at least once in the USA Chronicle.

Improve your team record:
I'm disappointed in the lack of improvement in close games. Try harder.

Minor Leagues



Ethan Chafin has had the most impressive season so far, 4.7 WAR in AAA showing himself ready for promotion as soon as possible, possible in September if not before. Chris Wolff isn’t far behind him, 2.6 WAR from 109.2 IP and a 10-3 record.

Among bats, the Andy Alexander is developing fast after several years in rookie ball, 5.1 WAR earning him a promotion and several trade enquiries rejected by the Royals outright. Jon Basiliere may be the closest to the Major Leagues, 3.3 WAR and .866 OPS at AA earning him a promotion to AAA for the rest of the season and gunning for a September call up.



2027 Draft

A 30th pick for the Royals means the elite of the 2036 class were out of reach for the Royals. While that has led to a high school lottery approach for the previous few years, in 2036 Stewart decided to go back to his values and target college high-floor players. That led to the first six players drafted all being from College, with 13/20 drafted players in the end.

In the first round, the Royals selected CF Laban Locascio out of Boston College. Plus speed with the ability for a plus corner glove, Locascio has the potential for plus contact with plus power and an above average eye.



The rest of the Royals first five picks looked as follows:

Round 2, Pick 27 - SS Stephon Vassor, age 21 out of college (University of Virginia) – an above average SS, he will struggle speedwise, but show plus potential contact to with above average power and eye
Round 3, Pick 23 - 3B Jorge Calvo, age 21 out of college (North Greenville University) – Calvo will have to improve defensively and doesn’t bring much speed but profiles to have a similar profile to Vassor with plus contact and above average power and eye
Round 4, Pick 24 - C Gearl Jernigan, age 21 out of college (Vanderbilt University) – a plus Catcher, Jernigan could develop to have average contact and power ability with a plus eye to help him get on base
Round 5, Pick 25 - SP Jonathan DePalmer, age 20 out of college (Auburn University) – the first pitcher taken, DePalmer has potential plus stuff, with a 4-pitch arsenal including an 80-grade curveball to go with a plus-plus slider and a plus changeup.

Locascio, Vassor, and Gearl will be joined in A ball by 6th, 10th, 12th, 15th, and 20th round relievers Yubrany Paciotti, Chris Scherf, Pat Burch, Zaire Sturghill and Kevin Mulligan. Also joining will be 14th round Catcher Juan Gonsales.

The top of the draft progressed with a mix of college and high school players:

Round 1, Pick 1 - Arizona Diamondbacks: SP Eric Fowler, age 21 out of college
Round 1, Pick 2 - Tampa Bay Rays: SP Ed Lanham, age 18 out of high school
Round 1, Pick 3 - Atlanta Braves: CF Brad Hoffman, age 17 out of high school
Round 1, Pick 4 - Tampa Bay Rays: 2B Kevin Johnson, age 22 out of college
Round 1, Pick 5 - Miami Marlins: 2B Jon Chadwick, age 18 out of high school

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MLB Standings





Kansas City Results

The Royals sweep the White Sox coming out of the All Star Break to make it eight-in-a-row and then won the first of a three game series against the Diamondbacks. However, dropping the second and third of those games and the series, finished the month 1-7 with series losses to the Chicago teams, 2-1 at home to the Cubs and on the road 3-0 to the White Sox.



Kansas City Team Statistics



Despite a tough end to July, the Royals remain elite on both sides of the ball. Leading the American League in multiple batting statistics, including runs scored and extra base hits, home runs remains the only category outside of the top five. On the pitching side, the bullpen remains among the best although the starters ERA has dropped slightly but remains top-six. This is likely linked to a regression from the defence which has moved down to 4th in ZR and 7th in Defensive Efficiency.

Edgar Mir (160 wRC+) continues his stellar season, a second Batter of the Month award a reward for his 7 HRs and 28 RBIs. The outfield struggled somewhat with both Enny Van Dyke (41 wRC+) and Drew Burress (78 wRC+) having poor months and will look to bounceback in August, especially with Alex Duke (243 wRC+) raking in his minimal at bat opportunities.

Eddie Baquerizo (165 FIP-) had a tough month, only getting through 13 IP across 4 games, while Curt Bogans (55 FIP-) had the opposite experience, 24 IP over his 4 games, three-quarters of which were QS.

In the bullpen, Shawn Bass’ (17 FIP-) couldn’t have had a better month as his gives up only 5 hits across 13.2 innings, while Jon Holtz (58 FIP-) continues his strong season, pitching 10 innings and only giving up 10 hits.

Transactions & Injuries

Wednesday, July 16th , 2036
Traded 28-year old minor league 1B Jared Clark to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 23-year old minor league RHP Dusty Snyder in return.
Saturday, July 19th , 2036
RP Mike Bowe was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Monday, July 21st , 2036
RP Mike Bowe diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 4 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RP Edgar Alba from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, July 26th , 2036
Traded 24-year old minor league LF Jesus Delgado to the Washington Nationals, getting 27-year old RHP Kevin Azeem and $5,000,000 in cash in return.
Traded 35-year old RHP Adam Kloffenstein to the Chicago Cubs, getting 24-year old minor league RHP Steve Pelton in return.
Monday, July 28th , 2036
RP Chris Wagner was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. This is a day-to-day injury expected to last one week.
Placed RP Chris Wagner on the 15-day injured list.
Purchased the contract of SP Jesus Sandoval from Triple A Omaha.

Jared Clark was a casualty of the midseason minor league review with a logjam in Omaha seeing him traded for relief pitching depth in Dusty Synder.

The Royals lose Mike Bowe for a month, giving Edgar Alba (2032 Trade WAS) his first shot in the big leagues. Chris Wagner suffered a day-to-day injury to his elbow which the Royals choose not to risk, sending him to the 15-day injury list and giving Jesus Sandoval (2030 7th Round) his first call up.

In between the Royals took the chance to boost their bullpen with the acquisition of extreme groundballer Kevin Azeem, above average stuff with plus movement and control a nice addition for another casualty of minor league crunch Jamie Delgado, who moves to Boston’s AAA affiliate.

The acquisition of Azeem meant a space was needed in the bullpen and MiL FA signing Adam Kloffenstein was the odd man out, strong performances no saving grace for a 35-year old with no options left; he was traded to the Cubs for minor league depth in Steve Pelton.

Minor League News

Dominican Rookie League (R) Batter of the Month: Luis Villate (2026 Scouting Discovery) .527, 15 HRs, 78 RBIs

Dominican Rookie League (R) Pitcher of the Month: David Lamboy (2031 MiL FA) 1.88 ERA, 20 K, 14.1 IP

Around the League

Transactions

Thursday, July 31st , 2036
The Cincinnati Reds traded 33-year old CF Daylen Lile and $400,000 in cash to the New York Yankees, getting 23-year old minor league 2B Herb Gaulton in return.
The Minnesota Twins traded 20-year old minor league RF Tyshawn Milbry and 22-year old minor league RHP Arturo Hondo to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 28-year old minor league 3B Pat Sander in return.
The Minnesota Twins traded 26-year old minor league RHP Kevin Bryan Murphy to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 22-year old minor league 3B Mike Ladd in return.
The San Francisco Giants traded 24-year old minor league C Luis Sandoval, 22-year old minor league RHP Danny White, and 19-year old minor league RHP Airidas Stratman to the Miami Marlins, getting 27-year old RHP Geoff Phillips in return.
The Baltimore Orioles traded 24-year old minor league 3B Ron Tutson, 22-year old minor league LHP Pat Robin, 17-year old minor league RHP Jesus Magdaleno, and 22-year old minor league RHP Bobby Smittie to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 35-year old minor league RHP Andrew Walters in return.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 25-year old RHP Eddie McAfee to the New York Mets, getting 24-year old minor league 3B Chris Edwards in return.
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 22-year old minor league CF Josh Gordon and 23-year old minor league RF David Capetillo to the Texas Rangers, getting 28-year old minor league CF Tim Mitchell in return.
The San Francisco Giants traded 30-year old minor league LHP David Morales and 22-year old minor league LF Eric Holstein to the Texas Rangers, getting 31-year old C Jonathan Gerew in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 27-year old minor league RHP Doug Riggs and 19-year old minor league RHP Shawn Watkins to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 23-year old minor league CF Juan Pimienta and 20-year old minor league LF Tye Urry in return.
The Chicago White Sox traded 30-year old CF Juan Soreni to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 27-year old minor league RHP Harry X McDaniel and 22-year old minor league 3B David Noriega in return.
Wednesday, July 30th , 2036
The Detroit Tigers traded 26-year old LHP Josh Cook to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 21-year old minor league LHP Doug Little, 22-year old minor league SS Erik Cribbs, 24-year old minor league 1B Burt Tindale, and 19-year old minor league 1B Kevin Reed in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 29-year old minor league RHP Jeremy Wells to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 23-year old minor league LF Juan Naranjo in return.
Tuesday, July 29th , 2036
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 23-year old minor league C Vladimil Youngblood, 22-year old minor league RHP Vicente Raymundo, and 22-year old minor league LHP Esteban Castillo to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 27-year old LHP Juan Medina in return.
The Minnesota Twins traded 20-year old minor league C Branden McCumber and 16-year old minor league 3B Juan Flores to the San Diego Padres, getting 31-year old minor league CF Caden Sorrell in return.
The Washington Nationals traded 26-year old RHP Mike Matheson to the San Diego Padres, getting 19-year old minor league RHP Ignacio Raimundes in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 36-year old RHP Nick Nastrini to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 18-year old minor league RHP Greg Tippit and 19-year old minor league RHP Nehemiah Mondaine in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 25-year old LHP Julio Rosario to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 19-year old minor league C J.J. Shurden and 22-year old minor league RF Lupe Sandoval in return.
Monday, July 28th , 2036
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 17-year old minor league 2B Jorge Trevino and 21-year old minor league RHP Hideo Doi to the New York Mets, getting 27-year old minor league C Ramiro Vargas in return.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 21-year old minor league LHP Sergio Morales and 24-year old minor league RHP Jadon Toatley to the San Francisco Giants, getting 29-year old minor league CF Dan Barret in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 26-year old minor league LHP Juan Mayorga to the New York Yankees, getting 20-year old minor league C Steve Chaffin and 24-year old minor league 2B Andres Bolanos in return.
The Detroit Tigers traded 25-year old LF Phil Harmon to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 17-year old minor league RF Juan Mercado and 23-year old minor league LF Juan Rivera in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 31-year old CF Zion Rose to the San Diego Padres, getting 24-year old minor league CF Glen Podsakoff and 22-year old minor league RHP Daniel Alencar in return.
Sunday, July 27th , 2036
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 29-year old RHP Bobby Simak to the New York Mets, getting 19-year old minor league 1B Alejandro Lechuga and 20-year old minor league LF Jesus Ayala in return.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 24-year old minor league RF Jesus Santana and 22-year old minor league RHP Juan Ortega to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 30-year old minor league SS Jung-ha Kim in return.
The Atlanta Braves traded 20-year old minor league LHP Jadon Worlds and 21-year old minor league LHP Makai Contee to the San Francisco Giants, getting 29-year old minor league C Yovanny Rodriguez in return.
Saturday, July 26th , 2036
The Colorado Rockies traded 32-year old LF Jett Williams to the Seattle Mariners, getting 22-year old minor league CF Art Hessong and 24-year old minor league RHP Andres de la Huerta in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 33-year old RF T.J. White to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 22-year old minor league 3B Douggie Springall and 22-year old minor league RHP David Caballero in return.
Friday, July 25th , 2036
The San Diego Padres traded 37-year old RHP Ryan Loutos and 20-year old minor league RHP Joel Richardson to the Chicago White Sox, getting 26-year old 1B Ben Kaiser in return.
The New York Mets traded 19-year old minor league 2B Jesus Crisstomo and 24-year old minor league RHP Marlyn Hodges to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 33-year old RHP Tanner McDougal in return.
The Detroit Tigers traded 28-year old RHP Jeff Schever to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 21-year old minor league 2B Jaheim DeLaine in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 25-year old RHP Frank Guevara to the San Francisco Giants, getting 23-year old minor league 1B Alvaro Bautista in return.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 39-year old RHP Camilo Doval to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 23-year old minor league RHP Sean Della Pietra and 23-year old minor league LF Julio Abreu in return.
Thursday, July 24th , 2036
The Seattle Mariners traded 21-year old minor league LF Kurt McCormick and 21-year old minor league 3B Jm Siegel to the Boston Red Sox, getting 26-year old minor league C Herb Dower in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 33-year old LHP Josh Hartle to the Texas Rangers, getting 21-year old minor league 3B Steve Simpson in return.
The Philadelphia Phillies traded 19-year old minor league 2B Edgar Saldivar and 23-year old minor league 1B Juan Lugo to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 33-year old LF J.J. Wetherholt in return.
Wednesday, July 23rd , 2036
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 19-year old minor league LHP Andres Aguirre and 20-year old minor league LHP Charlie Sauer to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 29-year old minor league C Andrew Costello in return.
The Cincinnati Reds traded 19-year old minor league RHP Jesus Orellana and 20-year old minor league RF Mike Kaplan to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 30-year old minor league RF Chris Schulze in return.
Tuesday, July 22nd , 2036
The Minnesota Twins traded 23-year old minor league RF Danny Bloss and 24-year old minor league SS Juan Varela to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 29-year old minor league 3B Jorge Nolasco in return.
The Colorado Rockies traded 31-year old RHP Liam Peterson to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 23-year old minor league 2B Galterio Donelli and 22-year old minor league LF Ernesto Ledesma in return.
The San Diego Padres traded 20-year old minor league SS David Maldonado to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 33-year old CF Cesar Yanquiel Hernandez in return.
The Philadelphia Phillies traded 22-year old minor league C Zion Lucky and 19-year old minor league LHP Mike Greer to the Detroit Tigers, getting 32-year old LF Xavier Isaac in return.
Monday, July 21st , 2036
The Detroit Tigers traded 27-year old minor league LHP Jorge Salazar, 21-year old minor league SS Wilfredo Soriano, and $390,000 in cash to the New York Yankees, getting 22-year old minor league RF Giovani Bourne in return.
The Minnesota Twins traded 24-year old minor league RF Daniel Hinojosa and 21-year old minor league 1B Daniel Castillo to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 33-year old minor league 3B Izaac Pacheco in return.
Sunday, July 20th , 2036
The Detroit Tigers traded 23-year old minor league C Jimmy Dennis to the Colorado Rockies, getting 32-year old minor league C Adonys Guzman in return.
The Miami Marlins traded 22-year old minor league 2B Juan Eguia and 23-year old minor league RHP Vincent Gavan to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 30-year old CF Rayner Arias in return.
Saturday, July 19th , 2036
The Miami Marlins traded 23-year old minor league RHP Jorge Vialpando and 24-year old minor league C Mike D'Antoni to the New York Mets, getting 26-year old minor league 1B Juan Morales in return.
The Atlanta Braves traded 20-year old minor league LHP Kevin Sullivan to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 30-year old RHP Steve Green in return.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 24-year old minor league C Mike Field and 24-year old minor league RHP Andres de la Huerta to the Seattle Mariners, getting 28-year old minor league C Walt Day in return.
The Chicago Cubs traded 20-year old minor league CF Tommie Mick and 17-year old minor league 1B Alfredo Munera to the Boston Red Sox, getting 30-year old minor league C Vincent DeCarlo in return.
Friday, July 18th , 2036
The Toronto Blue Jays traded 31-year old RHP Josh Roberts to the San Francisco Giants, getting 23-year old minor league RHP David Capote and 18-year old minor league LHP Alejandro Romero in return.
The New York Yankees traded 24-year old minor league SS Wilfredo Espinosa, 23-year old minor league RHP Steve Ohle, and 23-year old minor league RHP Nate Kipp to the Los Angeles Angels, getting 26-year old minor league 2B Vernon Phyillips in return.
The Seattle Mariners traded 22-year old minor league 3B Kevin Bouton to the Cleveland Guardians, getting 29-year old RHP Jeff Baniewicz in return.
The Milwaukee Brewers traded 35-year old LHP Luke Little to the San Diego Padres, getting 21-year old minor league RHP Dashawn Miller in return.
Thursday, July 17th , 2036
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 24-year old LHP Chase Preudhomme and 19-year old minor league RHP Eric Caraballo to the Colorado Rockies, getting 26-year old minor league LF Noe Orozco in return.
The New York Mets traded 24-year old minor league 3B Bobby Lauck and 20-year old minor league RHP Pat Tarbutton to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 36-year old RHP Gregory Santos in return.
Wednesday, July 16th , 2036
The Philadelphia Phillies traded 23-year old minor league CF Jean-Jacques Galinheiro and 23-year old minor league C Yekta Seyh to the Chicago Cubs, getting 28-year old minor league LF Juan Jaimes in return.
Tuesday, July 15th , 2036
The Seattle Mariners traded 23-year old minor league LF Edgar Cardenas, 24-year old minor league SS Jesus Mendoza, and 20-year old minor league C Sam Morden to the San Diego Padres, getting 26-year old minor league C Mike Perry in return.
Sunday, July 13th , 2036
The Pittsburgh Pirates traded 23-year old minor league RHP Juan Castillo and 22-year old minor league RHP Elisandy Parker to the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting 32-year old minor league SS Austin Charles in return.
Saturday, July 12th , 2036
The Seattle Mariners traded 23-year old minor league LF Brad Chapple and 22-year old minor league LHP Gordon Danvers to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 35-year old RHP Alex McFarlane in return.
Thursday, July 10th , 2036
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded 22-year old minor league 1B Jesus Molina and 22-year old minor league C Jesus Zapata to the Minnesota Twins, getting 26-year old minor league CF Kevin Hoover in return.
Monday, July 7th , 2036
The Cleveland Guardians traded 21-year old minor league RF Jorge Rivera and 22-year old minor league 1B Ignacio Mendoza to the Miami Marlins, getting 27-year old minor league C Luis Sisneros in return.
Saturday, July 5th , 2036
The Philadelphia Phillies traded 19-year old minor league RF Juan Aguiluz to the Boston Red Sox, getting 30-year old RHP Tim Albright in return.
The Los Angeles Angels traded 18-year old minor league RHP Mauricio Ybarra and 19-year old minor league LF Guadalupe Rojo to the San Francisco Giants, getting 34-year old minor league RF Abimelec Ortiz in return.
The New York Mets traded 23-year old minor league CF Alfredo Aparicio, 21-year old minor league C Esteban Figueroa, and 22-year old minor league RHP Hugh Correa to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 38-year old LHP Sammy Peralta in return.
Thursday, July 3rd , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed free agent SS Joe Regal to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,380,000.
Tuesday, July 1st , 2036
Los Angeles Angels: Signed free agent RP Dalton Klockow to a 1-year contract worth a total of $930,000.

Injuries

Monday, July 28th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP JR Ritchie diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 9 months.
New York Mets: CL Joe Rohloff diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Abel Johnson was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
St. Louis Cardinals: LF Jabari Isbell was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn hamstring. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Sunday, July 27th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: 2B Andres Gimenez was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured wrist. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Friday, July 25th , 2036
Texas Rangers: 2B Yoeilin Cespedes diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb, will miss 2 months.
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Jamie Russell diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 4-5 months.
Milwaukee Brewers: SP Josh Sloan diagnosed with a forearm strain, will miss 8-9 weeks.
Houston Astros: LF Frank Pacheco diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 7 weeks.
Cincinnati Reds: SP Jesus Banda diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 10-11 months.
Thursday, July 24th , 2036
Pittsburgh Pirates: C Dave Holcombe was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Wednesday, July 23rd , 2036
San Diego Padres: 2B Kayson Cunningham diagnosed with a knee sprain, will miss 4 weeks.
Minnesota Twins: 1B Steve Morris diagnosed with a torn hamstring, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Seattle Mariners: RP Demarckus Lacy diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 2 months.
Monday, July 21st , 2036
Colorado Rockies: 2B Ethan Holliday diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Kansas City Royals: RP Mike Bowe diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 4 weeks.
Tuesday, July 15th , 2036
Milwaukee Brewers: RF Jon Bricker diagnosed with torn ankle ligaments, will miss 7-8 weeks.
Houston Astros: RP Brad Hovey diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 12-13 months.
Friday, July 11th , 2036
Detroit Tigers: CF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Sunday, July 6th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: SP Jorge Jurado diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 3-4 weeks.
Saturday, July 5th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: RP Danny Watson diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 8 months.
Friday, July 4th , 2036
Minnesota Twins: SS Parker Loew diagnosed with a fractured ankle, will miss 4 months.
Cleveland Guardians: 2B Juan Jaramillo was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: sprained knee. He's expected to miss about 4-5 weeks.
Thursday, July 3rd , 2036
Los Angeles Dodgers: RF Ben Glaze diagnosed with a sports hernia, will miss 6 weeks.
Wednesday, July 2nd , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Tobias Myers diagnosed with an elbow strain, will miss 5 weeks.
Seattle Mariners: RP Arturo Traversari diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 2 months.

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MLB Standings

Things are becoming clear across the baseball world as September begins. The Royals (85-52) and the Avalanche (87-49) are the best two teams in baseball and have their divisions wrapped up while the Orioles (76-61) continue to hold off the Yankees (74-62) for the East division.

In the National League, the Mets (81-56) continue to lead the way, with a 4.5 game lead over the Phillies while the Dodgers (74-62) are in a battle with the Giants (74-63) and the Padres (74-64) for the West title. The Central continues to demonstrate mediocrity, the Cubs (69-67) with a small lead over the Reds (68-70) and the Brewers (66-70).



The Mariners (76-60) and the Yankees just about have wild card spots locked up while the Rangers (71-65) will attempt to stay strong in September to hold off the Twins (67-68). In the National League, the Phillies are almost there, while the Giants and Padres are in a fight with the Diamondbacks (71-65) and the Braves (72-66) for the final two spots.



Kansas City Results

Nine series with six wins marks another winning month (17-10) but losses to the Cardinals (0-2) and the Reds (1-2) were frustrating, as was the drawn series (2-2) against the Tigers. Similarly frustrating, only one series was swept, against the Red Sox, preventing the Royals from delivering the dominant month they look for.



Kansas City Team Statistics



Enny Van Dyke (172 wRC+) bounced back with 22 RBIs, leading the team from Jeremy Rogerson (118 wRC+) and his 21. Edgar Mir (145 wRC+) had another strong month contributing 6 HRs and elite 2B defence.

The bullpen remained the best in the AL, led in August by Billy Nicklas (21 FIP-) and his 6 hits in 10 innings, while Mike Hoffer (48 FIP-) contributed 1.5 WAR in his 5 starts, pitching 34.1 innings giving up 34 hits. Star of the month, however, was Cade Townsend (87 FIP-), who gave up only 26 hits across 37.1 innings in six starts, going 5-0 with a 1.21 ERA, and winning the August Pitcher of the Month Award.

Transactions & Injuries

Thursday, August 7th , 2036
CF Drew Burress was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured cheekbone. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Purchased the contract of CF Jesus Cipolloni from Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Wednesday, August 13th , 2036
Optioned RP Edgar Alba to Triple A Omaha.
Placed RP Chris Wagner on the active roster.
Activated RP Chris Wagner from the injured list.
Monday, August 18th , 2036
Sent RP Mike Bowe to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, August 20th , 2036
RP Chris Wagner was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, August 21st , 2036
RP Chris Wagner diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 4-5 months.
Recalled RP Mike Bowe from Triple A Omaha.
Thursday, August 28th , 2036
Juan Bautista has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 4 months.

Drew Burress fractured his cheekbone and will face a race to get back up to speed before the playoffs when he returns in mid-September. The Royals made a brave decision to call up 2032 trade acquisition Jesus Cipolloni from AA ball. However, with his 65 range and potential average contact, power and eye, it makes sense to test that glove for the longer term.

Chris Wagner returned but unfortunately only lasted two days before shoulder inflammation ended his season and ending his chance at a Royals’ save record. Mike Bowe’s recovery coincided with Wagner’s injury.

Minor League News

Texas League (AA) Batter of the Month: Andy Alexander (2032 2nd Round) .329, 11 HRs, 30 RBIs

Dominican Rookie League (R) Batter of the Month: Juan Moralez (2029 Scouting Discovery) .593, 25 BB, 43 RBIs

Around the League

Injuries

Sunday, August 31st , 2036
Los Angeles Dodgers: 3B Vince Elkins diagnosed with a torn ligament in his thumb, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, August 30th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: Andres Gimenez has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 2-3 months.
Cincinnati Reds: RP Mirko Francesco Howard diagnosed with a bone spur in his elbow, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Friday, August 29th , 2036
New York Mets: Zach Masteller has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 weeks.
New York Mets: SP Stephon Daniely diagnosed with elbow inflammation, will miss 7 weeks.
Monday, August 25th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RP Cole Wilcox diagnosed with a sore elbow, will miss 5 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: RF Jordan Walker was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: sore elbow. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Friday, August 22nd , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: 2B David Ojeda diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 6-7 months.
Atlanta Braves: CF Jesus Anaya was injured while throwing the ball. The Diagnosis: strained oblique. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Thursday, August 21st , 2036
Chicago Cubs: SS Ben Kirkland diagnosed with a broken hand, will miss 2 months.
Baltimore Orioles: 1B Jon Clabaugh was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Wednesday, August 20th , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Tommy Estridge diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 2-3 months.
Monday, August 18th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP David Morales diagnosed with a strained triceps, will miss 6 weeks.
Cleveland Guardians: SS Juan Jaramillo diagnosed with a broken bone in the elbow, will miss 4 months.
Sunday, August 17th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: RP Jonathan Drake was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained hamstring. He's expected to miss about 5-6 weeks.
Thursday, August 14th , 2036
Chicago White Sox: RP Naulivou Lauaki Jr. was injured when he fell down the stairs while sleepwalking. The Diagnosis: post-concussion syndrome. He's expected to miss about 6 months.
Tuesday, August 12th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: CF Pete Crow-Armstrong was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (back). He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Monday, August 11th , 2036
Texas Rangers: RP Jack Mahoney diagnosed with a torn back muscle, will miss 4 months.
San Diego Padres: RP David Lally diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 10 months.
Sunday, August 10th , 2036
Texas Rangers: SP Mike Crawford diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 13-14 months.
Saturday, August 9th , 2036
Miami Marlins: 2B Tim Doggett diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 6 weeks.
Miami Marlins: 1B Korey Reilly diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 8 weeks.
Baltimore Orioles: SS Mike Sims was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Friday, August 8th , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Jesus Medina diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 6 months.
Thursday, August 7th , 2036
Kansas City Royals: CF Drew Burress was injured being hit by a pitch. The Diagnosis: fractured cheekbone. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Monday, August 4th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: 1B Gilberto Carrillo diagnosed with an elbow sprain, is day-to-day for 4 weeks.
New York Mets: 2B Zach Masteller diagnosed with a fractured foot, will miss 6 weeks.
Saturday, August 2nd , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: C Enrique Jimenez diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Friday, August 1st , 2036
Miami Marlins: SP Eury Perez diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 13 months.
Miami Marlins: C Steve Idelson diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament, will miss 7 months.  

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MLB Standings

The Royals miss out by one game on both a 100-win season and the rest record in baseball; a result that they hope does not come back to haunt them.

They wrap up the Central by 18 games, a wider margin than the Avalanche (100-65) managed, while over in the East the Orioles (90-72) led for most of the season and finished 3 games clear of the Yankees.

In the National League, the Mets (96-67) finished with the league’s best record and won their division by 2 games while the Giants (90-72) leapfrogged the Dodgers to win the division by one game although both will make the postseason. The Cubs (84-78) improved over the last month of the season to earn the division title, winning by 3 games from the Reds.



As expected, the Mariners and the Yankees wrapped up the first two wild card spots and neither the Twins nor the White Sox could put pressure on the Rangers, who wrapped up the final spot.

In the National League, it was a lot closer after the Phillies and Dodgers took the first two slots, with the Padres and Braves finishing with the same record and the Padres getting into the post season by virtue of their 4-3 record during the season.



Kansas City Results

A 14-11 month to end the season with five series victories out of eight full series, sweeping the Guardians and the Braves (ending their playoff hopes in the final series of the season) and being swept by the Giants (helping them win the NL West).



Kansas City Team Statistics



The Royals end with the best offense in the American League, finishing in the top three of every category except home runs, where they finished 5th. The improvement in Base Running to 3rd is the most impressive upgrade from an already elite offensive team. The bullpen finishes with the best ERA in the AL, while the Royals drop a little over the final two months to finish in the top five for the majority of categories.

Jimmy Goodman (143 wRC+) had a great final month of the season to take his ZR over 10 for the year; while Edgar Mir (148 wRC+) ensured he earned over 6 WAR for the season with another 6 HRs for the month.

Eddie Baquerizo (68 FIP-) bounced back in the final month, pitching 26 innings and giving up 24 hits but still recording an 0-4 record while Kevin Azeem (48 FIP-) had a great start to Royal life, giving up 9 hits in 9 innings.

Transactions & Injuries

Monday, September 1st , 2036
Purchased the contract of 3B Eric Rose from Triple A Omaha.
Saturday, September 6th , 2036
Sent RP Ben Alvarado to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, September 17th , 2036
Sent CF Drew Burress to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Tuesday, September 23rd , 2036
Optioned CF Jesus Cipolloni to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Purchased the contract of CF Drew Burress from Triple A Omaha.

Eric Rose was the September roster expansion call up to provide some rest for the infield as the season entered its final month.

Ben Alvarado managed to make it back for an injury rehab stint in AAA but making the playoff roster is unlikely. Drew Burress, however, was able to have a week in AAA before returning to the Major League roster for the last week of the season, sending Cipolloni back to AA following a not overly successful time in the Big Leagues.

Minor League News

International League (AAA) Pitcher of the Month: Ethan Chafin (2033 Trade WAS) 5-0, 1.32 ERA, 46 K, 41 IP

Texas League (AA) Batter of the Month: Beom Byham (2034 9th Round) .500, 14 HRs, 36 RBIs

Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Month: Ethan Ruzanski (2031 18th Round) 4-0, 2.74 ERA, 29 K, 23 IP

Midwest League (A+) Pitcher of the Month: Devin Cooper (2032 1st Round S) 3-0, 2.37 ERA, 21 K, 19 IP

Around the League

Transactions

Wednesday, September 17th , 2036
Texas Rangers: Signed RF Erik Pickett to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $38,920,000.
Tuesday, September 9th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick Erik McCormick. Received additional pick compensation.
Boston Red Sox: Failed to sign 3rd round draft pick Tameron Brizan. Received additional pick compensation.
Toronto Blue Jays: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick Mike Corbin. Received additional pick compensation.
Detroit Tigers: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Modest Hysi. Received additional pick compensation.
Minnesota Twins: Failed to sign 1st round draft pick Kevin Bultsma. Received additional pick compensation.
San Antonio Avalanche: Failed to sign 3rd round draft pick Zion Saintjean. Received additional pick compensation.
St. Louis Cardinals: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick David Sahagun. Received additional pick compensation.
Colorado Rockies: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick Julio Adame. Received additional pick compensation.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Failed to sign 2nd round draft pick Adrian J. Wille. Received additional pick compensation.

Injuries

Monday, September 29th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: LF Roman Anthony diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 5 weeks.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Jesus Veliz was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: herniated disc (back). He's expected to miss about 3-4 weeks.
Sunday, September 28th , 2036
St. Louis Cardinals: 2B Ed Kolesar diagnosed with a knee sprain, will miss 6-7 weeks.
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Zyaire Litzsey diagnosed with an oblique strain, will miss 4 weeks.
Saturday, September 27th , 2036
Chicago Cubs: RP Colin White diagnosed with a torn triceps, will miss 2-3 months.
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Jeff Williamson diagnosed with rotator cuff inflammation, will miss 3 months.
San Antonio Avalanche: 3B Andalo Porterfield diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Tampa Bay Rays: 2B Quency Danner was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn quadriceps. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Thursday, September 25th , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: CF Jeremy Thornton diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, will miss 8 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: SP Josh Lackey diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 5 months.
Monday, September 22nd , 2036
Milwaukee Brewers: 2B Aeverson Arteaga diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 5 weeks.
Baltimore Orioles: SS Mike Sims diagnosed with back spasms, will miss 4 weeks.
Boston Red Sox: CF David Alba diagnosed with a sprained ankle, will miss 8 weeks.
Saturday, September 20th , 2036
Seattle Mariners: Demarckus Lacy has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 8 months.
Friday, September 19th , 2036
Houston Astros: LF Luis Rojas was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: hamstring strain. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Wednesday, September 17th , 2036
Colorado Rockies: CF Luis Moreno was injured on a defensive play. The Diagnosis: concussion. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Arizona Diamondbacks: RP Ryan Reich was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: strained forearm. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Tuesday, September 16th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RF Adriel Radney diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 2-3 months.
Sunday, September 14th , 2036
Washington Nationals: 2B Chris Maguire was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: recurring back spasms. He's expected to miss about 5 weeks.
Saturday, September 13th , 2036
San Antonio Avalanche: SS Juan Batres was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn quadriceps. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Milwaukee Brewers: LF Mike Wills was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn hamstring. He's expected to miss about 7 weeks.
Friday, September 12th , 2036
Cleveland Guardians: Timothy Theophanous has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 5 months.
Thursday, September 11th , 2036
Los Angeles Dodgers: RP Drew Thorpe diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 14 months.
Tuesday, September 9th , 2036
Los Angeles Angels: RP Caden Bogenpohl diagnosed with a ruptured bicep tendon, will miss 6-7 months.
Toronto Blue Jays: 1B Danny Pierce diagnosed with a torn labrum, will miss 5 months.
Monday, September 8th , 2036
Atlanta Braves: RP Jesus Brizuela diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, will miss 11-12 months.
Houston Astros: RP Tyson Neighbors was injured while pitching. The Diagnosis: biceps tendinitis. He's expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Sunday, September 7th , 2036
Baltimore Orioles: SP Josh Caylor diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 4 months.
San Francisco Giants: LF Jamie Morris diagnosed with a strained hamstring, will miss 5 weeks.
Saturday, September 6th , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: 3B Ju-chan Bae diagnosed with a fractured thumb, will miss 4-5 weeks.
Thursday, September 4th , 2036
New York Mets: 2B Luis Zesati diagnosed with a strained groin muscle, will miss 5-6 weeks.
Tuesday, September 2nd , 2036
Philadelphia Phillies: RP Nick Robertson diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis, will miss 5 weeks.
Monday, September 1st , 2036
Milwaukee Brewers: CF Lonnie White Jr. diagnosed with a sore elbow, will miss 4 weeks.

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The Royals will take on an old foe, whatever the outcome of the Wild Card Round. Should the Orioles take the win, it will be a 5th meeting all time and a rematch of last year’s AL Wild Card series, which the Royals took 2-1. If it is the Rangers, then that will be a 4th match up in the postseason, with the Royals taking a 2-1 ALWS victory in 2034.

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The Orioles sweep the Rangers to set up the rematch of last year’s ALWS. It is the 5th time the Royals and Orioles have met in the postseason, with the Royals holding a 3-1 advantage. The Royals won the regular season series 5-1.

The Orioles rely on contact and relief pitching, with the best average in the American League and the 3rd best bullpen ERA.

The offence leans heavily on 2035 trade acquisition 1B Gilberto Carrillo, leading the club with 105 RBI while finishing 2nd in HRs (25) and AVG (.277). 2030 trade acquisition LF Sam Blade led the HRs with 27, while their 2034 1st Round pick SS Jon Clabaugh produced a .287 average and Jackson Holliday, who has spent his entire career with the Orioles, stealing 25 bases.

Cliff Stratton (2033 Trade STL) is their nominal ace, a 4.70 ERA in 185 IP suggests that he can targeted. If it gets to the bullpen, then the Orioles will use middle relievers such as Jonathan Kent (2035 Waivers ATL) to get to setup man Dane Thames (2031 5th Round) and superstar closer Jim Kelley (2035 Free Agent), who the Orioles signed over the Royals with a three-year $28.4m contract!

Wednesday, October 1st , 2036
1B Juan Moreno diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament, will miss 9-10 months.

A devastating blow as the Royals headed into the playoffs as Rookie Moreno will tears his PCL and faces a long journey back. Bobby Witt Jr. will step into the everyday 1B position for the postseason.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Mike Hoffer vs. Sam Bigelow (2035 Trade LAD)
• Baltimore WINS 8-6
• Bigelow: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R
• Hoffer: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Jared Caudillo (W): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Jim Kelley (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Shawn Bass (L)(BS): 1.0 IP, 3 H, 5 R
• Mike Lyas (POTG): 3-4, GS HR
• Baltimore HRs: Lyas GS (7th), Gilberto Carrillo (9th)
• 1-0 Baltimore

Game 2 in Kansas City: Daniel Nava vs. Cliff Stratton (2033 Trade STL)
• Baltimore WINS 7-4
• Stratton 6.0 IP, 3 H, 3R
• Nava: 5.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R
• Dane Thames (W)(BS): 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Mike Bonetti (SV): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Billy Nicklas (L): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• 2-0 Baltimore

Game 3 in Baltimore: Curt Bogans vs Tony Moser (2031 7th Round)
• Kansas City WINS 11-7
• Bogans (W): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Moser (L): 2.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R
• Kansas City HRs: Edgar Mir (1st), Drew Burress (3rd)
• 2-1 Baltimore

Game 4 in Baltimore: Cade Townsend vs Julio Castillo (2034 Waivers BOS)
• Baltimore WINS 9-0
• Castillo: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R
• Townsend (L): 6.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R
• Jonathan Kent (W): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Juan Ramos (POTG): 2-4, GS HR, 5 RBI
• Baltimore HRs: Ramos GS (7th), Holliday 2R (7th)
• 3-1 Baltimore WINS

Series MVP: Mike Lyas .500, 2 HR, 6 RBI

A disastrous end to the season for the Royals as the Orioles cruise past them 3-1, gaining revenge for last year’s Wild Card series defeat.

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The Giants come from 3-0 down to win the World Series, their first since 2014, denying the San Antonio Avalanche (formerly Oakland A’s) their first World Series in San Antonio (and first since 1989) in their first playoff appearance (in the club’s first appearance since 2020).

San Francisco were taken the distance at every round, playing in 19 post season games, making victory all the sweeter!

Kansas City Postseason Stats




It was a bullpen meltdown that really cost the Royals in 2036 as only Jimmy Goodman (18 PA, 1 H, 1 BB) could be considered to have gone cold on the AL-leading offence.

The starting pitchers were let down by bad luck and bad defence (Daneil Nava with a 0.70 FIP- to 6.35 ERA and Cade Townsend having a 2.88 FIP- to 7.11 ERA) but it was really the midseason acquisitions given high leverage opportunities that failed – Kevin Azeem 3 H 1.1 IP; Shawn Bass 6 H, 3.0 IP, Mike Bowe, 1 H, 1.0 IP, 1 HR.

Owner Goals Review



There was only one 2036 goal and that was achieved in style, reaching the playoffs by winning the clubs 12th division titles, 5 of which have come in the Stewart era as part of an eight consecutive years of playoff baseball, and nine in total since Stewart took over, half of all Royal post season visits.

Minor Leagues



Post Season

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] lost in 1st Round of the Playoffs.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] won the Championship (back-to-back).
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] lost in 1st Round of the Playoffs.
Columbia Fireflies [A] missed the playoffs by 21 games.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the Playoffs by 6 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] won Championship (back-to-back).
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] lost in the Championship Final.

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International Amateurs

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

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

Andres Madrigal, 17 year-old LF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Andres Madrigal hails from San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. He projects to hit for a high average with his smooth swing. He has a fluid swing and shows above average power potential. He should be very good at taking bad pitches and drawing walks. Madrigal has a high ceiling and projects well on the field and at the plate.

David Patino, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, David Patino hails from San Felipe, Venezuela. His power potential grades out as plus-plus. The ball explodes off his bat. He has good recognition of balls and strikes. At maturity he should be a league average hitter. Patino 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:
Julio Cuevas, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
David Dettori, 16 year-old LHP out of Venezuela
Jorge Masias, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Mauricio Paniagua, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Ponces, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Juan Anaya, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Alvaro Esparza, 17 year-old LF out of Venezuela
Luis Rivera, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic

Transactions & Injuries

Monday, October 27th , 2036
Chris Wagner has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 8 months.

As if the playoff result wasn’t bad enough, the Royals found out that Chris Wagner will need shoulder surgery and will pass at least the first half of the 2037 season.

Around the League

Transactions

Thursday, October 9th , 2036
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed 2B Nacho Alvarez Jr. to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $3,800,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed SP Dave Cass to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $18,880,000.

Injuries

Sunday, October 12th , 2036
San Antonio Avalanche: RP Jonathan Mastin diagnosed with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament, will miss 10 months.
Wednesday, October 1st , 2036
Toronto Blue Jays: SP Ben Satchel diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow, will miss 8 months.

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Catchers

A 3.4 WAR and a first All Star nomination is a great breakthrough season for Sam Hart who repays the Royals faith in a long-term contract. Edgar Rivera took a step back in 2036 and will be looking over his shoulder at the Royals next catcher up conveyor belt especially as he enters his first year of arbitration.

Infield

Bobby Witt Jr. player all over the diamond and ended up contributing positive WAR in just over 300 plate appearances and, for the club legend, that is probably enough to bring him back in 2037, certainly with Juan Moreno (105 wRC+) out for another 8 months.

Edgar Mir was a two-time Batter of the Month, an All Star and contributed over 6 WAR, the 7th best season in Royals history, while producing the 4th highest slugging rate (.570), 6th best OPS (.957), and joining the top ten in HRs with 35.

Jeremy Rogerson has struggled to hit the .300 heights of his early years but a 110 wRC+ with net positive defence at 3B is a solid return and Eric Rose struggled when he came up to the Major Leagues with a 37% SO rate in 93 PAs. His switch-hitting profile, however, means he retains an investment worth pursuing for the right hand dominant Royals.

That both SS candidates, Tim Storer (0.6) and Ed Nicholson (0.8), produced positive WAR is a reflection on their glove not their bat. Both hit below 100 wRC+ but Storer added 4.1 ZR. If there was a position the Royals may look to upgrade this would seem to be the candidate although it remains a glove first position for this management team.

Outfield

No All Star outfielders is a disappointing return for the Royals squad although Jimmy Goodman might consider himself unlucky with a 125 wRC+, 4.5 WAR, 10.3 ZR season that featured the 10th most BB by a Royal in a season. Drew Burress had a 20-20 season again, Enny Van Dyke had 116 RBIs to go with 27 HRs while Billy Mumaugh had the 6th most doubles in a Royals season while stealing 25 bases. Alex Duke was solid covering any and every position needed without ever looking likely to lock down an everyday role. Van Dyke and Duke both have their first years of arbitration which could see the first serious reload of the Royals outfield in recent years.

Offseason / Early 2037 Overview

C Sam Hart

1B Bobby Witt Jr. (Juan Moreno INJ)
2B Edgar Mir
3B Jeremy Rogerson
SS Tim Storer Upgrade/Arbitration

LF Billy Mumaugh
CF Drew Burress
RF Jimmy Goodman

DH Enny Van Dyke Arbitration

C Edgar Rivera Upgrade/Arbitration
INF Witt Jr. / Moreno
INF Ed Nicholson / Eric Rose
OF Alex Duke Arbitration



Starters

The starting rotation didn’t quite manage the WAR impact of 2035 but still had three pitchers contribute over 4 WAR, while the other two managing 3.8 and 2.7 (after missing 8 starts) respectively. All five posted FIP- below league average while Curt Bogans posted the highest win percentage (.833) of any Royal pitcher in history, joined in the top ten by Cade Townsend (7th). Townsend (9th) added him name, for the 4th time, to the list of highest K/9 in a single season, and he was joined on the list by Daniel Nava (8th). Bogans meanwhile added the 4th best K/BB rate (4.49) in Royals history.

Townsend has also entered some career top ten lists for the Royals including wins (8th 82), WAR (8th 24.3), and is up to 5th in Strikeouts with 1,293.

The Royals have some big decisions to make with Mike Hoffer entering his second year of arbitration while both Nava and Townsend are eligible for QO if the Royals can’t or won’t come to a long term contract agreement.

The Royals must also consider how this elite rotation was beaten up in the post season for the second year in a row by a team they dominated in the regular season.

Bullpen

The best bullpen in the American League over the regular season imploded in the postseason and there are several players entering arbitration that the Royals must carefully evaluate.

Mason Barnett (102 FIP-) was the only regular reliever (after Mike Halpin was sent back to AAA) to have a FIP above league average which likely means the team declining their option at $10.5m. There would be interest in bringing the legend back in a long relief role but only if the price is right.

On the arbitration list are Kevin Azeem (24 H in 19 IP, 3 HR), Jon Holtz (45 H in 58.1 IP, 6 HR), Billy Nicklas (48 H in 59.2 IP, 7 HR), and Chris Wagner (38 H in 47 IP, 5 HR, 33 SV).

In addition, Mike Bowe (34 H in 31.1 IP, 7 HR) is a Free Agent looking for three years at $13m.

Offseason / Early 2037 Overview

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

RP Shawn Bass
RP Luis Bravo
RP Brad Demarest
RP Jon Holtz Arbitration
RP Kevin Azeem Arbitration
RP Billy Nicklas Arbitration
RP Chris Wagner Arbitration
RP Mike Bowe Free Agent
RP Mason Barnett Free Agent

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Owner Goals



There are four new goals from owner Sherman; two for 2037 in reaching the playoffs and upgrading the Shortstop position, an increased fan interest for 2038 and a Championship team in 2041. This is in addition to the desire to acquire a hometown player, to rebuild the farm, and to win more close games.

Finances



Owner Sherman cuts $10m from the player payroll budget to $170m while retaining the budget at a high $234m. This is off the back of a return to 3m+ attendees at the stadium, with the stadium only 500 fans short of a sell out each day. The ticket price is in line with similarly performing teams and the hope will be that the Royals can have a 100% capacity season in the coming years.

Personnel

There were three departures from the Royals coaching staff following the completion of the season:

After one season at AA following a career in A ball, and with the AA Manager of the Year award in hand, Johnny Isom retires from baseball.

ACL R Pitching Coach Adam Wheaton leaves after his one season with the team. He was always seen as a stop gap by management.

DSL R Stewart Pitching Coach Jhoulys Chacin leaves the organisation after failing to agree a new deal. The Royals would have liked to keep him, but he was looking for a promotion that was simply not available within the system.

Minor Leagues

Awards

DSL Peter O'Brien Manager of the Year 2
AA Johnny Isom Manager of the Year 4
AAA Generoso Gonzalez Manager of the Year 2

DSL Juan Moralez 2029 Scouting Discovery Most Valuable Player Award

A+ Nick Patel 2028 Scouting Discovery Outstanding Pitcher Award
AAA Ethan Chafin 2033 Trade WAS Outstanding Pitcher Award

Notable Retirements

2030
3rd Round SS Ian Gordon – A 2033 Golden Glove SS at AAA, Gordon just didn’t have the bat to make an impression in the Big Leagues and retires as someone who didn’t reach his potential.
10th Round SS Bobby Goode – A Platinum Stick winner at SS in 2032 at A ball and 2034 in AA ball, Goode retires from AA ball
11th Round CF Andy Sczesny – A 2033 and 2034 Gold Glove winner in A ball, Sczesny completed the double by winning the Platinum Bat in 2033 as well but never made it out of A ball
15th Round RP Chris Butler - progressed to AAA without ever being considered for a shot in the Big Leagues

2031
17th Round CF Pete Austin - The 2032 Rookie Platinum Stick winner at CF moved to AA in 2033 and won a Gold Glove, Platinum Stick, and the league MVP. His career stalled at AAA.

2032
19th Round SP Andy Schmeltzer – progressed to AA before retirement

KC Top 500 Prospects Performance

Andy Alexander shows the best development over the year, his 8.6 WAR coming across two levels as his power sees him hit 50 HRs. He will start in AAA in 2037 with the only concern being how his 45 contact will transfer to the Big Leagues. Also impressive were SS Jon Basiliere (looking to earn the starting job in 2037) and Takara Takayama (177 wRC+) who may get a chance at 1B while Moreno recovers.

Pitching wise, Ethan Chafin (0.90 WHIP) is ready for the Big Leagues after winning the AAA Pitcher of the Year Award while both Chris Wolff (1.06 WHIP) and Jonathon Cote (0.99 WHIP) will hope to join him.

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Personnel

Following the retirement of Manager Johnny Isom, Aaron Cames promoted from A+ to AA. This presented two time manager of the year Peter O’Brien to move from the DSL league to High-A while Miguel Garcia was brought in as the new DSL (Stewart) Manager.

It has been a struggle to replace the two pitching coaches, and the search goes on into December.

Awards

It was a successful year for the Royals at Awards season as they saw Juan Moreno and Jimmy Goodmand pick up Great Gloves while Edgar Mir took the 2B Platinum Stick.

Chris Wagner was 3rd in the Reliever of the Year Award while Curt Bogans received Cy Young votes. The biggest celebration, however, saw Edgar Mir voted AL MVP a year on from winning the Rookie of the Year Award.

AL Great Gloves 1B Juan Moreno | RF Jimmy Goodman KC
NL Great Gloves
AL Platinum Sticks 2B Edgar Mir KC
NL Platinum Sticks
AL Manager of the Year Wyatt Burns SA
NL Manager of the Year Jason Smith SF
AL Reliever of the Year Chan-koo Kim TEX
NL Reliever of the Year Geoff Phillips SF
AL Rookie of the Year Wilfredo Terrazas HOU
NL Rookie of the Year Jake Moore SF
AL Cy Young J.J. Tiepkema NYY
NL Cy Young Ricky Tiedemann NYM
AL MVP Edgar Mir KC
NL MVP Josh O'Neill NYM

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

Tuesday, November 4th , 2036
Executed the contract year option of 1B Bobby Witt Jr..
Voided the team option year(s) of RP Mason Barnett for a buyout of $1,530,000.
Traded 26-year old C Edgar Rivera and 18-year old minor league RHP Edgar Aguirre to the Washington Nationals, getting 23-year old RHP Luis Dillard and $2,500,000 in cash in return.
Traded 30-year old SS Tim Storer and 22-year old minor league SS Jorge Carapia to the Seattle Mariners, getting 17-year old minor league 2B Andres Raygoza, 22-year old minor league RHP Ed Boyer, 25-year old RHP Jimmy Lininger (retaining 10%), and $7,500,000 in cash in return.
Wednesday, November 5th , 2036
Traded 26-year old CF Alex Duke and 24-year old RHP Juan Bautista to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting 23-year old LHP Brendan Spears and $31,000,000 in cash in return.
Friday, November 7th , 2036
RF J.P. Sawyer was claimed off waivers from Baltimore.
Traded 23-year old LHP Brendan Spears and 23-year old minor league CF Juan Vega to the Chicago Cubs, getting 17-year old minor league SS Ismael Leyva and $20,000,000 in cash in return.
Placed C Andy Alexander on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Saturday, November 8th , 2036
Signed SP Mike Hoffer to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $13,600,000.
Signed CL Jimmy Lininger to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,750,000.
Signed LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,900,000.
Signed SP Mike Bell to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $900,000.
Signed RP Jon Holtz to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,100,000.
Signed RP Chris Wagner to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,850,000.
Sunday, November 9th , 2036
Signed RP Kevin Azeem to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,000,000.
Signed RP Billy Nicklas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,100,000.

There were a lot of big decisions for the Royals this offseason with the first two being Team Options for club legends Bobby Witt Jr. and Mason Barnett. The choice did not prove too challenging, Witt Jr.’s $2.5m option easy to swallow for a positive WAR player while $11m for Barnett was too much for an ‘at best’ 6th starter arm.

A $3m arbitration ask for Edgar Rivera, and $6.5m for Tim Storer were too rich for the Royals as budget crunch threatened and with replacement level players waiting in AAA.

Rivera was traded for a MLB-ready reliever in Dillard, who pairs an 80-fastball with a plus-to-80 slider and potential plus control and plus-plus stuff. Organisational depth Edgar Aguirre (2035 MiL FA) was included in the deal.

Storer was paired with organisational piece Jorge Carapia (2031 Scouting Discovery) to gain interesting prospect 2B Andres Raygoza (80-speed, average defence with potential for a plus-plus contact with plus-plus gap power), high prospect RP Ed Boyer, and a return for Jimmy Lininger, who pitched for the Royals in 2034, with his plus-plus fastball/slider combo, plus movement and poor control.

The cheaper Alex Duke was also moved on, along with RP Juan Bautista, as he approached his bigger arbitration years, with a return from the Brewers of SP Brendan Spears and a huge cash injection.

The Royals added C Andy Alexander to the 40-man and picked up RF J.P. Sawyer off waivers from Baltimore; he will be in pole position to replace Duke when Spring Training rolls around.

Kevin Azeem gets a $8m one-year deal, a lot of pressure will be on Azeem to earn that salary in 2037.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

Tuesday, November 25th , 2036
SP Daniel Nava rejected the qualifying offer
SP Cade Townsend accepted a 1-year qualifying offer worth a total of $18,900,000.

Perhaps predictably, Daniel Nava rejects the Qualifying Offer and Cade Townsend accepts.

Free Agents

Thursday, November 27th , 2036
RP Mason Barnett becomes a free-agent.
RP Mike Bowe becomes a free-agent.
RP Jesus Sandoval becomes a free-agent.
2B Dan Colligan becomes a free-agent.
RP Ben Alvarado becomes a free-agent.
Sunday, November 30th , 2036
Purchased the contract of SP David Balderas from the New York Boulders of the Frontier League.
Purchased the contract of RP Seong-soo Kim from the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League.

International Free Agents

The Royals chose not to pursue any International Free Agents in the 2036 class.

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:

Andres Madrigal, 17 year-old LF out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Andres Madrigal hails from San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. He projects to hit for a high average with his smooth swing. He can put on a show in batting practice, and as he develops he has the power potential to impact the game. He should be good at knowing when to swing and when not to swing. Madrigal has a considerable ceiling and can be a first division starter in the majors.

David Patino, 17 year-old RF out of Venezuela
Lean and athletic, David Patino hails from San Felipe, Venezuela. He has the power potential of a prototypical clean-up hitter. He has good plate discipline and projects to draw 70 walks each year. He should become an average hitter. Patino 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:
David Dettori, 16 year-old LHP out of Venezuela
Jorge Masias, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Mauricio Paniagua, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Ponces, 17 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Luis Rivera, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Anaya, 16 year-old RHP out of Dominican Republic
Julio Cuevas, 16 year-old CF out of Dominican Republic
Alvaro Esparza, 17 year-old LF out of Venezuela

Around the League

Retirements

Baltimore Orioles: SP Victor Mederos retired from professional baseball.
Boston Red Sox: SP Danny Watson retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: 1B Edouard Julien retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: CF Wilderd Patino retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: RP Eli Saul retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: SP Daniel Espino retired from professional baseball.
Cleveland Guardians: SP Drew Rom retired from professional baseball.
Colorado Rockies: SP Wilmer Flores retired from professional baseball.
Houston Astros: SP Mick Abel retired from professional baseball.
Miami Marlins: 2B Brett Wisely retired from professional baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers: RP Steven Jennings retired from professional baseball.
Minnesota Twins: SP Brent Headrick retired from professional baseball.
New York Mets: SP Robert Colina retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: RP Jaden Hill retired from professional baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies: LF Sal Frelick retired from professional baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies: SP Randy Vasquez retired from professional baseball.
Pittsburgh Pirates: CF Michael Siani retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: CL Yeijiro Ando retired from professional baseball.
San Diego Padres: RP Cole Henry retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: 1B Aaron Palensky retired from professional baseball.
San Francisco Giants: SP Justin Steele retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: CL Jhoan Duran retired from professional baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals: RP Andres Munoz retired from professional baseball.
Tampa Bay Rays: 1B Jonathan Aranda retired from professional baseball.
Tampa Bay Rays: SP Sem Robberse retired from professional baseball.
Texas Rangers: SP Cade Povich retired from professional baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays: RP Chase Lee retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: 1B Miguel Vargas retired from professional baseball.
Washington Nationals: SP Tekoah Roby retired from professional baseball.

Transactions

Sunday, November 30th , 2036
The Baltimore Orioles traded 20-year old minor league RF Volk Bethmann and 21-year old minor league 3B Jorge Vargas to the Colorado Rockies, getting 30-year old RHP Minjae Seo (retaining 80%) and $3,840,000 in cash in return.
Saturday, November 29th , 2036
The Boston Red Sox traded 29-year old RHP Frank Mena and $1,420,000 in cash to the Seattle Mariners, getting 21-year old minor league RF Zach Mazzarella in return.
Friday, November 28th , 2036
The San Francisco Giants traded 17-year old minor league RF Mauricio Parada and 20-year old minor league CF Bob Kershaw to the Washington Nationals, getting 31-year old LF B.J. Abel (retaining 80%) and $2,640,000 in cash in return.
The Minnesota Twins traded 27-year old RHP Dave Hilliker (retaining 80%) and $1,850,000 in cash to the Baltimore Orioles, getting 19-year old minor league 3B Mike Briceno and 22-year old minor league RHP Andres Pineda in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 26-year old RHP Emerson Brocklebank to the Chicago White Sox, getting 21-year old minor league RF Juan Avalos in return.
Atlanta Braves: Signed free agent C Gene Okoronkwo to a 3-year contract worth a total of $4,860,000.
The Chicago White Sox traded 28-year old RHP Frank Marmolejo (retaining 80%) and $1,700,000 in cash to the Chicago Cubs, getting 22-year old minor league RHP Derek Ford and 22-year old minor league 2B Jesus Bassis in return.
Tuesday, November 25th , 2036
Houston Astros: SP Jeff Sparks rejected the qualifying offer
Miami Marlins: SS Rusty Kopp rejected the qualifying offer
St. Louis Cardinals: RF Bryce Eldridge rejected the qualifying offer
St. Louis Cardinals: SP Chase Dollander accepted a 1-year qualifying offer worth a total of $18,900,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 2B Jesus Veliz rejected the qualifying offer
San Francisco Giants: 1B Brad Nicastro rejected the qualifying offer
Sunday, November 23rd , 2036
The Detroit Tigers traded 25-year old minor league RHP Ian Tharp to the Seattle Mariners, getting 24-year old minor league CF Edgar Jaramillo and 19-year old minor league RF Jimmy LaHaie in return.
Saturday, November 22nd , 2036
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 25-year old RHP Sam Simonsen to the St. Louis Cardinals, getting 22-year old minor league 1B Josh Nailer and 24-year old minor league RHP Ted Tyler in return.
Friday, November 21st , 2036
The Detroit Tigers traded 26-year old 3B Jim Hinton to the Colorado Rockies, getting 19-year old minor league LF Jaska Skyttä, 24-year old minor league RHP Kevin Taylor, and 23-year old LHP Phil Bender in return.
Thursday, November 20th , 2036
The St. Louis Cardinals traded 25-year old LF Jesus Orrego to the Tampa Bay Rays, getting 25-year old C Ju-chan Namgung in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 29-year old LHP Tyrese Kargbo to the Philadelphia Phillies, getting 22-year old minor league LF Andy Gothard and 23-year old minor league RHP Kevin Richards in return.
Wednesday, November 12th , 2036
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed C Enrique Jimenez to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,700,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed SP Joe Houck to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,100,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed RP Dave Starks to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,160,000.
Tuesday, November 11th , 2036
Miami Marlins: Signed SP Dan Clark to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,400,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed SP Mike Spence to a 6-year contract extension worth a total of $168,200,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed 2B Ed Kolesar to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,720,000.
New York Mets: Signed CL Tim Webber to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,000,000.
Monday, November 10th , 2036
San Francisco Giants: Signed RP Zach Brzykcy to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,760,000.
New York Yankees: Signed 1B Nelson Silva to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,080,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed RP Ajani Okafor to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,320,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed SP Marquis Etienne to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,200,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed CL Chad Jackson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,680,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 25-year old RHP Jamie Bowen to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 22-year old minor league RHP Josh Cox in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 27-year old LHP Sheng Chi Hancock to the San Diego Padres, getting 24-year old minor league 2B Juan Flores in return.
The Boston Red Sox traded 27-year old RHP Sergio Serna to the Houston Astros, getting 19-year old minor league RF Luis Moreno and 23-year old minor league 3B Art Wilson in return.
Sunday, November 9th , 2036
Miami Marlins: Signed RP Haiden Leffew to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,240,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed LF Caden Sorrell to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,280,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed 3B Juan Borja to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $72,920,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed SP Julio Castillo to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $21,920,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed 1B Dan Liantonio to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $35,000,000.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 25-year old LHP Jamie Runnion to the New York Yankees, getting 21-year old minor league 2B Luis Pacheco in return.
Saturday, November 8th , 2036
Cincinnati Reds: Signed 3B Kyle Karros to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,680,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed 1B Izaac Pacheco to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,040,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed RP Luis Perales to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,340,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed RP Luis Valdez to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,220,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed RP Aidan Curry to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,180,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed SS Alex Harrington to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,660,000.
Houston Astros: Signed 3B Quentin Young to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,400,000.
New York Yankees: Signed RF Dean Moss to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,800,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed SP Angel Cervantes to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,640,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP JD Dohrmann to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,800,000.
New York Yankees: Signed 2B Adrian Santana to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,880,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed SS Cooper Pratt to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,660,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed RP Steven Echavarria to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,940,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed C Max Kaufer to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,720,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed RP Matt Scott to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,200,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed RP Leighton Finley to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,840,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed C Brooks Brannon to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,600,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed RP Logan Lunceford to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,540,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed C Cannon Peebles to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,360,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed RP David Hagaman to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,820,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed CF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,780,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed SS Matt Ponatoski to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,360,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed SS Christian Doty to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,800,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed CF Brady Harris to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $30,500,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed 2B Keon Johnson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $13,800,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed SP William Schmidt to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $26,840,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed RP Colin White to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,840,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed 1B Michael Dattalo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,440,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed LF Caleb Danzeisen to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,880,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed RP Nate Snead to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,800,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed RP Cole Schoenwetter to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,920,000.
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed RP Cameron Flukey to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,040,000.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed RP Joshua Whritenour to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,880,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed RP Chris Levonas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,780,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed 2B Cristofer Torin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,240,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed 2B Rouselle Shepard to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,160,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed 1B Joshua Liranzo to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $19,600,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed 2B Pedro Ibarguen to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,880,000.
Houston Astros: Signed CF Ismael Garza to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,920,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed RF Andres Ochoa to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,600,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed LF Alfredo Placeres to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,340,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed 2B Frank Cortina to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $9,200,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed SS Juan Batres to a 7-year contract extension worth a total of $127,700,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed CF Juan Moreno to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,460,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed SP Sa-yoon Kim to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed RP Luis Molina to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,880,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed RP David Ramos to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,840,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RF Fidel Vargas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $10,600,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed RP Juan Asebedo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,940,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed 3B Juan Ramos to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,040,000.
Houston Astros: Signed LF Luis Rojas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,680,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed RF Esteban Vega to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,720,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed 2B Tim Doggett to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,720,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed 1B Steve Morris to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,280,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed RP Ronie Elkind to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,900,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed RF Jonathan Martin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,640,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed C Jon Conrad to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $121,400,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed SP Josh Olaniyan to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,700,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed 3B Derward Rosas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $12,900,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed RP Eric Romriell to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,400,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed 1B Gilberto Carrillo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $9,400,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed C Walt Burkett to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,200,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed RP Geoff Phillips to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,920,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed C Jadon Igbokwe to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,520,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed SP Oristel Handl to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed RP Steve Kunkle to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,280,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed SP Daniel Rivera to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,320,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed SP Mike Hall to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,700,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed RP Donte LeSane to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,880,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP Jonathan Mastin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,600,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed 1B Mike Whitt to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,680,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed RP Frank Marmolejo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,500,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed C Steve Crawford to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,700,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed RP Demarckus Lacy to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,560,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed LF Joe Wolter to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,600,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed 3B Josh Peck to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,760,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed 1B Steve Carter to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,900,000.
New York Yankees: Signed RP Edgar Briones to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,740,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed SP Joe Niehaus to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed SP Josh Cook to a 6-year contract extension worth a total of $337,500,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed RP Dan Irvin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
New York Mets: Signed 1B Luis Zesati to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,620,000.
St. Louis Cardinals: Signed RP Jamie Russell to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,080,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed 2B Dashawn Anene to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,800,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP Doug Jallow to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,120,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed 1B Eric Hibbert to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,200,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed 1B Tim Matthews to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,320,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed SP Tim Wilson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,800,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed C Chris Hopkins to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,360,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP Sergio Leyva to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,240,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed RP Sergio Martillo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,740,000.
New York Mets: Signed LF Alejandro Moreno to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,440,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed 1B Jorge Zabala to a 8-year contract extension worth a total of $242,500,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed CF Luis Moreno to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $28,800,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed LF David Ramirez to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,820,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed RP Arturo Traversari to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,080,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed RP Ismael Coronado to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,520,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed 1B Korey Reilly to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,480,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed RP Jaime Dean to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,860,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed RF Juan Ramirez to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,040,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed CL Dusty Mullen to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,200,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed SP Andy Lusk to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,740,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed SP Stephon Mickell to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $243,000,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed LF Max Wood to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,840,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed RP Phil Sturgis to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,600,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed RP Tim Albright to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,840,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed RP Harry X McDaniel to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,000,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed RP Alpha Marbley to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,340,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed RP Myung-joo Kim to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,080,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed RP Jonathan Flenner to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,920,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed RP Juan Medina to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,800,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed LF Bob Williman to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,500,000.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed 1B Mike Wills to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,760,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed RP Josh Wood to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,160,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed RP Wally Phillips to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,940,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed 3B Tyson Kendrick Jr. to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,960,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed CF Tim Mitchell to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,160,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed LF Joe Janssen to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,880,000.
New York Yankees: Signed RP Stu Watson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,120,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed 2B Joe Poh to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,480,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed LF Bobby Neubauer to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed RF Mike Lyas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,480,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed CF Ken O'Loughlin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,840,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP Jelani Bethea to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed RP Mike Matheson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,240,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed LF David Alba to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,360,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed LF Danny Beeman to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,720,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed RP Kevin Bryan Murphy to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,900,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed RF Kevin Bumgarner to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,760,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed RP David Vargas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,640,000.
Houston Astros: Signed CL Eric Cook to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,680,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed LF Jesus Liendo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,300,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed RP Tyrese Kargbo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,500,000.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed RP Ron Grace to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,200,000.
Cleveland Guardians: Signed RP Greg Herring to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,620,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed RP Dan Rudisill to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,600,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed LF Sam Blade to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $57,400,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed RP Luis Fowler to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,900,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed C Alfredo Serrano to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed RP Dave Branch to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,360,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed 1B Chris Brock to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed SP Jonathan Glymph to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,900,000.
Texas Rangers: Signed 2B Jeff Dost to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,520,000.
San Diego Padres: Signed RF Dave Goumas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,680,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed SP Nate Kinney to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,280,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed SP Tyree Sanon to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $40,140,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed RP Nelson Mejorado to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,000,000.
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed C Omari Gadison to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,080,000.
New York Yankees: Signed 3B Mike Diddle to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $11,800,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed RP Amari Malachi to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,200,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed 2B Chris Maguire to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,100,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed LF Steve Metzger to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $11,900,000.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed 1B Adan Hadley to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $60,540,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed SP Ronnie Chapman to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,400,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed CF Dan Castillo to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $89,400,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed LF Gilberto Lujan to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed SP Dave Anderson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,100,000.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Signed RP Jeff Schever to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
Philadelphia Phillies: Signed SP J.J. Paniagua to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,900,000.
New York Mets: Signed C Joe Staley to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,760,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed 1B Jaheim Osagie to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $6,200,000.
New York Yankees: Signed SP Nate Hall to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $128,600,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed C Eric Windel to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,600,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed CF Luis Gotay to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,480,000.
New York Mets: Signed RP Bobby Simak to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,520,000.
San Antonio Avalanche: Signed SP Andy Cervantes to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,120,000.
Washington Nationals: Signed CF Joe Harmon to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,200,000.
New York Mets: Signed SP Gautier Riggan to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $12,900,000.
Detroit Tigers: Signed 3B Jesus Moreno to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,620,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed CL Jeremy Sidener to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,500,000.
Minnesota Twins: Signed SP Dave Hilliker to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $16,000,000.
Houston Astros: Signed 3B Ted Quinn to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,240,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed SP Sam Grebe to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $8,000,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed 2B Kadarrius Converse to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,520,000.
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed RP Sam McCluskey to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,120,000.
Cincinnati Reds: Signed SP Constant Bellgrove to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $76,160,000.
Chicago Cubs: Signed RF Jeff Wells to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,740,000.
Kansas City Royals: Signed RP Chris Wagner to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,850,000.
Houston Astros: Signed RP Ed Thompson to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,500,000.
San Francisco Giants: Signed CL Arturo Castillo to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,400,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed CL Shamar Waltower to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,100,000.
Atlanta Braves: Signed RP Nate Green to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,040,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed SP Josh Balkey to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,900,000.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signed RP Ed Vanderhart to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,160,000.
Houston Astros: Signed RF Jace Cooper to a 5-year contract extension worth a total of $25,300,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed RP Luis Ramirez to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,620,000.
Tampa Bay Rays: Signed 2B David Ojeda to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $4,960,000.
Miami Marlins: Signed RP Mike Malone to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,900,000.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Signed RF Ricky Uhrich to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $34,900,000.
Boston Red Sox: Signed RP Frank Mena to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,420,000.
Seattle Mariners: Signed CL Juan Felix to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,360,000.
Chicago White Sox: Signed RP Joe Delassus to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,300,000.
Baltimore Orioles: Signed SP Ted Sheek to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,980,000.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signed RP Mike Oceguera to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,340,000.
New York Mets: Signed RP Joe Rohloff to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,000,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed SP Cauy Maring to a 4-year contract extension worth a total of $21,220,000.
Colorado Rockies: Signed RP Marquis Botchway to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,980,000.
Los Angeles Angels: Signed 1B Steve Brockway to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $7,000,000.
Toronto Blue Jays: Signed 2B Josh Bright to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $5,400,000.
The Cleveland Guardians traded 23-year old minor league C Ernie Ewert and 20-year old minor league RF Gilberto Baca to the Cincinnati Reds, getting 35-year old LF Homer Bush Jr. in return.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 26-year old minor league LHP Jaquan Flugence to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 22-year old minor league LF Jesus Salazar in return.
Tuesday, November 4th , 2036
Boston Red Sox: 2B Dave Messineo declines his contract option.
Chicago White Sox: RF Cam Cannarella declines his contract option.
Los Angeles Dodgers: LF Dylan O'Rae declines his contract option.
Los Angeles Dodgers: SP Mike Spence has exercised his contract opt-out.
San Diego Padres: SP Stephon Mickell has exercised his contract opt-out.
San Francisco Giants: 1B Brad Nicastro has exercised his contract opt-out.
San Francisco Giants: Voided the team option year(s) of SP Michael Prosecky for a buyout of $2,200,000.
The Tampa Bay Rays traded 25-year old RHP Nate Carannante to the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting 18-year old minor league 1B Randy Blair and 22-year old minor league SS Amari Hoskie in return.
The Detroit Tigers traded 26-year old RHP Erik Wright to the New York Mets, getting 19-year old minor league 2B Jody Landry and 23-year old minor league RHP Mike Lackey in return.

Injuries

Saturday, November 29th , 2036
Miami Marlins: SP Savino Deodato diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, will miss 14 months.
Wednesday, November 26th , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: David Ojeda has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 4-5 months.
Monday, November 24th , 2036
Seattle Mariners: SP Andres Blanco diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament, will miss 8-9 months.
Saturday, November 22nd , 2036
Tampa Bay Rays: Ambrice Serrano has suffered a setback in his recovery. He is not expected to recover for another 12 months.

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