Year Two of the Matt Quatraro tenure. Time to take a step up this year. Active in free agency and trades this offseason. A new look pitching rotation and bullpen. Will the young players take the leap up offensively? Bobby Witt extension? New stadium? Will Vinny recover from injury? Salvy taking aim at the Royals record book? Will Cole Ragans turn into the best Royals starting pitcher since Greinke 1.0?
Free Agents/Trades Acquisitions
Seth Lugo, SP
Michael Wacha, SP
Kyle Wright, SP
Hunter Renfroe, OF/DH
Will Smith, RP
Chris Stratton, RP
Nick Anderson, RP
Adam Frazier, 2B
Garrett Hampson, INF/OF
Matt Sauer, RP [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mecca:
According to the Miami Herald the Marlins attempted to trade for Bobby Witt Jr before his contract extension they were offering a package with the centerpiece being Eury Perez.
While I’m thrilled to have BWJ locked up for the next several years, the idea of Perez and Ragans leading the rotation would potentially be the best one-two punch since the days of Appier and Cone. [Reply]
Not a big fan of trading prospects for middle relievers. Being on the other end of that is more enjoyable. But, that being said... this team could probably use the help. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Fansy the Famous Bard:
Not a big fan of trading prospects for middle relievers. Being on the other end of that is more enjoyable. But, that being said... this team could probably use the help.
The book on David Sandlin is that he is likely going to end up in relief anyway.
But Baseball America does label him as a "sleeper" and writes that his 25.5 K-BB% ranked 11th among all minor league starters with at least 50 IP last year. So, yes, the Red Sox took on some good risk here. [Reply]
And notes from yesterday... --How former Olympian Maurice Greene is helping the #Royals --Why Bobby Witt Jr. wants to get even faster --Anthony Veneziano's new breaking ballhttps://t.co/fqHveVzcQY
Originally Posted by Ocotillo:
Maybe the Royals pitching lab can get Schreiber back to form.
He was outstanding in 2022.
In 2023, he lost his effectiveness against lefties, while still dominating righties.
Sidearmer who relies on a nasty sweeper and rising four-seamer.
At worst, he would be a good righty on righty match-ups, especially against some teams who have a heavy right handed lineups.
If he somehow reverts back to his 2022 form, that can be beneficial for all scenarios (Royals flipping for prospects or maybe Royals making a run for a WC spot). [Reply]
Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry:
Hosmer announced his retirement today
Excited to take on this new challenge, MoonBall Media, and our first project, The Diggin’ Deep Podcast. The playing days are unfortunately over but I’m committed to giving back to the baseball community that helped shaped my life. Episode 1 live now. https://t.co/EjfJjgb5aJpic.twitter.com/PlcX5h4fXc
Excited to take on this new challenge, MoonBall Media, and our first project, The Diggin’ Deep Podcast. The playing days are unfortunately over but I’m committed to giving back to the baseball community that helped shaped my life. Episode 1 live now. https://t.co/EjfJjgb5aJpic.twitter.com/PlcX5h4fXc
When is his brother the construction worker who was his hitting coach going to be on? I wanna hear how he molded Hosmer into the best ground ball hitter in baseball. [Reply]
Originally Posted by GabyKeepsMeWarm:
While I’m thrilled to have BWJ locked up for the next several years, the idea of Perez and Ragans leading the rotation would potentially be the best one-two punch since the days of Appier and Cone.
Remind many how many playoff appearances the Royals had with Cone and Apes leading the staff?
Yeah, it was fun having them and Cone won a Cy Young, but it ultimately didn't get us anywhere.
Setting that anecdote aside, you don't trade a young everyday potential superstar for a young phenom pitcher whose arm could blow out and go craps anyday.
Excited to take on this new challenge, MoonBall Media, and our first project, The Diggin’ Deep Podcast. The playing days are unfortunately over but I’m committed to giving back to the baseball community that helped shaped my life. Episode 1 live now. https://t.co/EjfJjgb5aJpic.twitter.com/PlcX5h4fXc
