Made the playoffs. Took out the Orioles on the road.
Lost in four games to the Yankees by 4 runs.
Finally got a bullpen.
Had two pitchers who will finish in the top five for the Cy Young.
Bobby Witt jr turned into a superstar likely being an MVP #2 to that phag in NY.
Salvy just kept doing Salvy stuff.
Vinnie came back from shoulder surgery and had a helluva year.
Cole Ragans had a full season. His arm didn’t fall off. He’s probably top five for Cy Young.
Seth Lugo is gonna finish top five for Cy Young. He’s like Rick Reed. And he’s ours for at least another season.
Brady Singer will get his next time with arbitration. And I’m ambivalent, but I know it’s damn hard to find healthy arms who could be be better as a 3/4 starter.
Michael Wacha was more than everything we could’ve ever wanted, but I say let that man fly unless he wants to take a dumb contract, which he won’t do.
That gives us Alec Marsh who was pretty great for his role.
And we have Wright coming in, plus Bubic who could start.
But this team needs another bat and wingman for Bobby. It’s perfect that Juan Soto would fill many roles, but it ain’t happening.
Adames is someone I like. And we can dangle Massey/Garcia. Just a thought.
This team…. I hope they go into the offseason working hard, and I hope they got the glitter out of their eyes.
Good team with obvious weakness, and a perennial superstar ready to erupt….
Sherman and JJ should be on the phone soon [Reply]
Incredible season and really looking forward to the paying attention to their offseason for the first time in a few years
One thing that bugs me and is admittedly a low priority on the call out list but what's with the throws in from the outfield? They either seem to mishandle the ball, lack urgency or are wildly off target
Minor call out but some tightening of fundamentals is key for a small ball club when you're ultimately going to go up against more talented teams in big games [Reply]
Originally Posted by Woogieman:
Chapman would be a big upgrade. The good news is, JJ doesn't have to break the bank at all to significantly upgrade 3 black holes, they were that bad all season. Would be an amazing offseason if Kyle Wright is "healthy" (they thought Ragans was done!) and they could plug the cleanup spot with an OF or 3B, and lastly, some in-house OFer (Cross? Rave?) decides they are ready to play in the bigs.
Chapman signed long term with the Giants. Bregman's contract is going to be in that ballpark... would love to make that happen.... doubt Sherman has that type of bread. [Reply]
Originally Posted by WhawhaWhat:
I don't know about you guys but I was really impressed with Juan Soto in that Yankees series. The Royals should try to sign him.
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho: Season in review
That's a profoud "Exceeds Expectations" performance. Front office killed it. Quartaro killed it. Players performed. Witt continued his ascendance over a full season.
Looking ahead
I think KC will explore its options and be open to a variety of approaches.
Trades? Luis Rengifo (Angels) and Ryan McMahon (Rockies) are both players who would fit nicely in KC. McMahon would be more of a middle-lineup guy, and Rengifo a leadoff hitter. Jonathan India (2B, Reds) also might be a fit. I'd see what the Blue Jays want for Bichette if they make him available, too (because a left side of Bichette and Witt might be the coolest and most exciting in baseball, and they'd be one hell of a 1-2 punch).
Free agents? Alex Bregman is the best 3B on the market and will be looking for a big deal. He'd be a pretty slick fit at 3B and hitting 3rd behind Witt (with Pasquantino behind him and then Perez). If Cody Bellinger opts out of his deal with the Cubs (no guarantee, they owe him $54M the next two years if he doesn't), that fit seems so perfect and obvious as someone who can play some 1B and some CF and some RF... but then you look at park factor and see Baseball Savant would project him as a low teens HR hitter at the K, and wonder ... would that be Andrew Benintendi again?
Anthony Santander is also a FA and coming off a 40+HR season. Baseball Savant projects him as a consistent 30-HR hitter, even at the K. But is he really a fit for KC?
And then there is pitching. Does Wacha return? Would you go try to do something with Sean Manaea or Max Fried instead, and upgrade? Take a chance on Shane Bieber coming off of Tommy John and looking at a mid-season return?
Being aggressive with some FA pitching might make it a little easier to move Brady Singer as part of a trade that makes sense (maybe the Reds in return for India?).
If we traded Brady Singer for a big league ready player or even a young controllable OF, then what could we be looking at as a return? [Reply]
What a turnaround from the Royals after losing 106 games last season ��#MLBNow takes a look at Kansas City's 2025 outlook following last night's loss. pic.twitter.com/OeWqQblrs5
I hope Wacha returns but sounds like it's most likely he tests the market. Need 2 new OF'ers I can live with Isbel 1 more season if we have to as a starter. The Royals will be much more attractive to free agents now. Keep it going! [Reply]
Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry:
Really can't give up on MJ yet. He is 25. Moose, Gordon etc bloomed later.
I know.... he'll figure it out... but probably not here? That swing is just so strange... way open, steps in a bucket...he's naturally strong...but fuck a duck that swing does not help him.
On another note....I hope they bring back Seitzer in some capacity, he was just fired by Atlanta. [Reply]