Are you moving from the bullpen to the rotation?
The Royals were quiet in what was an active Winter Meetings around the league:
It was quiet in Nashville, Tenn., at this time last year, but it was just three days after the Meetings closed that the Royals went on a free-agent frenzy. The two offseasons aren’t comparable, but one move might prompt an opening for Kansas City.
“I think we have some clarity on what teams are trying to do,” general manager J.J. Picollo said. “You just got to keep making those calls. I don’t think it’s as clear right now as it was last year. And last year, we were searching for a lot. This year, it’s more specific on what we need to help us build out the best 26-man roster we can.
“It’s an earlier market this year than last year. That should help, because you never know what will fall in your lap or develop.”
Jaylon Thompson discusses how Kris Bubic can build on his success in the bullpen as a starter:
The Royals hope Bubic can continue his success in 2025. He throws four primary pitches: a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup and sinker. Opponents hit .179 against his changeup and his slider registered a 25.3% whiff rate.
Bubic headlines a list of capable starting pitching depth on the roster. He will compete for a starting role alongside Daniel Lynch IV, Kyle Wright, Alec Marsh and Noah Cameron among others.
Zac Miller at Farm to Fountains evaluates a couple former top-100 prospects that the Royals have added:
It is more likely than not that both Wiemer and Groshans will begin the season in Omaha and have the chance to prove themselves to be consistent producers at the uppermost level of the minors. Their addition to the Omaha roster would give the Storm Chasers four former top 100 prospects, including Nick Pratto and Drew Waters. This could be a very fun and competitive Storm Chasers team. If he has a strong spring, I see more of an immediate path for Wiemer to the major league roster. He will likely compete with Drew Waters to be the 2nd centerfield option behind Kyle Isbel. The best-case scenario for Wiemer is to be the 4th/5th outfielder on the 26-man roster.
Your weekly international Royals update, starting in LIDOM:
Moving over to LVBP:
Going down under now to Brisbane Bandits:
ICYMI, Athletics poached right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock from Kansas City’s system in the Rule 5 draft.
Cleveland radio voice Tom Hamilton won the Ford C. Frick award for excellence in broadcasting.
Roki Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, discussed the Japanese star’s upcoming free agency. ($)
The ball Aaron Judge dropped in Game 5 of the World Series is up for auction, with bids already into five figures.
Dick Allen and Dave Parker’s Hall of Fame election is a victory for baseball’s cool guys.
Transactions on the last day of the Winter Meetings:
For the first time in two years, the Carolina Panthers are favored to win their upcoming football game.
Patrick Mahomes is not thrilled about their compressed game schedule coming up.
In the latest round of Ohio State fans whining about things, an Ohio lawmaker wants to make it a felony for a team to plant their flag in the center of Ohio Stadium.
Bill Belichick is returning to coaching, taking the head football job at the University of North Carolina.
An ode to internet forums, like the one you’re currently reading.
GM is canceling their robotaxi experiment, signaling a new phase in autonomous vehicle development.
Elton John is very upset about the legalization of cannabis across the United States and Canada.
Your song of the day is Medicated by Wiz Khalifa, Chevy Woods, and Juicy J.
