After a solid season in the Royals’ bullpen, left-hander Angel Zerpa has started drawing attention from rival teams, as reported by MLB.com’s Anne Rogers. While there’s no indication that a deal is imminent or that Kansas City is even open to trading Zerpa, the Royals' apparent surplus of left-handed pitching could make a deal possible.


Currently, Cole Ragans is the ace of the Kansas City rotation and is unlikely to be moved. Kris Bubic, also probably not going anywhere, is set to return to starting pitching after recovering from injury. Zerpa, along with fellow left-handers Daniel Lynch IV, Sam Long, and prospects Noah Cameron and Evan Sisk, round out the Royals' 40-man roster. Both Lynch and Cameron are expected to compete for a rotation spot during Spring Training.


The Royals may want to see how their rotation shapes up before making any trade decisions. This includes evaluating Bubic’s health as he moves further away from his Tommy John surgery in April 2023, and monitoring Kyle Wright’s recovery after missing the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. Zerpa stands out as the top left-handed option currently in the Royals’ bullpen, which might make the team hesitant to trade him. Given that the bullpen’s performance was middling overall in 2024 and the team’s pitching depth was already affected by the trade of Brady Singer to the Reds, the Royals might prefer to bolster their pen rather than diminish it further.

With the arrival of Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals, manager Matt Quatraro faces the challenge of fitting both India and Michael Massey into the lineup. Both players have predominantly played second base throughout their careers—India with the Reds and Massey with the Royals. However, with both now on the Royals' roster, creative solutions are being considered to ensure their bats remain in the lineup.


One possibility is platooning, with Massey batting left-handed and India batting right-handed. Another option involves rotating them in the designated hitter (DH) spot. Yet, an interesting third possibility suggested by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic is playing both in the outfield, specifically left field. 


India's Transition and Versatility:

India, who has exclusively played second base, prepared for a multi-positional role with the Reds in 2024 due to a potential infield logjam. Although he ended up playing mostly at second base, this preparation suggests he might adapt well to a new defensive role. 

Massey's Defensive Flexibility:

Massey has a bit more variety on his defensive resume, having played one game at third base and one inning in center field. Despite these experiences being limited, it indicates a willingness to try different positions.

Offensive Strength:

Despite their defensive uncertainties, both players were above-average hitters in 2024. India showcased excellent plate discipline with a 12.6% walk rate and a 108 wRC+, while Massey demonstrated strong contact skills and above-average power with a .190 ISO and a 102 wRC+. This offensive prowess is why the Royals are keen to keep both players in the lineup.

Lineup Strategy:

Rotating India and Massey in the DH spot could be one solution, but it's not ideal as the Royals likely want to keep the DH position available for Salvador Perez when Freddy Fermin is catching. Additionally, GM J.J. Picollo aims to maintain lineup flexibility while seeking further upgrades. Incorporating DH reps could facilitate acquiring a more impactful bat.

Future Acquisitions:

Anne Rogers of MLB.com reported that the Royals are searching for another hitter who can play both the infield and outfield. If India or Massey can adapt to this versatile role, Picollo might prioritize landing the best possible hitter rather than focusing solely on defensive flexibility. Given the Royals' offensive struggles, ranking 13th in runs scored, 14th in OPS, and 20th in wRC+ in 2024, any boost in their lineup is much needed.


As the Royals continue to strategize for the upcoming season, finding a balance in the lineup will be crucial for leveraging India's and Massey's strengths. Their ability to adapt and contribute, even outside their natural positions, will be key in the Royals' pursuit of success.

Royals infielder Maikel Garcia recently underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow, according to a tweet from Daniel Álvarez-Montes of El Extrabase. The Royals have yet to announce whether this procedure will affect Garcia's availability for Spring Training.

Garcia, who was scheduled to participate in winter ball in his native Venezuela, shared in an X post over the weekend that he would instead return to Kansas City for x-rays. The specific timing of the injury remains unclear, as Garcia did not spend any time on the injured list this past season.

The 24-year-old had a busy year, playing in 157 regular season games and all six postseason contests. Manager Matt Quatraro frequently placed him at third base and at the top of the batting order. However, with the recent acquisition of Jonathan India, Garcia is no longer expected to fill the leadoff role. Depending on how the Royals decide to utilize India and second baseman Michael Massey, Garcia is likely to remain the starting third baseman.

While Garcia's offensive contributions were modest, with a batting line of .231/.281/.332 and seven home runs across 626 plate appearances, he excelled in other areas. Known for his speed, Garcia successfully stole 37 bases in 39 attempts and was rated as one of the league's top baserunners. Defensively, he was impressive as well, with Statcast and Defensive Runs Saved both rating him as three runs better than average over roughly 1000 innings at third base.

Garcia's multifaceted skills make him a valuable asset to the Royals, even if he is best suited to batting in the lower third of the lineup. As the offseason progresses, the Royals will be closely monitoring his recovery and making adjustments to their lineup as necessary.

​His surgical procedure and potential recovery timeline will undoubtedly be key factors in Kansas City's preparations for the upcoming season. The hope is that Garcia can return to full strength and continue to contribute both offensively and defensively as the Royals aim for a successful 2024 campaign.

The Kansas City Royals have announced their intention to transition Kris Bubic back to a starting pitcher role in 2025. The report, authored by Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, highlights this strategic move after Bubic's remarkable comeback from a 14-month hiatus due to Tommy John surgery.

Having spent the past season pitching out of the bullpen, Bubic delivered an impressive performance. In his 27 relief outings, he maintained a stellar 2.67 ERA over 30 1/3 innings, striking out 32.2% of his opponents while walking just 4.1%. His dominant presence in short stints, including an outstanding whiff rate of nearly 15% compared to the league average of 11.6% for relievers, showcased his potential.

Kansas City's decision to initially place Bubic in the bullpen was likely a precautionary measure, designed to ease him back into action without overburdening his arm. Despite his success as a reliever, the Royals have always viewed Bubic as a starter, a role he is now set to reclaim.

The bullpen, however, remains an area of concern for the Royals. Chris Stratton faced challenges in the first year of his two-year free-agent contract, while Hunter Harvey’s contribution was limited due to back issues. Despite solid performances from John Schreiber and Sam Long, the bullpen lacks a definitive setup man. Former top prospect Daniel Lynch IV, who had a commendable stint as a reliever, could be a candidate for a permanent bullpen role.

​In contrast, the Royals’ rotation appears more stable. With Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha forming a strong trio at the forefront, the team has solidified its starting lineup. Following the trade of Brady Singer for Jonathan India, Kansas City is left with a pool of candidates including Bubic, Alec Marsh, and Kyle Wright, who is making a comeback after missing the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. All three pitchers still have minor league options and are expected to compete for the remaining spots in the rotation, with potential assignments to Triple-A Omaha if health issues arise.

The Kansas City Royals have announced a new broadcast agreement with Diamond Sports Group, owner of the FanDuel Sports Network, formerly known as Bally's. This deal ensures that Diamond Sports Group will continue to broadcast the Royals' games throughout the 2025 season.

Prior to this announcement, the Royals were among the few MLB teams with uncertain broadcast arrangements. Diamond Sports Group, once a broadcaster for almost half the league, has seen its profile diminish following a shift away from the regional sports network (RSN) model and subsequent bankruptcy filing in March 2023.

During the bankruptcy process, Diamond Sports Group terminated its deals with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, prompting Major League Baseball (MLB) to take over those broadcasts for the 2024 season. This left Diamond with 12 MLB clubs under contract for 2024. However, two months ago, Diamond disclosed in court that it intended to retain only the Atlanta Braves for the 2025 season.

Of the remaining 11 teams, four have followed the Padres and Diamondbacks in transitioning their broadcasts to MLB: the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds. Six teams, including the Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, and now the Kansas City Royals, have renegotiated deals with Diamond, likely at reduced rates. The Texas Rangers are the final team without a confirmed broadcast partner for 2025, as they reportedly explore creating their own RSN.

Diamond Sports Group emerged from bankruptcy last month, but the long-term future of its relationship with MLB remains uncertain. Reports indicate that none of the new contracts extend beyond 2028, as MLB explores various broadcast strategies for the future. According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Royals' agreement with Diamond includes provisions to re-evaluate the deal after the 2025 season, suggesting it may be a one-year contract or include opt-out clauses.

​As the Royals and Diamond Sports Group move forward with this new arrangement, fans can expect continuity in their game broadcasts for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for further updates on MLB's evolving broadcast landscape.

The Kansas City Royals have made a significant trade, acquiring second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for starting pitcher Brady Singer. This move was first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided on X1.

Jonathan India: A Valuable Addition
Jonathan India, a familiar name in MLB, won the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year Award. Known for his impressive on-base skills, India boasts a .253 OBP and a .253 average over his four-year career2. He's expected to play second base for Kansas City next season, bringing a much-needed boost to the lineup.

Joey Wiemer: A Potential Gem
Joey Wiemer, though not as well-known, has shown potential in his short career. In his two-year career, he's batted .201 in 393 at-bats2. While his performance in the majors has been modest, the Royals believe he has the potential to develop further and contribute to the team.

Brady Singer: Heading to Cincinnati
​In return, the Reds have acquired Brady Singer, a reliable starting pitcher who set career highs in 2024 with 32 starts and 179.2 innings. Singer's addition to the Reds' rotation is expected to provide depth and stability.

The Kansas City Royals have reportedly expressed interest in signing free-agent outfielder Juan Soto this offseason, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. However, it appears that talks with Soto have not progressed far, as his asking price is likely out of the Royals' financial comfort zone.

At the beginning of the offseason, Heyman noted that two small-market teams were among the 11 clubs to reach out to Soto. The Tampa Bay Rays were quickly identified as one of those teams, and it now seems the Royals were the other. Despite initial interest, there is no indication that either Tampa Bay or Kansas City has shown serious intent to pursue Soto further. The teams that have shown significant interest include the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers – all of which are big-market franchises. The Philadelphia Phillies have not yet scheduled a meeting with Soto, but they are expected to engage with the star outfielder and his agent, Scott Boras, soon.

The Royals were surprisingly active in free agency last winter, committing over $110 million to sign players like Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Both signings proved to be successful, with Lugo finishing second in AL Cy Young voting and Wacha providing solid mid-rotation performances. Wacha opted out of the second year of his initial contract with Kansas City, only to return on a three-year, $51 million deal.

Kansas City's most significant investment came just before Spring Training when they extended franchise shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. on an 11-year deal worth nearly $289 million. Witt's outstanding performance, which earned him an MVP runner-up finish, helped the Royals end a nine-year playoff drought.

Witt's contract is the largest in Royals' history, and Soto's asking price is likely more than double that amount. While the Royals may not be able to land the market's top free agent, they could still make moves within the outfield class. Players like Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Tyler O'Neill, and Jurickson Profar are potential candidates for three- or four-year contracts. It's unlikely that any of these players would command nine-figure deals, though Santander might have an outside chance.

​Kansas City's current corner outfielders, MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe, have not provided the level of performance expected from a contending team. Upgrading this area will be a clear priority for the Royals' front office as they aim to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

The Kansas City Royals have announced the addition of left-hander Noah Cameron and right-handers Luinder Avila and Eric Cerantola to their 40-man roster, ensuring these promising players are protected from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. With these moves, the Royals' 40-man roster now comprises 37 players.

Noah Cameron, 25, was drafted in the seventh round by the Royals in 2021. Despite struggling in his initial Double-A experience, Cameron made significant improvements this year. He posted a commendable 3.63 ERA in 16 starts at the Double-A level, leading to a promotion to Triple-A. At Triple-A, he excelled, recording a 2.32 ERA over 54 1/3 innings, with a 29% strikeout rate and a 5.1% walk rate. Cameron's impressive late-season performance made it an easy decision for the Royals to add him to the roster.

Luinder Avila, 23, signed with the Royals out of Venezuela and made his professional debut in 2018. He transitioned to stateside play in 2021 as a starter and has generally remained in that role. This season, Avila posted a 3.81 ERA in 19 starts for the Double-A affiliate, striking out 22.9% of batters over 82 2/3 innings. Although his sole Triple-A start this year was challenging, the Royals saw enough potential to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

Eric Cerantola, 24, was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft. Known for his strikeout ability, Cerantola struck out 31.7% of batters faced in Double-A, though he also had a high walk rate of 16.2%. His performance earned him a midseason promotion to Triple-A, where he continued to show promise with a 31.3% strikeout rate and a 3.77 ERA over 14 1/3 innings. Given his potential as a high-strikeout reliever, the Royals opted to secure his place on the roster.

​These additions reflect the Royals' commitment to retaining and developing their young talent. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans can anticipate seeing these players continue their progression and potentially make an impact at the major league level.

Following their breakthrough playoff performance in 2024, the Kansas City Royals are reportedly looking to make a significant move to maintain their momentum heading into the 2025 season.

According to C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals have identified Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India as a key trade target. This potential deal might involve Royals pitcher Brady Singer, who has garnered interest from the Reds.

A swap between India and Singer would be mutually beneficial for both teams. The Royals struggled with a gap at second base last season, and India would provide a solid solution. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year hit .248 with 15 home runs and 13 stolen bases for the Reds in 2024 and has two more seasons remaining before free agency. India has expressed his desire to play for a winning team, and the Royals, currently closer to achieving that status than the Reds, could offer him the competitive environment he seeks.

Singer, a former first-round pick, had a commendable 2024 season, posting a 3.71 ERA across 32 starts for Kansas City. While he has yet to achieve consistent performance at the MLB level, he also has two more years of team control. The Royals have sufficient rotation depth to absorb the loss of Singer, especially after re-signing Michael Wacha to kick off the offseason.

The Royals finished the 2024 season with an 86-76 record and advanced past the Baltimore Orioles in the AL wild-card series. They put up a strong fight against the eventual AL champion New York Yankees in a competitive four-game ALDS, demonstrating their potential to contend. It is understandable why the team is eager to bolster their roster and build on their recent success.

​As the offseason progresses, the Royals' pursuit of Jonathan India could prove to be a pivotal move in their quest to sustain and enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming season

Yesterday was quite the day for C Austin Nola.

The Brewers released him, and their GM Matt Arnold had this to say, via Todd Rosiak - 
“With the addition of Gary Sánchez and our other depth at the catching position, we thought the chance at a new opportunity would be the right thing to do for Austin." — GM Matt Arnold

Quickly after that, Ken Rosenthal reported he is signing with the Royals on a Major League Deal.

Nola has been the backstop with the Mariners, Blue Jays and Padres.  In his 6th year, he is averaging .249 with 24 HR and 136 RBI.

In a pretty cool turn from the playing field to the media world, Veteran 1B Eric Hosmer has announced he is stepping away from playing baseball and moving into the world of reporting/talking baseball.

The Diggin' Deep Podcast has been launched and is on YouTube.

Hosmer, 34, played 13 seasons for San Diego, Toronto, Boston and the Cubs.  He finishes with a .276 average, 198 HR and 893 RBI.