Spring training is underway for the Royals (and everyone else), but there's still players out there. Plus, two injuries already and who could sign an extension?
What if the Yankees pay down half of Stroman? He just said he won't pitch in relief for NYY. Thanks to the RF porch, he pitched scared and ineffectively in Yankee Stadium, but his overall numbers (K rate aside) still hold up. A guy like him at 9-10M looks nice in the 4 spot. Probably wouldn't take much to get him, either.
That's a very fair question too. I think that comes down to the leadership. They've dealt with some personalities before too, so that could be the case with Stroman.
You can never have enough pitching! I think it would be wise to see how the outfielders do in spring training before making a trade. The Royals farm system is finally getting some depth and do not trade away too much talent for an average outfielder!
That's fair. I've hemmed and hawed about Jensen for Taylor Ward. Other than Cags and Mitchell, he's the closest thing to a top prospect. Anyone else should be fair game to move to help this team. They can win a division.
This is going down a different rabbit hole. But Jensen cannot be like Melendez and now Garcia. Even if it is for a Ward…..they can only play one catcher. If Garcia turns into a utility player (which is the path it is looking like), he should have been moved when people still thought he was an everyday shortstop before last season. And yes, even if he had the hype, and how can you move a player that is cheap and going to be great?! Well, you had BWJ at SS for the next 8 years. I just need them to move Jensen or Mitchell this year. Or someone needs to be getting reps in right field. This FO has done great, no complaints….except on Garcia. But I totally think they are moving Singer at the exact right time.
The argument I know is that they didn’t have anyone to play third. And they are still sorta kinda in that same boat. And maybe, nobody really viewed Garcia as an everyday SS to begin with. The point is more you can’t be afraid to move pieces even if it’s for an average outfielder they don’t have. It’s just coming across jumbled and on Garcia. Lol. I’d have no issue if they moved nobody and rode it out….except that two of the top three prospects play the same position.
There's a whole lot of assuming here that teams were hot after Garcia to play shortstop. That was something a lot of people wanted to happen, but there was never any evidence that teams were beating down the door for him.
My only pushback here is that we have depth in the system, and an average outfielder would go a long ways for this team. Depth we have, high end talent….not quite as much but some now!
Any pitching injuries are a concern to me after the health of last year. I just hope the pendulum isn’t swinging. McArthur is a perfect case of what Royals fans have had to endure. He’s not a closer, but he was being asked to do something he wasn’t ready for. But if he is a 5th or 6th inning guy…yeah you bet. Relief pitchers getting hot for a month is still very valuable over a long season. Marsh concerns me a little more maybe just because you always need starting pitching.
I’m not opposed to Quintana, I’m also not opposed to another quality reliever (Robertson, Floro, or Nero’s). Call be crazy but I kinda like Anthony Desclafani as a possible late season help. I know he won’t be ready to start the season and that first year after TJ could be rough. But he would be cheap, and usually it’s later in the season when you need the most help. Maybe something like that with Wright could help. It would have to be cheap obviously.
I actually wouldn’t sign anyone long term right now but maybe Bubic. I love Vinny. But he’s really just been “shrug” and often injured (his fault or not). Massey with the back….don’t know how you could until he showed more. Ragans…..but why right now? Cost control, yes. But I just don’t see anyway he wouldn’t hit the open market by 31 as you mentioned. Bubic timing would be pretty good. He’s really not thrown many innings. So while you can see the upside, he can’t really capitalize on it yet (if I was Bubic I don’t know that I would right now though).
With Jac Caglianone a hot prospect, why would a team spend a bunch of money on Vinnie? I like Vinnie a lot but where does he play if Jac plays red hot in the minors and looks major league ready? Probably not this year, but perhaps next year you are then faced with a dilemma.
Hey David, do you think the Royals could/should trade for Masataka Yoshida? With the Red Sox signing Bregman, I would think Devers moves to DH and Yoshida could be moved. Thanks!
I’m still really hopeful on a Baty trade. But Marsh being injured hurts that a little bit I think. The question is would you move Bubic for him? And maybe it still wouldn’t be a one for one, but two years of control vs 5 for a possible everyday third baseman. It would be interesting to sit in that meeting.
What do you hear about Cross? For all the Cag’s talk…..I just don’t hear anything about Cross even though he's closer, a position they need help with, and left handed hitter they are looking for. Do they still view him as an outfield starter? I just don’t hear much talk anymore about him which leads me to think they are viewing him as a fourth outfielder type now.
I wrote about Cross either last week or the week before. He's likely to start the year in AAA and he has some questions to answer about whether he can play against lefties or not, but they see him at least as a strong-side platoon outfielder, which is not the knock a lot of people seem to think it is given the percentage of righties vs. lefties. Plus, he's a good defender in a corner so if he didn't start against a lefty, he's a good weapon on the bench. They don't see him as a fourth outfielder type though. He's invited to camp for a reason.
I go back and forth on Quintana (or really any of the remaining FA SPs). Obviously, adding more talent is good, but for some reason, I'm just dead set on Bubic as a starter. He seems more valuable there to me and he's proven to be at least average in that role in the past. Add to that the time in the bullpen and I hope he can have a Greinke/Duffy type uptick as a starter (no, not expecting CY, just improvement). That said, having a dominant lefty in the late innings to complement Erceg and Estevez and hopefully Harvey gives a nice, different look. Maybe Zerpa plays that role, and I really like Zerpa, but Bubic is less flamethrower and more offspeed/spinners compared to the righties. Similarly, Quintana might fill the same role in the rotation that I'm hoping Bubic will - another lefty to complement Lugo, Wacha, and Lorenzen, but one that pitches quite differently from Ragans.
Bottom line is, if they add talent to the team on a 1 year deal, why wouldn't I be on board?
Re: Extensions, I'd look harder at Ragans if he's willing to talk. Ace lefties (aces at all), don't grow on trees, nor do 3B as we all know. I'd try to buy out 2 years of FA if I could, even at say $20M/year
Two things on adding any starter to push Bubic to the bullpen. One, I touched on. I think there would still be 15-20 starts for him either way, which might be all he gets anyway given how few innings he's thrown the last two years. But the second is that if the depth arrives as the season progresses the way the Royals hope, a guy like Quintana is tradeable and could get back a couple of smaller prospect pieces, so I think that's sort of interesting.
Good point on Quintana as a possible trade chip. I hear you on Bubic still maybe getting starts if he begins the year in the pen. I have two concerns about that. 1. If he's performing well in the pen, I think the Royals will have a hard time moving him and, 2. He's going to have to spend a month building up either in AAA or gradually in short stints in the majors. I know it's been done, just seems... inefficient.
Quintana has been the guy I've been wanting for awhile and would love to see Bubic back in the bullpen where he was close to dominant. Wouldn't be interested in Stroman but possibly Heaney. I understand Bubic could quite possibly be a stud as the #4 starter so I can understand why everybody would like that. I know this won't be popular but for everyday players I hope we wait to see how it goes before trading for somebody, I think MJ and Garcia are going to bounce back big this year and like to see what Jensen, Mitchell and Cross look like this year in the minors. Plus I think Weimer and Blanco can be excellent OF depth.
Yeah, Heaney is interesting too. I think the reality is they're going to need more than five guys to take 10+ starts this year. If they don't, great, but I'd bet 2024 ends up as the outlier.
I see the point of waiting on guys, but this division is so freaking close that any edge would be huge. Maybe one of the players who hasn't shown they can be above average can get there, but when you're trying to make the playoffs, you need every advantage you can get. But that threads the needle of being a team on a budget, so there are a lot of things to consider.
I was going to type out an explanation, but why say something when the MLB site can say it better?
Players typically must accrue three years of Major League service time -- with one year of service time equaling 172 days on the 26-man roster or the Major League injured list -- to become eligible for salary arbitration. Super Two is a designation that allows a select group of players to become eligible for arbitration before reaching three years of service time.
To qualify for the Super Two designation, players must rank in the top 22 percent, in terms of service time, among those who have amassed between two and three years in the Majors. The specific cutoff date varies on a year-to-year basis.
Thank you. I appreciate that. So, to become eligible for arbitration, you have to have three years of MLB service time as explained above. But if you only have two years of MLB service time, you can become eligible for arbitration if you rank in the top 22% of all those who have between two and three years in the majors. I think I got it. Thanks again.
I'm a bit late to the party, but I know David reads the comments eventually, so I would like to know what the options on extending Kyle Wright would be (like you did the other 4). I realize the guy isn't even all the way back healthy yet...but the potential seems to be off the charts and it's obvious he's going to pitch in some capacity this year.
I don’t know that I’d even think about it this year. He’s barely pitched since his great 2022, and that’s the only season he’s even had an above average ERA. I love the pickup but I’d hold off and deal with it if it costs more in the end.
Why does it seem like nobody is trying very hard to win the division? I like what the Royals have done don’t get me wrong. They seem to be trying the hardest of all the teams. It’s just very surprising to me that everyone but the White Sox have a chance…..and nobody is really doing too much. Maybe that’s the FA class. But man, it’s just kinda weird to sit back and watch the Twins, Guardians, and Tigers not do much. And our biggest move is trading for a second baseman and immediately moving him to outfield. I like India trade just fine, but the bat isn’t going to play as well in the outfield and they don’t even know if he’s any good out there. But, the Royals have most definitely been the most actively trying to get better.
The Twins have some major money issues with their ownership stuff going on, so I at least sort of get that. They have a lot tied up in Buxton and Correa. The Tigers and Royals are having kind of similar offseasons. I just think the Royals are doing it better. Both have added middle infielders and mid-rotation starters and relievers. Both have missed on bigger bats in free agency. And the Guardians always do things their own way and it generally works. It’s what I wrote awhile back with everyone to some extent. They’re being logical and that’s great for the long-term but the short-term probably suffers some.
Guess I am doggedly focused on an OF,but I just think that is the most immediate, glaring need. I hated the idea of Verdugo, but now I want him as a "in case they can't make a trade". Part of my knock on verdugo, besides his recent dismal numbers, was his attitude, but I am starting to think they have a pretty strong clubhouse that could handle him in stride. It is one thing not to have anyone with a bat in the OF, but Royals need at least an average defender they can send out there in tight games.
I wouldn't be upset with Quintana, but if they run out OF as is, I don't know if they can make it to the trade deadline. OF now, pick up pitching at the deadline if you can.
A lot will depend on if Massey or India take to the outfield, but Wiemer is a legit defender, so they have a defensive replacement there. I do think they need to improve the outfield defense but I have a hard time thinking that outfield would be the reason they’re out of it after 100 games. Improving the outfield gives them a lot more margin for error with the pitching staff, but I’ll repeat what I’ve said roughly 8 billion times. They were fifth in runs scored before Vinnie’s injury with one of the worst leadoff spots of the last decade. They added a .350 OBP to the leadoff spot. I’m not saying they’ll be better but they can hang for 3-4 months with their pitching and what they have. They need more depth to the lineup, but if they’re out of it in July, it’s because of more than the outfield.
I am a MacArthur fan, maybe it is just because he was one of the few glimmers of hope in 23. I am guessing the fans that are critical didn't watch much of the 23 season (and who could blame them). I would at least like to see him have a chance- I get they had few choices when running him out as the closer, but agree he could have success in a different role.
Are there any dangers in teams buying out some players arb years and not others? Eg if a team offers contracts to players A, B and C but ignores D and E, are D and E bent out of shape about it? Seems like it could be a slippery slope unless you are just doing it for a legit ace
You can’t run the team giving deals to some players and worrying that other guys might get their feelings hurt. It’s not like handing out Valentine’s in my kid’s daycare room. Not everyone gets one and that’s just the reality. Treat the guys right in general, which they do, and it doesn’t make much of a difference.
What if the Yankees pay down half of Stroman? He just said he won't pitch in relief for NYY. Thanks to the RF porch, he pitched scared and ineffectively in Yankee Stadium, but his overall numbers (K rate aside) still hold up. A guy like him at 9-10M looks nice in the 4 spot. Probably wouldn't take much to get him, either.
Problem there is it's $18 million next year too. I find it hard to believe he'd turn down that option.
well, maybe they cover part of both. Or most of this year :) He can be a handful, but so could Pham and Amir Garrett.
Do the Royals want someone throwing a fit about role and focused on themselves?
That's a very fair question too. I think that comes down to the leadership. They've dealt with some personalities before too, so that could be the case with Stroman.
Fine we’ll take him if they throw in Roc Riggio.
I don't know if he's actually any good, but the name is an 80 name.
Watched him a bunch in college. 10/10 name, 10/10 fire and passion for the game.
At this point anything the organization does with regards to pitchers I’m like “yes, please. Moving on”! Haha
You can never have enough pitching! I think it would be wise to see how the outfielders do in spring training before making a trade. The Royals farm system is finally getting some depth and do not trade away too much talent for an average outfielder!
That's fair. I've hemmed and hawed about Jensen for Taylor Ward. Other than Cags and Mitchell, he's the closest thing to a top prospect. Anyone else should be fair game to move to help this team. They can win a division.
This is going down a different rabbit hole. But Jensen cannot be like Melendez and now Garcia. Even if it is for a Ward…..they can only play one catcher. If Garcia turns into a utility player (which is the path it is looking like), he should have been moved when people still thought he was an everyday shortstop before last season. And yes, even if he had the hype, and how can you move a player that is cheap and going to be great?! Well, you had BWJ at SS for the next 8 years. I just need them to move Jensen or Mitchell this year. Or someone needs to be getting reps in right field. This FO has done great, no complaints….except on Garcia. But I totally think they are moving Singer at the exact right time.
The argument I know is that they didn’t have anyone to play third. And they are still sorta kinda in that same boat. And maybe, nobody really viewed Garcia as an everyday SS to begin with. The point is more you can’t be afraid to move pieces even if it’s for an average outfielder they don’t have. It’s just coming across jumbled and on Garcia. Lol. I’d have no issue if they moved nobody and rode it out….except that two of the top three prospects play the same position.
There's a whole lot of assuming here that teams were hot after Garcia to play shortstop. That was something a lot of people wanted to happen, but there was never any evidence that teams were beating down the door for him.
My only pushback here is that we have depth in the system, and an average outfielder would go a long ways for this team. Depth we have, high end talent….not quite as much but some now!
Any pitching injuries are a concern to me after the health of last year. I just hope the pendulum isn’t swinging. McArthur is a perfect case of what Royals fans have had to endure. He’s not a closer, but he was being asked to do something he wasn’t ready for. But if he is a 5th or 6th inning guy…yeah you bet. Relief pitchers getting hot for a month is still very valuable over a long season. Marsh concerns me a little more maybe just because you always need starting pitching.
I’m not opposed to Quintana, I’m also not opposed to another quality reliever (Robertson, Floro, or Nero’s). Call be crazy but I kinda like Anthony Desclafani as a possible late season help. I know he won’t be ready to start the season and that first year after TJ could be rough. But he would be cheap, and usually it’s later in the season when you need the most help. Maybe something like that with Wright could help. It would have to be cheap obviously.
I actually wouldn’t sign anyone long term right now but maybe Bubic. I love Vinny. But he’s really just been “shrug” and often injured (his fault or not). Massey with the back….don’t know how you could until he showed more. Ragans…..but why right now? Cost control, yes. But I just don’t see anyway he wouldn’t hit the open market by 31 as you mentioned. Bubic timing would be pretty good. He’s really not thrown many innings. So while you can see the upside, he can’t really capitalize on it yet (if I was Bubic I don’t know that I would right now though).
Desclafani would be fine on a minor league deal. They should absolutely be bringing in as many guys like that as possible.
With Jac Caglianone a hot prospect, why would a team spend a bunch of money on Vinnie? I like Vinnie a lot but where does he play if Jac plays red hot in the minors and looks major league ready? Probably not this year, but perhaps next year you are then faced with a dilemma.
I think the big question is if Cags can handle right field. If he can, that solves an awful lot of issues long-term. So that's how they coexist.
I like it!
Hey David, do you think the Royals could/should trade for Masataka Yoshida? With the Red Sox signing Bregman, I would think Devers moves to DH and Yoshida could be moved. Thanks!
It sounds like Bregman is going to play second. But I wouldn't trade for Yoshida. He's super expensive, can't play a position and is a platoon bat.
That makes sense, didn't know Yoshida was a platoon bat, appreciate the insight.
Yeah, it’s really bad against lefties and there’s just no other value. I wouldn’t have a problem with it if he was cheaper or had any defensive value.
I’m still really hopeful on a Baty trade. But Marsh being injured hurts that a little bit I think. The question is would you move Bubic for him? And maybe it still wouldn’t be a one for one, but two years of control vs 5 for a possible everyday third baseman. It would be interesting to sit in that meeting.
Marsh is on the mound and practicing, so it might not be a big issue at all on that front. I'm not sure Marsh gets that done though.
What do you hear about Cross? For all the Cag’s talk…..I just don’t hear anything about Cross even though he's closer, a position they need help with, and left handed hitter they are looking for. Do they still view him as an outfield starter? I just don’t hear much talk anymore about him which leads me to think they are viewing him as a fourth outfielder type now.
I wrote about Cross either last week or the week before. He's likely to start the year in AAA and he has some questions to answer about whether he can play against lefties or not, but they see him at least as a strong-side platoon outfielder, which is not the knock a lot of people seem to think it is given the percentage of righties vs. lefties. Plus, he's a good defender in a corner so if he didn't start against a lefty, he's a good weapon on the bench. They don't see him as a fourth outfielder type though. He's invited to camp for a reason.
I go back and forth on Quintana (or really any of the remaining FA SPs). Obviously, adding more talent is good, but for some reason, I'm just dead set on Bubic as a starter. He seems more valuable there to me and he's proven to be at least average in that role in the past. Add to that the time in the bullpen and I hope he can have a Greinke/Duffy type uptick as a starter (no, not expecting CY, just improvement). That said, having a dominant lefty in the late innings to complement Erceg and Estevez and hopefully Harvey gives a nice, different look. Maybe Zerpa plays that role, and I really like Zerpa, but Bubic is less flamethrower and more offspeed/spinners compared to the righties. Similarly, Quintana might fill the same role in the rotation that I'm hoping Bubic will - another lefty to complement Lugo, Wacha, and Lorenzen, but one that pitches quite differently from Ragans.
Bottom line is, if they add talent to the team on a 1 year deal, why wouldn't I be on board?
Re: Extensions, I'd look harder at Ragans if he's willing to talk. Ace lefties (aces at all), don't grow on trees, nor do 3B as we all know. I'd try to buy out 2 years of FA if I could, even at say $20M/year
Two things on adding any starter to push Bubic to the bullpen. One, I touched on. I think there would still be 15-20 starts for him either way, which might be all he gets anyway given how few innings he's thrown the last two years. But the second is that if the depth arrives as the season progresses the way the Royals hope, a guy like Quintana is tradeable and could get back a couple of smaller prospect pieces, so I think that's sort of interesting.
Good point on Quintana as a possible trade chip. I hear you on Bubic still maybe getting starts if he begins the year in the pen. I have two concerns about that. 1. If he's performing well in the pen, I think the Royals will have a hard time moving him and, 2. He's going to have to spend a month building up either in AAA or gradually in short stints in the majors. I know it's been done, just seems... inefficient.
Quintana has been the guy I've been wanting for awhile and would love to see Bubic back in the bullpen where he was close to dominant. Wouldn't be interested in Stroman but possibly Heaney. I understand Bubic could quite possibly be a stud as the #4 starter so I can understand why everybody would like that. I know this won't be popular but for everyday players I hope we wait to see how it goes before trading for somebody, I think MJ and Garcia are going to bounce back big this year and like to see what Jensen, Mitchell and Cross look like this year in the minors. Plus I think Weimer and Blanco can be excellent OF depth.
Yeah, Heaney is interesting too. I think the reality is they're going to need more than five guys to take 10+ starts this year. If they don't, great, but I'd bet 2024 ends up as the outlier.
I see the point of waiting on guys, but this division is so freaking close that any edge would be huge. Maybe one of the players who hasn't shown they can be above average can get there, but when you're trying to make the playoffs, you need every advantage you can get. But that threads the needle of being a team on a budget, so there are a lot of things to consider.
What is a Super Two?
I was going to type out an explanation, but why say something when the MLB site can say it better?
Players typically must accrue three years of Major League service time -- with one year of service time equaling 172 days on the 26-man roster or the Major League injured list -- to become eligible for salary arbitration. Super Two is a designation that allows a select group of players to become eligible for arbitration before reaching three years of service time.
To qualify for the Super Two designation, players must rank in the top 22 percent, in terms of service time, among those who have amassed between two and three years in the Majors. The specific cutoff date varies on a year-to-year basis.
Thank you. I appreciate that. So, to become eligible for arbitration, you have to have three years of MLB service time as explained above. But if you only have two years of MLB service time, you can become eligible for arbitration if you rank in the top 22% of all those who have between two and three years in the majors. I think I got it. Thanks again.
I'm a bit late to the party, but I know David reads the comments eventually, so I would like to know what the options on extending Kyle Wright would be (like you did the other 4). I realize the guy isn't even all the way back healthy yet...but the potential seems to be off the charts and it's obvious he's going to pitch in some capacity this year.
I don’t know that I’d even think about it this year. He’s barely pitched since his great 2022, and that’s the only season he’s even had an above average ERA. I love the pickup but I’d hold off and deal with it if it costs more in the end.
Yes indeed, sign Quintana, if it's a good deal for the Royals.
Why does it seem like nobody is trying very hard to win the division? I like what the Royals have done don’t get me wrong. They seem to be trying the hardest of all the teams. It’s just very surprising to me that everyone but the White Sox have a chance…..and nobody is really doing too much. Maybe that’s the FA class. But man, it’s just kinda weird to sit back and watch the Twins, Guardians, and Tigers not do much. And our biggest move is trading for a second baseman and immediately moving him to outfield. I like India trade just fine, but the bat isn’t going to play as well in the outfield and they don’t even know if he’s any good out there. But, the Royals have most definitely been the most actively trying to get better.
The Twins have some major money issues with their ownership stuff going on, so I at least sort of get that. They have a lot tied up in Buxton and Correa. The Tigers and Royals are having kind of similar offseasons. I just think the Royals are doing it better. Both have added middle infielders and mid-rotation starters and relievers. Both have missed on bigger bats in free agency. And the Guardians always do things their own way and it generally works. It’s what I wrote awhile back with everyone to some extent. They’re being logical and that’s great for the long-term but the short-term probably suffers some.
Guess I am doggedly focused on an OF,but I just think that is the most immediate, glaring need. I hated the idea of Verdugo, but now I want him as a "in case they can't make a trade". Part of my knock on verdugo, besides his recent dismal numbers, was his attitude, but I am starting to think they have a pretty strong clubhouse that could handle him in stride. It is one thing not to have anyone with a bat in the OF, but Royals need at least an average defender they can send out there in tight games.
I wouldn't be upset with Quintana, but if they run out OF as is, I don't know if they can make it to the trade deadline. OF now, pick up pitching at the deadline if you can.
A lot will depend on if Massey or India take to the outfield, but Wiemer is a legit defender, so they have a defensive replacement there. I do think they need to improve the outfield defense but I have a hard time thinking that outfield would be the reason they’re out of it after 100 games. Improving the outfield gives them a lot more margin for error with the pitching staff, but I’ll repeat what I’ve said roughly 8 billion times. They were fifth in runs scored before Vinnie’s injury with one of the worst leadoff spots of the last decade. They added a .350 OBP to the leadoff spot. I’m not saying they’ll be better but they can hang for 3-4 months with their pitching and what they have. They need more depth to the lineup, but if they’re out of it in July, it’s because of more than the outfield.
I am a MacArthur fan, maybe it is just because he was one of the few glimmers of hope in 23. I am guessing the fans that are critical didn't watch much of the 23 season (and who could blame them). I would at least like to see him have a chance- I get they had few choices when running him out as the closer, but agree he could have success in a different role.
Are there any dangers in teams buying out some players arb years and not others? Eg if a team offers contracts to players A, B and C but ignores D and E, are D and E bent out of shape about it? Seems like it could be a slippery slope unless you are just doing it for a legit ace
You can’t run the team giving deals to some players and worrying that other guys might get their feelings hurt. It’s not like handing out Valentine’s in my kid’s daycare room. Not everyone gets one and that’s just the reality. Treat the guys right in general, which they do, and it doesn’t make much of a difference.