I have been banging the drum for Willy Adames for weeks. Though unfortunately I don't think he gets on base enough for what they need combined with what he will get paid. Hard to not want to pencil in a .320 obp with 25 bombs and 25 steals, conservatively.
Some of it depends too on his willingness to move off shortstop. He's 29, so this is probably his last big contract, which means maybe he doesn't care, but he also might just prefer to play shortstop. Still, he'd be a nice fit, though if the Dodgers decide they want him, I get the sense that it doesn't really matter who else he's a nice fit on.
He is who I lean toward as well, but looks like he has always played SS, I only seeing him playing a handful of games at 2B rookie year with rays. So yeah- enticing him to move could be big if and big $. Are there many teams looking for a SS?
I don't think they'll intentionally cut payroll for a few reasons, but maybe they miss out on some FA targets and end up lower because of that. I sense that they want to be careful and build something sustainable.
Would love to see the farm system start producing. Was Marsh the only graduate of any note last year?
Yeah, pretty much just him, but I think they sort of told us without telling us that they didn't believe in the upper levels. It takes a year or two to get that rolling, so hopefully that starts soon. I think we could see Javier Vaz, Gavin Cross, Carter Jensen and Noah Cameron make debuts in 2025.
Wouldn't Jensen just be a bridge to Mitchell (assuming Freddie is dealt)? And how long of a bridge? Still need 2 catchers post-Salvy (can't believe I said "post-Salvy").
I think it’s more likely that one is dealt, to be honest, but if they’re both big leaguers with the Royals, Jensen is good enough that he’s not a bridge. He may play a different position, but he’s not a bridge.
Would it work to hire Kevin Seitzer as one of the hitting coaches? Maybe he can help the many underachieving hitters KC has. If he can make guys like MJ and Garcia better, he might be worth it.
Sure, bring in all the voices you can. I think JJ was just coy enough in his answer about Seitzer that I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the organization in some capacity.
Every time anyone writes about the things JJ Picollo says I get giddy. After being gaslit by GMDM for more than a decade it feels AMAZING to have a GM who speaks to us apparently honestly and openly.
I think the Royals should go after Soto, though. That would be SO COOL. They say they need OBP and power and he can provide both in one package!
Yeah, but he can't hit first AND third, so it's kind of a waste. I still wonder if there's not some sort of crazy surprising move coming. All the talk of being willing to take on salary at the deadline and me hearing the same now makes me wonder if there's something unexpected.
It's hard not to think about the possibilities. It's really the first time we've followed this team with a general manager who really does make moves. I'm excited to see where they go.
I'd rather stay away from spending THAT kinda dough, especially since we've already backed up the truck for Junior. I could see them surprising a little & getting someone like Santander or Hernandez, though.
I still like Rengifo as a guy they target. I think he ticks A LOT of boxes. He gives them solid performance at a number of positions as a utility guy, or he can cover longer term if Massey gets hurt again or if Garcia is slumming it. He's quick, he has a solid bat. I'd say a trade with him and Ward for Brady would make sense in a lot of ways, but I'm not sure who would get the short end of the stick on that deal. It feels like they'd need to throw in another prospect for it to match up, but that might just be me overvaluing a pitcher that I have been relentlessly unforgiving of the past few years and who holds very little value in my vision of the Royals future. Also, I'm not even sure the Angels have a single prospect that looks THAT promising that could be thrown in. Their farm system is a bit of a shambles right now.
I do like Rengifo as well. Obviously I have some medical questions that would need to be answered, but he does make a lot of sense. What's surprising about him is that there's only one year of control for him. But getting Ward as well would fill a couple different holes in one move, which would be pretty interesting. I actually think two years of Singer with that Angels pitching staff for one year of Rengifo and two of Ward makes some sense, though I feel like the Royals probably need to include a bit more. They haven't had any hesitation about including upper level guys in deals recently, so maybe there are some options there.
Would love Rengifo and Ward yet. But I think the biggest issue here is that…it’s the Angels. It made more sense at the deadline….and they didn’t move EITHER of them for prospects. It makes a ton of sense for the Royals…..but we are dealing with the Angels here…..sigh.
Yeah, tough to say if they would be willing to sacrifice two of their best position players for a pitcher, even if that pitcher might be the top of their rotation, if they only have control for two years. They're quite a lot further than two years away from Singer being a relevant part of a winning team, I think. But maybe they think they can flip him again for prospects at the deadline or something to help their rebuild. Who knows what's going through their heads.
Or maybe they like him long-term and can sign him. It's hard to say. But yeah, I don't think he's enough alone. Though a Singer for Ward swap actually makes a lot more sense if the Angels continue to operate under the assumption they can win quickly. They'd be wrong, but trading with a team that doesn't understand proper internal evaluation would be a nice twist.
I’m sure you’ll get more into it in the offseason. But trading Singer now….is both selling high and the right time to make a move like that. The part that hurts is that you’re losing two starting pitchers but man….I think it has to be him this offseason. Feel better about if you could keep Wacha somehow.
Yes, it is the Angels but they do some stuff that doesn't make much sense on their organization. So, don't put too much stock into what they did or didn't do at deadline. As I recall Rengifo was hurt. Maybe teams didn't match up, the Angels should be looking to make moves this offseason. Like the Royals of previous years, they need to move tradeable players and get better, younger and cheaper return for them. Or players, like Brady Singer for example, who could be flipped for better return later in season.
Of all the years to have a little pocket change to spend. That’s the offensive free agent class? Dang. Lol. Maybe just go all in on pitching again and let me complain about Garcia and Melendez next year. I’d be totally fine with another Lugo find. Tampa has shown pitching will get you to the playoffs. I’m still willing to take that. :)
There's more than that. I just looked at the players with 20+ homers, which is a random number to choose, but just to highlight the middle of the order issues. There are 34 players with a 100 wRC+ or better. There are 34 (not all the same) players with an OBP above league average. There are 33 players with a .400+ SLG. There are guys out there, and one in particular I'm interested in that I'll write up probably next week.
I still think the TOP of the order is the priority. Look what a difference Pham made (batting leadoff) when he was "on"; I just don't think he's a guy you want on your team long-term (and he's not exactly young anymore). They have guys in the minors that will eventually hit bombs (Cags, Mitchell), but OBP is still a glaring need.
I obviously agree with that. It was my top need yesterday. I wouldn't bring back Pham at all probably and wouldn't count on him at the top of the order, but they obviously benefit from someone on base in front of the big bats.
Maybe it's just too early in the morning for me, but I'm not sure I follow your first paragraph under "Where the Payroll Stands". The Salvy/Lugo/BWJ contracts themselves are $44 million, right? Then the Renfroe/Stratton ones add $11 million. Then the arb guys minus Taylor equal $25.8 million. So that should be $80.8 million, right? Although your overall point would stand anyway. There is money available, especially if JJ can be a smart shopper again (and I would expect it).
Yeah, you're right. I had the wrong formula on the spreadsheet and didn't pay attention to how wrong it was. Thanks for the catch! I'm going to update now.
I'm waiting to see what Cody Bellinger is going to do. If he opts out from his Cubs contract, I'd really like to see the Royals go all in on him. I know that he had a terrible slump a couple of years back, but I think he's pretty well re-established his credibility.
I actually think he stays in Chicago. There are some red flags in the batted ball profile that would concern me and concerned other teams last season. I’d absolutely be about the deal if he opts out but the more I talk to people, the more I think he doesn’t.
To be totally fair, I tend to agree with you, David. But I'd like to see us be aggressive with him if he does opt out. We can't afford Soto, and even with his issues, he's still a better option than just about any other potential FA OF.
Guys, playoff baseball is just the best. Am I rooting for the Guardians….no not really, but I’m sure as hell not rooting for the Yankees. A game tying bomb by Noel with two outs in the 9th….followed by a walkoff bomb by Fry. The Noel call was one of the better calls too by the announcer. Brings back memories of Gordon in the 9th. Love playoff baseball. Glad we are back in the mix!
I actually mentioned Trout to someone at the deadline last year when the Royals had mentioned they'd take on a contract. I was met with a laugh. Not because the Royals wouldn't pay it, but because the Angels won't move him. That's not to say things can't change, but that's where they were three months ago.
And the Astros aren't moving Tucker. They're far more likely to sign him long-term. If they did move him, it would require more than a prospect haul. It would take more than the Royals can give without completely depleting what they've rebuilt in the system to this point.
Surprised to see Fermin as a top potential trade candidate. Salvy isnt getting any younger (well maybe). I guess they would snag a backup somewhere, but seems a little early to bank on Jensen or Mitchell taking the reins anytime soon.
What would you guess Fermin is worth and what is your guesstimate odds of him being traded?
If the Angles were interested in dealing Mike Trout and his 6 years and 37.5 million/yr salary, what portion would the Angles have to eat salary to open negotiations? My guess was roughly half eating between 15-20 million for someone to trade for him. Eating more would mean trading more/better prospects for him.
1. I'm certain you hate this idea.
2. I'm dreaming so let me dream.
3. My rationale is we could get a super star (when healthy) to pair with BWJ in the middle of the order. He would be the every day right fielder as he has stated he does not like to DH and his career numbers back that up.
4. I feel like this is the type of risk the Royals have to take and hit on to have a legitimate shot at getting another super star not drafted by the Royals.
5. What would we have to give up to make that potential trade? (Again, please play along and don't ruin my dream).
I don’t hate the idea at all. It just is very unlikely to happen. I mentioned above that I asked a few people about the possibility at the deadline and they all said it wasn’t happening. I honestly have no clue what it would take because Trout is so hard to pin a value to at this point in his career. He’s entering his age-33 season and hit .220/.325/.541 in 29 games. He’s become a very good hitter instead of great and he can’t stay on the field. He’s only played 140 games once since 2016. How do you value an all-time great who can still play when he plays but he doesn’t play enough? I truly don’t know.
I have been banging the drum for Willy Adames for weeks. Though unfortunately I don't think he gets on base enough for what they need combined with what he will get paid. Hard to not want to pencil in a .320 obp with 25 bombs and 25 steals, conservatively.
Some of it depends too on his willingness to move off shortstop. He's 29, so this is probably his last big contract, which means maybe he doesn't care, but he also might just prefer to play shortstop. Still, he'd be a nice fit, though if the Dodgers decide they want him, I get the sense that it doesn't really matter who else he's a nice fit on.
He is who I lean toward as well, but looks like he has always played SS, I only seeing him playing a handful of games at 2B rookie year with rays. So yeah- enticing him to move could be big if and big $. Are there many teams looking for a SS?
Now seeing he’s demanding $200 million and the dodgers want him. Onto the next.
There are enough teams with money looking that he’d have to want to play with Witt and take a little less. It seems pretty unlikely.
I don't think they'll intentionally cut payroll for a few reasons, but maybe they miss out on some FA targets and end up lower because of that. I sense that they want to be careful and build something sustainable.
Would love to see the farm system start producing. Was Marsh the only graduate of any note last year?
Yeah, pretty much just him, but I think they sort of told us without telling us that they didn't believe in the upper levels. It takes a year or two to get that rolling, so hopefully that starts soon. I think we could see Javier Vaz, Gavin Cross, Carter Jensen and Noah Cameron make debuts in 2025.
Wouldn't Jensen just be a bridge to Mitchell (assuming Freddie is dealt)? And how long of a bridge? Still need 2 catchers post-Salvy (can't believe I said "post-Salvy").
Death, taxes, Salvy.
I think it’s more likely that one is dealt, to be honest, but if they’re both big leaguers with the Royals, Jensen is good enough that he’s not a bridge. He may play a different position, but he’s not a bridge.
Would it work to hire Kevin Seitzer as one of the hitting coaches? Maybe he can help the many underachieving hitters KC has. If he can make guys like MJ and Garcia better, he might be worth it.
Sure, bring in all the voices you can. I think JJ was just coy enough in his answer about Seitzer that I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the organization in some capacity.
Every time anyone writes about the things JJ Picollo says I get giddy. After being gaslit by GMDM for more than a decade it feels AMAZING to have a GM who speaks to us apparently honestly and openly.
I think the Royals should go after Soto, though. That would be SO COOL. They say they need OBP and power and he can provide both in one package!
Yeah, but he can't hit first AND third, so it's kind of a waste. I still wonder if there's not some sort of crazy surprising move coming. All the talk of being willing to take on salary at the deadline and me hearing the same now makes me wonder if there's something unexpected.
You're gonna get me all excited.
But for the first time in years I'm not 100% positive that I'll end up disappointed.
It's hard not to think about the possibilities. It's really the first time we've followed this team with a general manager who really does make moves. I'm excited to see where they go.
I'd rather stay away from spending THAT kinda dough, especially since we've already backed up the truck for Junior. I could see them surprising a little & getting someone like Santander or Hernandez, though.
I still like Rengifo as a guy they target. I think he ticks A LOT of boxes. He gives them solid performance at a number of positions as a utility guy, or he can cover longer term if Massey gets hurt again or if Garcia is slumming it. He's quick, he has a solid bat. I'd say a trade with him and Ward for Brady would make sense in a lot of ways, but I'm not sure who would get the short end of the stick on that deal. It feels like they'd need to throw in another prospect for it to match up, but that might just be me overvaluing a pitcher that I have been relentlessly unforgiving of the past few years and who holds very little value in my vision of the Royals future. Also, I'm not even sure the Angels have a single prospect that looks THAT promising that could be thrown in. Their farm system is a bit of a shambles right now.
I do like Rengifo as well. Obviously I have some medical questions that would need to be answered, but he does make a lot of sense. What's surprising about him is that there's only one year of control for him. But getting Ward as well would fill a couple different holes in one move, which would be pretty interesting. I actually think two years of Singer with that Angels pitching staff for one year of Rengifo and two of Ward makes some sense, though I feel like the Royals probably need to include a bit more. They haven't had any hesitation about including upper level guys in deals recently, so maybe there are some options there.
Would love Rengifo and Ward yet. But I think the biggest issue here is that…it’s the Angels. It made more sense at the deadline….and they didn’t move EITHER of them for prospects. It makes a ton of sense for the Royals…..but we are dealing with the Angels here…..sigh.
Yeah, tough to say if they would be willing to sacrifice two of their best position players for a pitcher, even if that pitcher might be the top of their rotation, if they only have control for two years. They're quite a lot further than two years away from Singer being a relevant part of a winning team, I think. But maybe they think they can flip him again for prospects at the deadline or something to help their rebuild. Who knows what's going through their heads.
Or maybe they like him long-term and can sign him. It's hard to say. But yeah, I don't think he's enough alone. Though a Singer for Ward swap actually makes a lot more sense if the Angels continue to operate under the assumption they can win quickly. They'd be wrong, but trading with a team that doesn't understand proper internal evaluation would be a nice twist.
I’m sure you’ll get more into it in the offseason. But trading Singer now….is both selling high and the right time to make a move like that. The part that hurts is that you’re losing two starting pitchers but man….I think it has to be him this offseason. Feel better about if you could keep Wacha somehow.
I will get into it soon enough. And I think if I had to bet, I'd say Wacha is back, which makes it more likely that Singer is moved.
Well, from 2 weeks ago : "Angels owner Arte Moreno gives 'marching orders' to compete in 2025 after franchise-worst 99-loss season...
Moreno claimed he will allow GM Perry Minasian to raise payroll from 2024 numbers"
I agree he has no idea what he's talking about, but what else is new.
Yes, it is the Angels but they do some stuff that doesn't make much sense on their organization. So, don't put too much stock into what they did or didn't do at deadline. As I recall Rengifo was hurt. Maybe teams didn't match up, the Angels should be looking to make moves this offseason. Like the Royals of previous years, they need to move tradeable players and get better, younger and cheaper return for them. Or players, like Brady Singer for example, who could be flipped for better return later in season.
Of all the years to have a little pocket change to spend. That’s the offensive free agent class? Dang. Lol. Maybe just go all in on pitching again and let me complain about Garcia and Melendez next year. I’d be totally fine with another Lugo find. Tampa has shown pitching will get you to the playoffs. I’m still willing to take that. :)
There's more than that. I just looked at the players with 20+ homers, which is a random number to choose, but just to highlight the middle of the order issues. There are 34 players with a 100 wRC+ or better. There are 34 (not all the same) players with an OBP above league average. There are 33 players with a .400+ SLG. There are guys out there, and one in particular I'm interested in that I'll write up probably next week.
I still think the TOP of the order is the priority. Look what a difference Pham made (batting leadoff) when he was "on"; I just don't think he's a guy you want on your team long-term (and he's not exactly young anymore). They have guys in the minors that will eventually hit bombs (Cags, Mitchell), but OBP is still a glaring need.
I obviously agree with that. It was my top need yesterday. I wouldn't bring back Pham at all probably and wouldn't count on him at the top of the order, but they obviously benefit from someone on base in front of the big bats.
Maybe it's just too early in the morning for me, but I'm not sure I follow your first paragraph under "Where the Payroll Stands". The Salvy/Lugo/BWJ contracts themselves are $44 million, right? Then the Renfroe/Stratton ones add $11 million. Then the arb guys minus Taylor equal $25.8 million. So that should be $80.8 million, right? Although your overall point would stand anyway. There is money available, especially if JJ can be a smart shopper again (and I would expect it).
Yeah, you're right. I had the wrong formula on the spreadsheet and didn't pay attention to how wrong it was. Thanks for the catch! I'm going to update now.
You're welcome! Math was never my best subject so I wouldn't have been surprised if I missed something.
It was one of my best! I'm so disappointed in myself!
I'm waiting to see what Cody Bellinger is going to do. If he opts out from his Cubs contract, I'd really like to see the Royals go all in on him. I know that he had a terrible slump a couple of years back, but I think he's pretty well re-established his credibility.
I actually think he stays in Chicago. There are some red flags in the batted ball profile that would concern me and concerned other teams last season. I’d absolutely be about the deal if he opts out but the more I talk to people, the more I think he doesn’t.
To be totally fair, I tend to agree with you, David. But I'd like to see us be aggressive with him if he does opt out. We can't afford Soto, and even with his issues, he's still a better option than just about any other potential FA OF.
Guys, playoff baseball is just the best. Am I rooting for the Guardians….no not really, but I’m sure as hell not rooting for the Yankees. A game tying bomb by Noel with two outs in the 9th….followed by a walkoff bomb by Fry. The Noel call was one of the better calls too by the announcer. Brings back memories of Gordon in the 9th. Love playoff baseball. Glad we are back in the mix!
Ok, hear me out with a couple ideas...
Mike Trout - I know always injured... but when he's healthy, he's still an elite hitter.
- Would he be willing to play LF or RF in order to limit his injuries?
- Would the Angels be willing to take the PR hit for a salary dump?
- How much of his salary would the Angels be willing to pay?
Kyle Tucker - he's got one more year of arbitration, and then he's going to be EXPENSIVE.
- Houston has several players that they are going to need to commit more money to soon. Would they even be willing to discuss trading Tucker?
- It would take a huge hit on our prospect list to acquire him.
- He would absolutely fit in at the #3 spot in the lineup for years to come.
- Would the Royals be willing to offer him 8 years, $200 million? Would he accept it?
I actually mentioned Trout to someone at the deadline last year when the Royals had mentioned they'd take on a contract. I was met with a laugh. Not because the Royals wouldn't pay it, but because the Angels won't move him. That's not to say things can't change, but that's where they were three months ago.
And the Astros aren't moving Tucker. They're far more likely to sign him long-term. If they did move him, it would require more than a prospect haul. It would take more than the Royals can give without completely depleting what they've rebuilt in the system to this point.
Surprised to see Fermin as a top potential trade candidate. Salvy isnt getting any younger (well maybe). I guess they would snag a backup somewhere, but seems a little early to bank on Jensen or Mitchell taking the reins anytime soon.
What would you guess Fermin is worth and what is your guesstimate odds of him being traded?
If the Angles were interested in dealing Mike Trout and his 6 years and 37.5 million/yr salary, what portion would the Angles have to eat salary to open negotiations? My guess was roughly half eating between 15-20 million for someone to trade for him. Eating more would mean trading more/better prospects for him.
1. I'm certain you hate this idea.
2. I'm dreaming so let me dream.
3. My rationale is we could get a super star (when healthy) to pair with BWJ in the middle of the order. He would be the every day right fielder as he has stated he does not like to DH and his career numbers back that up.
4. I feel like this is the type of risk the Royals have to take and hit on to have a legitimate shot at getting another super star not drafted by the Royals.
5. What would we have to give up to make that potential trade? (Again, please play along and don't ruin my dream).
I don’t hate the idea at all. It just is very unlikely to happen. I mentioned above that I asked a few people about the possibility at the deadline and they all said it wasn’t happening. I honestly have no clue what it would take because Trout is so hard to pin a value to at this point in his career. He’s entering his age-33 season and hit .220/.325/.541 in 29 games. He’s become a very good hitter instead of great and he can’t stay on the field. He’s only played 140 games once since 2016. How do you value an all-time great who can still play when he plays but he doesn’t play enough? I truly don’t know.