I just don’t see Chapman. Would I complain…no. But man that is such an anti Royals move. I don’t fully get all the hype around him to be honest. He’s a good baseball player, and the Royals need that but I’m not really sure he is a difference maker. But look I’d take it. The thing that I really take away from you hearing these rumors, rumblings, whatever we want to call them is that trading Garcia isn’t a dead end anymore. That’s great news to me! Would a Garcia, Massey, Melendez package get back Luzardo? IDK, but maybe and I’d do that in a heartbeat. I’m not completely sold Miami is going to move a starter anymore….but they were interested at one point. So maybe. Sounds like things still in the works. I’m super pumped to hear that because I was starting to drift to the not moving anyone before the season side here.
If they want me to fully buy the hype. Find a way to get another number 2/3 starter in a trade and pay for Chapman…….I mean….I’d start leaning into actually maybe winning the division. LOL.
I think if they had a starter who could slot between Ragans and Wacha/Lugo (or Ragans between the new guy and those two) with Chapman, it’d be hard to not at least give them a shot. My question is if it’s enough of a shot to give up all that draft stuff. It might be.
Might depend on who it is also. Can you get Luzardo without giving up Vinny? If so, you make the move, sign Chapman and you have Luzardo for 3 years or whatever. Would I take a legit number 2 for losing draft capital. Yes, yes I would. Chapman isn’t really going to get me pumped. Someone like Luzardo or a Braxton would however right now with how things set up.
If, and a big if. If they can pull something like that off. They are going for it next year. And I don’t really think that would be the wrong move to be honest.
I think it's important to remember that teams have to have an eye on today and an eye on tomorrow at all times. Is it wise to spend money and lose draft picks (and slot money) to win 81 games? Probably not. But what if 81 games puts you in shouting distance of a division title? That changes it a bit. And, as we've discussed so many times, the jump from 60-75 is much easier than the jump from 75-90, so big moves are often required in one way or another. I think as long as they're going for it with the understanding that it's only possible because of a weak division so don't damage future hopes too much, then I'm all for it.
True, but I’m 100% believing this would only be happening because of the stadium not because they are some magically better run organization (I don think they are better but still). John Sherman wants a new stadium and paying now for a better product is the best use of funds at the moment. As a fan, I don’t care right now as long as you have a better product.
Would be so weird to see the Royals move an asset like Garcia before he's really a known quantity. Usually they wait until everyone can see they aren't all that. Haven't seen it since... Wil Meyers?
Not to burst your bubble, but the Royals aren't always the team to do this and then that. They often are content with having quality inventory and depth if nothing materializes, so I don't think, if this happens, that Garcia would be gone minutes later or anything.
It’s not really about Garcia. If he stays that great. I just know he has some value and nobody is going to give up anything without getting value back. That’s why I’ve targeted him. n
I guess yeah. But to me the helium is still in the balloon with Garcia. If you sign a third baseman to anything more than a 1 year deal while keeping everyone else….seems like they aren’t making a decision and moving people at the highest value that the owner has specifically stated. I mean who knows, its all hear sey until something happens. It’s just fun to talk about.
You heard anything more on a Vinny extension? If you are going to turn down Luzardo for a first baseman on a team that could move a first baseman you’ve said all you need to say on your thoughts about him. Sounds like he would be willing to sign an extension so what are they waiting for? You’ve put your cards on the table with him already.
I haven't heard anything about an extension with Vinnie recently, but there was a lot of smoke before the injury. My gut is that they want to see him in action first, but I also think something could come together quickly in spring if they feel comfortable with his shoulder.
I'm hesitant on Chapman as you are — I hope they don't throw too much at a good-but-not-great player who could turn into Hunter Dozier in years 3 and 4 of a four year deal (or, I say this with trepidation - years five or 6, which would put Chapman at 37/38yo toward the end).
Problem is (trades aside), that there's not much out there in 2025 after Bregman and Suarez. Yoan Moncada will get too much money, and J.D. Davis will be a 1-or 2-year-deal type.
Maybe if Munetaka Murakami gets posted, they'll throw free barbecue and a whole stash of money his way. He's so young he;d fit in with the core. But that's wishful thinking. :)
I would really love to see them figure out a way to get involved in the Asian market. I'm not really sure what the best way to do that would be at this point. Is it to just throw gobs of cash at a posted player and hope they just want the most money? Is it to win first? Is it a geography thing and they'll never have a real shot? I honestly don't know. But yeah, there's not a lot out there, which may be okay with Cayden Wallace in AA, but I'm also not going to tell you he's a sure thing to be a big leaguer even yet.
Absolutely. I almost think building up a pipeline of role players (even returning American pitchers) would help based on referrals. It’s so hard to tell. Maybe pay Aoki to be an Ambassador? :)
But even then, money talks, just as it does here. I think the AAV will play even more of a role than contract length (as foreign players will opt for a shorter, higher AAV contract with a team like KC just to make sure they aren’t stuck on a fourth or fifth place roster for the next eight seasons)
For sure. I just have a hard time seeing how they'll be able to get a big fish because it feels like there's always a big city preference. That said, start winning and any player would want to play there. So there's probably a multi-step process to begin actually being players in that market, but no reason they can't start.
I don't know if that's entirely true. Hoping on guys like Wallace is part of what has gotten them to the situation they're in. He hasn't hit above high-A yet, and while he could move quickly, there are worse things than having too many good players.
I lean pretty heavily on the no side with the addition of an expensive bat for third, I think. I am better with the idea of moving Garcia if they could get a "more typical" third baseman out of his trade--and why not, if they can get an overall upgrade on the position from a team that thinks Garcia is perfect for their SS position, do it. But that seems pretty unlikely all the way around. Though, ultimately, I guess it boils down to what they think Garcia's ceiling is. From everything I've read here and other places, it seems like his A+ defense and just a bit of an uptick in bat productivity makes him a well-above-average player for that position. Sure there is a chance that he just tanks and loses trade value after another full season passes, but that chance exists for every player out there. Personally, I'd lean towards calling the infield fine for this year--or at least the first half of this year--and work exclusively on making the outfield better because that is the clear weakest link. Dunno. I guess that's why it's more fun to be a fan with hot takes than it is someone who has to make the tough decisions for a team.
Yeah, I think at this point that unless they can get a nice return for Garcia, just leave it as is. And even if they can, I'm not sure they're not better off just plugging Nick Loftin in at third than making a big splash. But I also see the thought behind lengthening the lineup and Chapman is a legitimately above average bat even if he gets there in a way that isn't totally aesthetically pleasing.
I'm not saying I wouldn't like to see him as part of the team. I just don't see it as being worth the cost. He's not a long-term fix. They aren't "a couple pieces away" from being the kind of team you expect to take on the Dodgers in the World Series and hold their own. Losing such a high draft pick AND the money they'd have to sink into him seems like a recipe for long-term failure. I love the idea that they might be willing to spend that much more money, honestly, but I'd rather see them spend it on the guys they have that they think can be a long-term part of the team. I want baseball to be like it was in the 70s/80s again where we could get attached to a Hal Macrae or Willie Wilson or, heaven help us, a George Brett. Where I might have interest in buying a Jersey and expect people to know he played for the Royals instead of saying "huh, I thought he was a Yankee or whatever." A pipe dream, I know, in modern baseball, but pipe dreams are about 80% of what it is to be a Royals fan these days!
Sadly those days are largely gone and, like I wrote, if the money doesn't impact the future, I care a lot less about that than the draft stuff. But I do agree Chapman himself isn't likely a long-term fix. I do appreciate the willingness to think outside the box at least.
Interesting & fun speculation. I'd been wondering if they might be interested in Justin Turner, but it sounds like you don't think he's a likely option?
I just haven't heard his name connected at all. That doesn't mean there isn't interest, but he's also a below average defender at this point and not an every day option at third anymore, so it sort of makes sense that they're not in on that.
I wonder if they might consider moving Garcia to CF if they were to bring in a 3B. Best case scenario is that a team highly values him as a long term solution at SS and you can get a substantial return for him. Signing BWJ to a long term deal would also make me feel better about the situation.
I suppose they could, but they started that last spring and stopped abruptly. I honestly don’t know why, but I just know it didn’t continue for long. Might be a reason.
I am all in on Garcia at third, hope he is staying. But maybe? he is ready to be a star ss and not a fit with other potential superstars like bwj and Vinnie on the team. I think Garcia chirped something about not making some list at the end of this past season (but it was a fair complaint). I would love to see him make third his home ala mike Schmidt, but with the royals and Witt by his side.
Your article makes me even less hopeful of an upside with whoever is available for third to replace him, but maybe the royals know something I don't. I really would love to see one more legit rotation piece though.
Is there a chance they trade Witt for a ridiculous haul and move Garica to short?
I just don’t see Chapman. Would I complain…no. But man that is such an anti Royals move. I don’t fully get all the hype around him to be honest. He’s a good baseball player, and the Royals need that but I’m not really sure he is a difference maker. But look I’d take it. The thing that I really take away from you hearing these rumors, rumblings, whatever we want to call them is that trading Garcia isn’t a dead end anymore. That’s great news to me! Would a Garcia, Massey, Melendez package get back Luzardo? IDK, but maybe and I’d do that in a heartbeat. I’m not completely sold Miami is going to move a starter anymore….but they were interested at one point. So maybe. Sounds like things still in the works. I’m super pumped to hear that because I was starting to drift to the not moving anyone before the season side here.
If they want me to fully buy the hype. Find a way to get another number 2/3 starter in a trade and pay for Chapman…….I mean….I’d start leaning into actually maybe winning the division. LOL.
I think if they had a starter who could slot between Ragans and Wacha/Lugo (or Ragans between the new guy and those two) with Chapman, it’d be hard to not at least give them a shot. My question is if it’s enough of a shot to give up all that draft stuff. It might be.
Might depend on who it is also. Can you get Luzardo without giving up Vinny? If so, you make the move, sign Chapman and you have Luzardo for 3 years or whatever. Would I take a legit number 2 for losing draft capital. Yes, yes I would. Chapman isn’t really going to get me pumped. Someone like Luzardo or a Braxton would however right now with how things set up.
If, and a big if. If they can pull something like that off. They are going for it next year. And I don’t really think that would be the wrong move to be honest.
I think it's important to remember that teams have to have an eye on today and an eye on tomorrow at all times. Is it wise to spend money and lose draft picks (and slot money) to win 81 games? Probably not. But what if 81 games puts you in shouting distance of a division title? That changes it a bit. And, as we've discussed so many times, the jump from 60-75 is much easier than the jump from 75-90, so big moves are often required in one way or another. I think as long as they're going for it with the understanding that it's only possible because of a weak division so don't damage future hopes too much, then I'm all for it.
True, but I’m 100% believing this would only be happening because of the stadium not because they are some magically better run organization (I don think they are better but still). John Sherman wants a new stadium and paying now for a better product is the best use of funds at the moment. As a fan, I don’t care right now as long as you have a better product.
I'd rather they be plotting than plodding.
Would be so weird to see the Royals move an asset like Garcia before he's really a known quantity. Usually they wait until everyone can see they aren't all that. Haven't seen it since... Wil Meyers?
There are probably some others that are lower profile, but yeah, Myers fits that.
David, this news made my day! You don’t look at third baseman unless you got something pretty far along in a move for Garcia.
Not to burst your bubble, but the Royals aren't always the team to do this and then that. They often are content with having quality inventory and depth if nothing materializes, so I don't think, if this happens, that Garcia would be gone minutes later or anything.
It’s not really about Garcia. If he stays that great. I just know he has some value and nobody is going to give up anything without getting value back. That’s why I’ve targeted him. n
Sure, but I'm just saying I don't know that targeting a third baseman means they're down the road on Garcia.
I guess yeah. But to me the helium is still in the balloon with Garcia. If you sign a third baseman to anything more than a 1 year deal while keeping everyone else….seems like they aren’t making a decision and moving people at the highest value that the owner has specifically stated. I mean who knows, its all hear sey until something happens. It’s just fun to talk about.
You heard anything more on a Vinny extension? If you are going to turn down Luzardo for a first baseman on a team that could move a first baseman you’ve said all you need to say on your thoughts about him. Sounds like he would be willing to sign an extension so what are they waiting for? You’ve put your cards on the table with him already.
I haven't heard anything about an extension with Vinnie recently, but there was a lot of smoke before the injury. My gut is that they want to see him in action first, but I also think something could come together quickly in spring if they feel comfortable with his shoulder.
I'm hesitant on Chapman as you are — I hope they don't throw too much at a good-but-not-great player who could turn into Hunter Dozier in years 3 and 4 of a four year deal (or, I say this with trepidation - years five or 6, which would put Chapman at 37/38yo toward the end).
Problem is (trades aside), that there's not much out there in 2025 after Bregman and Suarez. Yoan Moncada will get too much money, and J.D. Davis will be a 1-or 2-year-deal type.
Maybe if Munetaka Murakami gets posted, they'll throw free barbecue and a whole stash of money his way. He's so young he;d fit in with the core. But that's wishful thinking. :)
I would really love to see them figure out a way to get involved in the Asian market. I'm not really sure what the best way to do that would be at this point. Is it to just throw gobs of cash at a posted player and hope they just want the most money? Is it to win first? Is it a geography thing and they'll never have a real shot? I honestly don't know. But yeah, there's not a lot out there, which may be okay with Cayden Wallace in AA, but I'm also not going to tell you he's a sure thing to be a big leaguer even yet.
Absolutely. I almost think building up a pipeline of role players (even returning American pitchers) would help based on referrals. It’s so hard to tell. Maybe pay Aoki to be an Ambassador? :)
But even then, money talks, just as it does here. I think the AAV will play even more of a role than contract length (as foreign players will opt for a shorter, higher AAV contract with a team like KC just to make sure they aren’t stuck on a fourth or fifth place roster for the next eight seasons)
For sure. I just have a hard time seeing how they'll be able to get a big fish because it feels like there's always a big city preference. That said, start winning and any player would want to play there. So there's probably a multi-step process to begin actually being players in that market, but no reason they can't start.
If they are even thinking about this, I think it says a lot about what they think of Cayden Wallace. Sigh.
I don't know if that's entirely true. Hoping on guys like Wallace is part of what has gotten them to the situation they're in. He hasn't hit above high-A yet, and while he could move quickly, there are worse things than having too many good players.
Yes, on the plus side, not following the “we drafted him so he will be an All-Star” philosophy is a good thing.
Absolutely. Internal evaluation may have been the biggest issue with the Royals for years and I feel like it wasn't discussed nearly enough.
I lean pretty heavily on the no side with the addition of an expensive bat for third, I think. I am better with the idea of moving Garcia if they could get a "more typical" third baseman out of his trade--and why not, if they can get an overall upgrade on the position from a team that thinks Garcia is perfect for their SS position, do it. But that seems pretty unlikely all the way around. Though, ultimately, I guess it boils down to what they think Garcia's ceiling is. From everything I've read here and other places, it seems like his A+ defense and just a bit of an uptick in bat productivity makes him a well-above-average player for that position. Sure there is a chance that he just tanks and loses trade value after another full season passes, but that chance exists for every player out there. Personally, I'd lean towards calling the infield fine for this year--or at least the first half of this year--and work exclusively on making the outfield better because that is the clear weakest link. Dunno. I guess that's why it's more fun to be a fan with hot takes than it is someone who has to make the tough decisions for a team.
Yeah, I think at this point that unless they can get a nice return for Garcia, just leave it as is. And even if they can, I'm not sure they're not better off just plugging Nick Loftin in at third than making a big splash. But I also see the thought behind lengthening the lineup and Chapman is a legitimately above average bat even if he gets there in a way that isn't totally aesthetically pleasing.
I'm not saying I wouldn't like to see him as part of the team. I just don't see it as being worth the cost. He's not a long-term fix. They aren't "a couple pieces away" from being the kind of team you expect to take on the Dodgers in the World Series and hold their own. Losing such a high draft pick AND the money they'd have to sink into him seems like a recipe for long-term failure. I love the idea that they might be willing to spend that much more money, honestly, but I'd rather see them spend it on the guys they have that they think can be a long-term part of the team. I want baseball to be like it was in the 70s/80s again where we could get attached to a Hal Macrae or Willie Wilson or, heaven help us, a George Brett. Where I might have interest in buying a Jersey and expect people to know he played for the Royals instead of saying "huh, I thought he was a Yankee or whatever." A pipe dream, I know, in modern baseball, but pipe dreams are about 80% of what it is to be a Royals fan these days!
Sadly those days are largely gone and, like I wrote, if the money doesn't impact the future, I care a lot less about that than the draft stuff. But I do agree Chapman himself isn't likely a long-term fix. I do appreciate the willingness to think outside the box at least.
Hear me out, maybe they think they turn another Chapman into a trade chip for the second year in a row.
Interesting & fun speculation. I'd been wondering if they might be interested in Justin Turner, but it sounds like you don't think he's a likely option?
I just haven't heard his name connected at all. That doesn't mean there isn't interest, but he's also a below average defender at this point and not an every day option at third anymore, so it sort of makes sense that they're not in on that.
Any info on any of the international players we just signed?
I wonder if they might consider moving Garcia to CF if they were to bring in a 3B. Best case scenario is that a team highly values him as a long term solution at SS and you can get a substantial return for him. Signing BWJ to a long term deal would also make me feel better about the situation.
I suppose they could, but they started that last spring and stopped abruptly. I honestly don’t know why, but I just know it didn’t continue for long. Might be a reason.
Wow, after reading this article, assuming the Royals are doing any of the above, I’m really questioning my sanity in renewing my season tickets
I am all in on Garcia at third, hope he is staying. But maybe? he is ready to be a star ss and not a fit with other potential superstars like bwj and Vinnie on the team. I think Garcia chirped something about not making some list at the end of this past season (but it was a fair complaint). I would love to see him make third his home ala mike Schmidt, but with the royals and Witt by his side.
Your article makes me even less hopeful of an upside with whoever is available for third to replace him, but maybe the royals know something I don't. I really would love to see one more legit rotation piece though.
Is there a chance they trade Witt for a ridiculous haul and move Garica to short?
If it was possible for something to be less than 0%, it would be the Royals trading Witt right now.