Royals Rumblings - News for December 2, 2024
Is Alex Bregman out of reach for the Royals?
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter looks at Steamer projections for Royals pitchers.
Steamer is high on Ragans to produce another stellar campaign in 2025.
In 32 starts and 193 IP, Ragans will generate a 3.52 ERA, 19 QS, a 27.1% K%, an 18.1% K-BB%, a 1.24 WHIP, 3.52 FIP, and 3.8 fWAR. Thus, it’s unsurprising that Ragans has an ADP range of 47.6. According to Fangraphs Steamer fantasy rankings, he is behind Corbin Burns and Garrett Crochet but ahead of Blake Snell and Dylan Cease.
Considering his accolades in his first full year with the Royals in 2024, Ragans is projecting well for the upcoming season.
Jim Bowde at The Athletic answers reader mail, including a question on whether the Royals could pursue Alex Bregman.
I would really like to see Kansas City pursue Bregman. I think his bat would fit nicely in the lineup and he is a solid defender — all things the Royals value. Have you heard anything about this, or are they willing to pursue trades to upgrade (third base)? — Michael G.
The Royals are not “in” on Bregman. Their trade for Jonathan India solved their leadoff and infield need. They will not make an offer for Bregman, according to team sources.
Caleb Moody at Just Baseball writes about realistic free agent targets for the Royals.
O’Neill would be a huge get for Kansas City coming off a monster year with the Boston Red Sox in 2024 in which he slashed .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs.
The main thing he would bring to the table for the Royals is his immense power. Kansas City ranked just 20th in MLB last season in homers with 170.
He doesn’t offer much in the average department. His .241 AVG is paired with an xBA of .213. But he makes up for it with a strong ability to draw walks, with an 87th percentile BB rate of 11.2%, a swell as his ability to make quality hard contact, with a 90th percentile hard-hit rate of 48.8% and a 98th percentile barrel rate of 17.8%.
Preston Farr at Farm to Fountains evaluates organizational value for the Royals.
Mike Gillespie at Kings of Kauffman thinks Nick Loftin is a good fit for the Royals.
Cole Ragans is on the All-Awardless Team.
What should the Padres do with Luis Arraez?
Who is a match with the Cubs for a Cody Bellinger trade?
The Dodgers and Yankees may be pursuing a Nolan Arenado trade.
Will the Phillies have to move Bryce Harper to land Juan Soto? [$]
Five non-tendered hitters to keep an eye on.
Baseball America has a preliminary list of Rule 5 eligible players to know. [$]
The Rays admit their new stadium deal is still in effect.
Jay Jaffe at Fangraphs looks at the Hall of Fame cases of Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez.
The Baseball Hall of Fame lost money for the first time in a decade.
Shohei Ohtani wants baseball cards worth hundreds of thousands of dollars back from his interpreter.
The Ohio State/Michigan rivalry needs a reset after a post-game melee.
Pittsburgh lands the top spot in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament.
Meet the travelers trying to visit every country in the world.
How Steely Dan became a cult favorite among millennials.
How games can change your life.
Your song of the day is Jimmy Eat World with Sweetness.