Royals Rumblings - News for December 23, 2024

Bobby Witt Jr. was one of the signature players in baseball.

MLB.com lists every team’s best single-game performance

Royals: One of many games in which Witt flashes all the tools, April 11

Bobby Witt Jr. had a long list of standout games in 2024, but perhaps his best was all the way back in April against the Astros. On April 11 at Kauffman Stadium, Witt went 4-for-5 with two home runs, four runs scored, five RBIs and a stolen base. He powered the Royals to a 13-3 win, their seventh consecutive victory, during their early sweep of the eventual AL West champions. It was an early indicator of the Royals’ success and Witt’s amazing ‘24 campaign. Honorable mentions for this include Dairon Blanco’s seven-RBI game on Aug. 17 against the Reds, Vinnie Pasquantino’s 3-for-3 game with a double, homer and five RBIs against the Astros on April 10 and Witt’s 4-for-5 night against the White Sox that included a go-ahead grand slam on July 29.

Bobby Witt Jr. also made their ist of top ten signature players from the year.

It took a moonshot year from Judge to keep Witt away from the AL MVP Award, but the 24-year-old phenom made it obvious in 2024 that he’s going to win one eventually. Witt is just fantastic at everything on a baseball field, leading the Majors in both batting average (.332) and hits (211) while posting a 30-30 season and capturing AL Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. (He even won the Heart & Hustle Award.) Oh, and he elevated a Royals team coming off a 106-loss season to the franchise’s first playoff appearance since its 2015 World Series title.

Former Royals prospect Wil Myers retires.

Jacob Milham at Kings of Kauffman writes about who could trade for Maikel Garcia.

Royals prospect Austin Charles returned to his hometown to donate toys to the Boys and Girls Club.

The Phillies acquire pitcher Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins.

The Yankees sign first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal and re-sign Jonathan Loáisiga.

The Guardians trade Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks and sign Carlos Santana.

The Rangers trade Nathaniel Lowe to the Nationals.

The Mets may be a serious contender for Alex Bregman.

The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks have interest in Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.

Which pitchers had the biggest difference between actual OPS and expected OPS?

Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson dies at the age of 65.

John Seidler, brother of former owner Peter, will take over the Padres.

At The Athletic, Evan Dreilich writes about whether owners will take up a salary cap in the next labor negotiations? [$]

MLB will shorten the draft to two days. [$]

Jeff Passan has the latest on the Rays stadium situation.

Jay Jaffe writes about the Hall of Fame case for Brian McCann.

Penn State wins the NCAA women’s volleyball championship.

The first round of the college football playoffs was as bit of a dud, but it set up some compelling matchups.

Do we need screensavers for our computers anymore?

Documents from a lawsuit show how a PR firm planned to “destroy” actress Blake Lively after she complained about sexual harassment from director Justin Baldoni.

With Sonic 3 topping the box office, a sequel has already been green-lit.

Your song of the day is Bob Dylan with Shelter from the Storm.