The Kansas City Royals fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday afternoon at Sutter Health Park, dropping the series two games to one.

A four-run second inning proved to be the difference, highlighted by Nick Kurtz’s two-run double off Royals starter Noah Cameron (2-2). Kurtz also drew a walk for the 19th consecutive game, tying a historic mark held by Ted Williams.

The Royals’ offense struggled despite three-hit performances from Maikel Garcia and Starling Marte. Garcia launched a solo home run, and Elias Diaz added his first homer of the season, but Kansas City left significant traffic on the basepaths. Vinnie Pasquantino, returning from back tightness, flew out as a pinch-hitter to end the game.

Noah Cameron took the loss after laboring through 5.1 innings, while Luis Medina earned the win for the A’s bullpen. The Royals now look to snap their two-game skid as they head to Seattle for the weekend.

Watch the full post-game analysis on KCSN’s One Royal Way!

Following a dramatic walk-off win on Sunday, the Kansas City Royals carried their momentum out West, securing a gritty 4-1 victory over the Sacramento A’s in 10 innings.

It was a lower-scoring affair that required contributions from both the pitching staff and clutch offensive moments to secure Kansas City’s fourth consecutive win.

Bobby Witt Jr. provided the decisive blow in the top of the 10th inning, launching a 389-foot, three-run home run to right-center field, breaking a 1-1 tie. Salvador Perez also added his power, hitting a solo home run earlier in the game. Kris Bubic allowed just one run over five innings, though his three walks continue a season-long trend for the staff.

The bullpen was exceptional in relief. John Schreiber, Daniel Lynch, Matt Strahm, and Nick Mears combined for four scoreless innings, holding the lead and sending the game into extras. Despite facing a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the 10th, Lucas Erceg locked down the victory.

The Kansas City Royals are currently stuck in a cycle of “one step forward, two steps back.”

In the latest episode of One Royal Way, host Joel Penfield processes a brutal 10-9 walk-off loss to the Tigers—a game where the offense finally exploded for nine runs, only for the bullpen to unravel in the ninth.

Penfield argues that while the “big things” like overall run production tend to even out over 162 games, it’s the “little things”—guarding lines, situational hitting, and two-out RBIs—that are currently burying the team.

The show isn’t all gloom, however. Penfield provides a statistical deep dive into Jack Caglianone’s significant adjustments. By dropping his swing rate by 10% and significantly reducing his chase percentage, Caglianone is transforming from a “mash-ball” hitter into a disciplined big-league threat.

Combined with Seth Lugo’s “back-to-the-future” form and Daniel Lynch’s surprising efficiency as a full-time reliever, there is a blueprint for a turnaround if the team can just stop beating themselves.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. The “Two-Out” Curse: The pitching staff is struggling to “finish” innings. Nearly all of Detroit’s damage in the recent series came with two outs, highlighting a lack of command and defensive focus in high-leverage moments.

2. Jack Caglianone’s Plate Discipline: The numbers prove Caglianone is evolving. He is seeing fewer first-pitch strikes and hitting more line drives (up from 16% to 38%) by being more selective and utilizing the entire field.

3. Seth Lugo’s Resurgence: Lugo is successfully recapturing his 2024 form by tinkering with his pitch usage—specifically increasing his sinker and slider frequency to keep hitters from “hunting windows” in his delivery.

The minor league season is officially underway, and the latest episode of the Royals Pipeline podcast offers a comprehensive deep dive into the talent brewing across every level of the Kansas City farm system. Hosts Jared and Kevin break down the early-season standouts, balancing statistical analysis with “eye-test” insights that every Royals fan needs to hear.

The show kicks off with a look at the Omaha Storm Chasers, where veteran minor leaguers like Kameron Misner and Josh Rojas are making loud cases for a big-league call-up. Despite some swing-and-miss concerns, Misner’s raw tools and Rojas’s professional plate approach provide much-needed insurance for a Kansas City lineup that often finds itself searching for a spark.

The heart of the episode features an exclusive interview with JC Vanek, a 14th-round gem out of Chipola Junior College. Vanek shares his unique “pivot” from a two-way LSU commit to a JUCO powerhouse, highlighting the mental toughness required to “make a name for yourself from nothing.” His infectious energy and praise for the Royals’ “player-first” culture paint a vivid picture of the high-character locker room being built in Columbia.

As the hosts pivot to the lower levels, they highlight the high-velocity potential of relievers like LP Langevin and the steady rise of catcher Carter Jensen. While first-rounders like Blake Mitchell and Shawn Gamble face early growing pains, the consensus remains clear: the Royals’ system is deeper and more athletic than it has been in years.

Top 3 Takeaways

• The “80-Grade” Human Factor: The interview with JC Vanek reveals why the Royals are betting on character. Vanek discusses how the front office supported him through a personal tragedy, proving that the organization is building more than just ballplayers—they’re building a culture.

• Sleeper Arms to Watch: Beyond the top prospects, keep an eye on names like Camden Edge and LP Langevin. With “gas” in their arms and impressive whiff rates, these lower-level relievers could be the fast-risers that stabilize the KC bullpen in the coming years.

• Patience with the “Young Guns”: Jared and Kevin remind fans not to panic over “Golden Sombreros” or early strikeouts from 18-year-old phenoms like Blake Mitchell. Transitioning from high school to pro ball is a grind, and the raw power is worth the wait.

Despite a frigid, one-hit loss to Cleveland, host Joel Penfield isn’t hitting the panic button on One Royal Way.

In fact, he’s doing the opposite. In this deep-dive episode, Joel strips away the frustrating surface-level results to reveal a Royals offense that is—statistically speaking—flirting with elite status. While the scoreboard might look bleak, the underlying “Big Five” metrics tell a different story: the Royals currently trail only the Dodgers and Yankees in barrel percentage.

The show breaks down the historic power surge of Carter Jensen, who is clobbering the ball with exit velocities not seen since Salvador Perez’s 48-homer season. Joel also tackles the “hand-wringing” surrounding the bullpen’s high-leverage struggles and the organization’s controversial, aggressive base-running DNA.

Are the Royals running themselves out of innings, or are they utilizing Hawkeye data to find a new market inefficiency? This episode is a masterclass in “process over results,” proving that while the pitching has kept them afloat, the bats are a sleeping giant about to wake up.

If you want to understand why the Royals are better than their record suggests, this is the episode you can’t miss.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• The Statistical “Big Five”: The Royals have made a massive leap into the top 10 for walk rate and top three for barrel percentage, indicators that a massive scoring surge is imminent.

• The Jensen Juggernaut: Carter Jensen is making history as the only player this season with multiple 111+ mph home runs, solidifying his role as a premier middle-of-the-order threat.

• High-Leverage Bullpen Concerns: While the starters are dominant, metrics show that high-leverage reliever John Schreiber is struggling with a 50% hard-hit rate, suggesting a need for a pivot in late-game strategy.

The NFL slows to a crawl before the draft. College basketball fades out after the tournament chaos. And suddenly, for the first time in months, everything funnels back to one place.

Right now, that place is Kauffman Stadium.

Royals Report: 3-3 Split

The Kansas City Royals are officially underway, and the first week has already offered a little bit of everything.

After dropping two of three to the Atlanta Braves to open the season, Kansas City responded by taking two of three from the Minnesota Twins in its home opener series.

The biggest development, though, came on the mound, and not in a good way.

Closer Carlos Estévez hit the IL after taking a 103 mph comebacker off his foot. The injury came in a rough outing where he surrendered a walk-off grand slam and blew a 2–0 lead in just one-third of an inning. It’s a tough early blow for a bullpen that leaned heavily on him last year, when he converted 42 of 48 save opportunities with a 2.45 ERA.

The time off could reset both his health and his early-season rhythm, if you are looking for a silver lining.

Elsewhere, it’s been a much more encouraging start, outside of Carter Jensen getting benched for sleeping in and arriving late to the ballpark. That said, it seems like a little much to be on the front page of ESPN and TMZ. I am sure the Royals’ top-rookie prospect will bounce back with a big year after taking responsibility after the game.

Outfielder Kyle Isbel has been the early standout, hitting .500 with two home runs, four RBIs, and a 1.333 OPS.

And maybe most importantly, the rotation has looked sharp from top to bottom. Cole Ragans owns the highest ERA among starters at 3.60, while Michael Wacha, Noah Cameron, Kris Bubic, and Seth Lugo have all been excellent, with Wacha and Lugo still scoreless.

It’s early, but the formula is clear: if the pitching holds, this team will be in games every night.

Chiefs Check-In: Merritt gets his hands on former 1st-rounder

It’s been quiet for the Kansas City Chiefs, as expected this time of year.

The one notable move came with the addition of cornerback Kaiir Elam, a former first-round pick who now joins a cornerback room featuring Kristian Fulton, Nohl Williams, and Kader Kohou.

Elam’s career hasn’t fully taken off yet, but the traits are there. A former All-SEC talent out of Florida, he brings size, athleticism, and upside on the outside. With defensive backs coach Dave Merritt’s track record of developing corners, this feels like a classic low-risk, high-upside swing.

Beyond that, this is the holding pattern, the stretch before the NFL Draft where there is more speculation than anything else.

P.S. It is Draft Guide release week!

The KCSN Draft Guide is available for pre-order. A Chiefs-specific book with detailed analysis, profiles of hundreds of prospects, player comps, a Chiefs draft pick trade chart, scheme fit analysis, and more. The book release is April 6th.

Pre-order the KCSN Draft Guide

KCSNU

Kansas retains Self

Kansas announced that the same man who has roamed the Allen Fieldhouse sidelines since 2003 will be returning.

Bill Self confirmed he will return for the 2025–26 season, a significant development for the program. Self, who has led Kansas to four Final Fours and two national titles, remains the anchor of the program as it heads into a critical offseason.

The timing is key here because the transfer portal opens immediately after the national championship, and stability at the top gives Kansas a clear advantage as roster decisions begin.

K-State’s Alexander begins building out staff

For Kansas State, new head coach Casey Alexander took his first real step toward shaping the program, announcing three additions to his coaching staff.

The Wildcats hired three assistants from Alexander’s time at Belmont: Kerron Johnson, JJ Butler, and Luke Smith. The group brings a mix of player development, recruiting experience, and familiarity with Alexander’s system, which should help streamline the transition in year one.

What to Watch This Week

Royals

• Three against the Milwaukee Brewers (5–1) to finish the homestand.

• At the Cleveland Guardians (4–3) for a three-game road trip.

NFL Draft rumors will soon heat up, but it is the Royals’ time right now. It is a long season, but every week matters.

We'll be back next week to break it all down right here on KCSN.com.

After weeks of buildup, projections, and spring storylines, the Kansas City Royals are back, and with local college basketball now wrapped up and the NFL in its quieter stretch, all eyes turn to baseball as the next chapter of the Kansas City sports calendar begins.

Here’s where things stand this week.

Royals Report: It all starts tonight

The wait is over for the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas City opens the 2026 season tonight in Georgia against the Atlanta Braves, with Cole Ragans set to face veteran left-hander Chris Sale at 6:15 p.m. CT.

The Royals officially finalized their 26-man roster this week, offering a clear look at how they’ll open the season:

Catchers (2)

• Salvador Perez

• Carter Jensen

Infielders (4)

• Vinnie Pasquantino (1B)

• Jonathan India (2B)

• Bobby Witt Jr. (SS)

• Maikel Garcia (3B)

Outfielders (5)

• Isaac Collins

• Kyle Isbel

• Jac Caglianone

• Lane Thomas

• Starling Marte

Utility (2)

• Nick Loftin

• Tyler Tolbert

Starting Rotation (5)

• Cole Ragans

• Seth Lugo

• Kris Bubic

• Michael Wacha

• Noah Cameron

Bullpen (8)

• Carlos Estévez

• Lucas Erceg

• Matt Strahm

• John Schreiber

• Alex Lange

• Nick Mears

• Daniel Lynch IV

• Bailey Falter

According to FanGraphs, Kansas City is projected to finish 82–80, good for second in the AL Central. It mirrors last season’s record, but the path forward feels different.

With a full season of Jensen, potential breakout production from Caglianone, and a much-improved outfield group, there’s reason to believe the ceiling could be higher. Still, this team will ultimately go as far as Witt, Garcia, Pasquantino, and the pitching staff can take them.

It all begins tonight, but in more localized, network news…

KCSN launches ‘Royals Pipeline’

In other Royals-related news, KCSN announced a new show: Royals Pipeline.

Hosted by Jared Perkins (Head of College Baseball/MLB Draft Content at Just Baseball Media) and Kevin O’Brien (Crown Talk), the show will provide a deep dive into the Royals’ farm system, from Rookie ball through Triple-A Omaha, along with MLB Draft coverage and player interviews.

The inaugural episode focused on the current state of the minor league system, with bi-weekly updates expected moving forward.

Chiefs Check-In: Season 14 official for Kelce

It was a relatively quiet week for the Kansas City Chiefs, but one important piece of business became official.

Travis Kelce signed his one-year, $12 million deal at Arrowhead, confirming his return for a 14th NFL season.

Beyond that, the focus now shifts toward the NFL Draft, which is less than a month away. Kansas City currently holds nine selections, including picks at No. 9, No. 29, and No. 40 overall.

Be sure to pre-order the KCSN Draft Guide to get fully prepared.

The KCSN Draft Guide is available for pre-order. A Chiefs-specific book with detailed analysis, profiles of hundreds of prospects, player comps, a Chiefs draft pick trade chart, scheme fit analysis, and more. The book release is April 6th.

Pre-order the KCSN Draft Guide

College Hoops: Game over

Kansas: Bounced by St. John’s on buzzer-beater

The season has officially come to a close for local college programs.

Kansas saw its run end in the Round of 32 with a 67–65 loss to St. John’s Red Storm. Freshman Darryn Peterson led KU with 21 points, while Melvin Council Jr. added 15 points and nine rebounds.

Kansas dominated much of the game statistically but was undone by turnovers, committing eight more than St. John’s. The Jayhawks tied it at 65 with 13 seconds left, but the Red Storm hit a buzzer-beater to end it.

Missouri: Losing streak continues

Missouri fell 80–66 to the Miami Hurricanes, extending its NCAA Tournament drought back to 2009. The Tigers briefly led midway through the second half, but Miami pulled away late. Missouri was outrebounded by 16 and shot just 35 percent from the field.

Mark Mitchell led Mizzou with 19 points, though only four came before halftime.

What to Watch This Week

Royals

• Opening series at Atlanta begins tonight (6:15 p.m. CT).

• Home opener Monday vs. the Minnesota Twins at 3:15 p.m. CT, with Kris Bubic on the mound.

College basketball has wrapped, the NFL is in its holding pattern before the draft, and baseball is back to take center stage.

We’ll be back next week to see how the first chapter of the 2026 season unfolds.

In the inaugural episode of Royals Pipeline, hosts Jared Perkins and Kevin O’Brien officially launch their deep-dive coverage of the Kansas City farm system.

Challenging the national narrative that the Royals struggle to develop talent, the duo highlights the successful “homegrown” core of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Michael Massey as proof of a system on the rise.

The premiere focuses on the “State of the Farm,” describing a shift toward high-upside “prep” (high school) talent and aggressive international signings. The hosts break down their “Ready for the Majors” list, spotlighting outfielder Carson Roccaforte’s elite defense and pitcher Dennis Colleran’s triple-digit “gas.” They also identify long-term “franchise-changers,” including first-round pick Sean Gamble and power-hitting catcher Ramon Ramirez.

Listeners can expect bi-weekly updates covering everything from Rookie-ball to Triple-A Omaha, alongside specialized MLB Draft analysis and player interviews. By focusing on “model-friendly” arms and twitchy athletes, Perkins and O’Brien aim to provide fans with an in-depth look at the next wave of talent destined for Kauffman Stadium.

Whether it’s tracking breakout stars or deep-cut sleepers like Shane Van Dam, Royals Pipeline is set to be the definitive resource for the KC faithful.

With Opening Day in Atlanta just four days away, Royals Executive Vice President & General Manager JJ Picollo joined Joel Penfield on the latest episode of “One Royal Way” to provide an inside look at the 2026 squad.

Fresh off a Spring Training that was uniquely shaped by the World Baseball Classic, Piccolo expressed high confidence in the team’s starting rotation and the newly bolstered veteran presence in the outfield and bullpen. Key acquisitions like Lane Thomas, Starling Marte, and Matt Strahm are expected to provide the stability needed to let young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia shine on the national stage.

The conversation highlighted the “WBC Effect,” with Piccolo noting that the high-leverage experience gained by players like Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia (the tournament MVP) has primed them for a fast start.

Beyond the established names, the GM praised the progress of Jac Caglianone, noting his improved plate discipline, and discussed the strategic development of pitcher Luinder Avila.

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As the Royals wrap up their final exhibition games in Texas, the message is clear: the offense is deeper, the leadership is vocal, and the goal is firmly set on a 2026 postseason run.

Top 3 Takeaways

• The “Secret” is Officially Out: Maikel Garcia is no longer flying under the radar. After a stellar 2025 and a WBC MVP performance, Piccolo views the Witt/Garcia duo as one of the premier young tandems in baseball, specifically citing Garcia’s love for “big moments.”

• Strategic Patience with Caglianone: Year two for Jac Caglianone is about confidence and selectivity. Piccolo noted that “Cags” showed significant growth in drawing walks during Spring Training, a key indicator that his production will take a leap as he stops trying to “carry the offense” alone.

• The Luinder Avila Balancing Act: The Royals view Avila as a potential top-of-the-rotation starter (No. 3 or better). While his stuff is “filthy” enough for the bullpen now, the team is optioning him to Omaha to maintain his starter workload, ensuring he’s ready to jump into the rotation the moment a need arises in KC.

Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic title Tuesday night, defeating Team USA 3-2 in a dramatic championship game, and Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Garcia’s rise from emerging big leaguer to international star became one of the defining storylines of the tournament, but he was far from the only Kansas City presence shaping the outcome. From the championship-winning Venezuelan roster to Team USA’s silver medal finish, and even Italy’s Cinderella run, the Royals were everywhere.

Still, it was Garcia who delivered the loudest statement.

The 2025 All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman slashed .385 with a .970 OPS, driving in seven runs, three extra base hits, and three stolen bases. His consistency anchored Venezuela’s lineup throughout the knockout rounds, as he drove in at least one run in each of the club’s final four games.

His impact was felt early and often, including in the championship game, when he brought home the contest’s first run, knocking in future Hall of Famer, Royals catcher Salvador Perez.

Venezuela would hold a 2-0 edge before Team USA responded in the eighth inning. Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. worked a walk before Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper towered a game-tying home run.

That was only for the game to swing back in the ninth inning on Eugenio Suárez’s go-ahead double to seal the 3-2 victory. Kansas City’s Garcia, Perez, and Luinder Avila all became champions for a proud Venezuelan team.

Garcia’s defining moment came before the final, however.

In the quarterfinals, he drilled a clutch two-run home run to eliminate the defending champion Japan team, a turning point in the tournament. He followed that up with a go-ahead, two-out RBI single in the seventh inning of the semifinal against Italy, lifting Venezuela to a 4-2 win and into the championship game.

That Italy club was another Royals-driven storyline.

First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and right fielder Jac Caglianone helped power one of the tournament’s breakout teams, guiding Italy to a perfect 5-0 start and wins over both Puerto Rico and the United States.

Pasquantino made history with a three-homer performance against Mexico, while Caglianone posted an impressive 1.071 OPS, cementing Italy as the tournament’s surprise contender before falling to Venezuela in the semifinals.

On the other side of the bracket, the United States leaned heavily on its own Royals star.

Witt Jr. set the tone atop the lineup, reaching base and igniting rallies. Witt finished the tournament hitting .250 with three runs scored and three stolen bases, helping the U.S. secure a second consecutive runner-up finish.

Even in victory, the Royals’ presence loomed large for Venezuela beyond Garcia.

Perez, the captain of both the Royals and Venezuela, added another milestone to his decorated career, becoming both a World Series and World Baseball Classic champion. Meanwhile, Avila quietly contributed with two innings of scoreless work during the tournament.

Across the tournament, Kansas City’s reach extended even further. Pitchers Seth Lugo (Puerto Rico), Michael Wacha (USA), and Carlos Estévez (Dominican Republic) all played roles for their respective countries, further cementing the legacy of the 2026 WBC for Kansas City.

By the tournament’s conclusion, no franchise could match the Royals’ impact, and clearly, the fans saw it that way, too. Kansas City topped the World Baseball Classic viewership ratings throughout, according to Yahoo Sports.

They had stars on the championship roster, leaders on the runner-up, and centerpieces on one of the event’s biggest surprises. They had clutch hits, dominant innings, and defining moments at nearly every stage of the bracket.

And at the center of it all was Garcia. He is no longer just a rising player in Kansas City, but a global name.

As a 24-year-old in his second MLB season, Garcia tallied 1.2 WAR, seven home runs, 58 RBI, with a .231 average and .614 OPS.

In 2025, he burst onto the season with a top-20 WAR of 5.6, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, with a .286 average and a .800 OPS.

If the ever-growing popular World Baseball Classic is any indication, it does not appear the All-Star is slowing down any time soon. I would say Kansas City is pretty well set on the left side of the infield for years to come.

Spring Training is often about refining routines, but in Kansas City, the competition for the final rotation spot has turned into a legitimate drama.

Host Joel Penfield explores the shifting tides between Noah Cameron, the local standout who finished fourth in 2025 AL Rookie of the Year voting, and Ryan Bergert, the surging right-hander acquired from San Diego. While Cameron holds the organizational edge, his “underwhelming” spring and a dip in velocity have opened the door for Bergert, whose high-whiff slider has been electric.

Beyond the mound, the show celebrates the “Bobby Witt Jr. Showcase” at the World Baseball Classic. Penfield asserts that Witt has officially ascended to the “Big Three” of baseball alongside Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, backed by a staggering $.971$ OPS in group play and viral defensive gems.

However, it isn’t all celebration; a low-grade calf strain for Michael Massey and a slow start for high-floor prospect Isaac Collins serve as sobering reminders of the hurdles remaining before the March 30th opener against the Twins.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. The Fifth Starter Leash is Short: While Noah Cameron is the projected No. 5 starter, Ryan Bergert’s superior “swing-and-miss” stuff this spring has made him a serious threat to take the role if Cameron struggles early in April.

2. Bobby Witt Jr. is Global Elite: Witt’s performance for Team USA—including “patented hustle doubles” and Platinum Glove-caliber defense—has solidified his status as a top-three player in the sport.

3. Depth Under the Microscope: Injuries to Michael Massey and the offensive scuffling of Isaac Collins ($.111$ AVG) are raising concerns about the Royals’ lineup length and bench reliability heading into 2026.

The Kansas City Royals are quietly constructing a roster designed for stability and sudden, explosive impact. In the latest episode of One Royal Way, Joel Penfield breaks down the savvy signing of veteran outfielder Starling Marte to a one-year, $1 million contract.

While it may not be the “sexy” move fans were clamoring for, Marte brings a proven bat (112 $wRC+$ in 2025) to a bench that has lacked legitimate Big League depth in recent years.

The real fireworks, however, are coming from the youth. Jac Caglianone is turning heads across the league with “video game” power, logging three batted balls over 115 mph this spring—including a 120 mph double that left Statcast reeling.

On the mound, Ryan Bergert is making a loud case for the fifth starter spot, fresh off a dominant three-inning performance against Team Cuba where he flashed a high-ride fastball and elite whiff rates.

Joel also dives into the brand-new MLB Pipeline Top 30, where homegrown catcher Carter Jensen takes the throne at #1, closely followed by the surging Kendry Chourio. Whether you’re looking for a roster projection 2.0 or a deep dive into the next wave of talent, this episode is your essential spring briefing.

On the latest edition of One Royal Way, Joel Penfield concludes his AL Central preview series by sitting down with Declan Goff from SKOR North to discuss the state of the Minnesota Twins heading into the 2026 season.

Ownership and Front Office Turmoil

The biggest storyline in Minnesota isn’t just the roster, but the ongoing saga with the Pohlad family. After nearly selling the team last year, the Pohlads brought in minority investors (approximately 20% stake) to pay off debts accrued from ballpark upgrades and player salaries like Carlos Correa. Despite fan frustration, ownership appears settled in for the long haul, even as they pivoted from the Rocco Baldelli era to new manager Derek Shelton.

Roster Strategy: The “Soft Nucleus”

The Twins entered the 2026 offseason with a clear choice: a total fire sale or a retool. They chose the latter, holding onto stars Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan, despite trading away 13 big-league pieces at last year’s deadline (including Correa and Jhoan Duran).

The roster strategy for 2026 hinges on three factors:

1. Ace Performance: With Pablo Lopez officially out for the entire 2026 season due to a spring training injury, Joe Ryan becomes the default ace.

2. Health of Stars: The over/under of 72.5 wins reflects deep skepticism about the durability of Buxton and Royce Lewis.

3. The Next Wave: Prospects like Walker Jenkins (hamstring issues notwithstanding) and Kaelen Culpepper are expected to debut in 2026 to provide a spark for a team that largely sat out free agency.

Key Takeaways

• The Injury Bug Bites Early: Losing Pablo Lopez for the year before Opening Day has already shifted the Twins’ ceiling. Their success now rests entirely on Joe Ryan and the recovery of Bailey Ober.

• Managerial Shift: Derek Shelton brings a focus on “minute details” and fundamentals—areas where the previous regime was often viewed as “flat-footed.”

• The “Vibes” Variable: Royce Lewis remains the most dynamic player in the lineup. If he hits his 90th percentile and stays on the field for 150+ games, Goff believes he is a legitimate MVP candidate.

The 2026 Royals campaign is officially underway in Arizona, and while spring training samples are small, the exit velocities are anything but.

On the latest episode of One Royal Way, Joel Penfield analyzes the early returns from Surprise, headlined by a massive 460-foot home run from Jack Haggle Young. While the power remains elite, Penfield notes that Haggle Young’s swing decisions remain a work in progress as he prepares to represent Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

The pitching staff is also showing signs of evolution. Seth Lugo impressed in his debut with a metrically different slider—averaging nearly 86 mph with a sharper “cut” profile—while his fastball velocity sat a full mile per hour above his 2025 average. On the injury front, the team is monitoring Steven Kick, who is day-to-day with a left oblique strain. Penfield emphasizes that this is where the Royals’ newfound organizational depth, including non-roster invites like Josh Rojas, becomes vital.

Other highlights include:

• Michael Massey: An overhauled swing developed with aerospace engineers is already paying dividends with a 1.286 OPS through early play.

• Carlos Estevez: Utilizing his first outings to focus exclusively on secondary stuff (slider/changeup) before joining the Dominican Republic WBC squad.

• Bullpen Dark Horses: Dennis Caller and LP Longan are flashing triple-digit potential as they push for future high-leverage roles.

The Chicago White Sox are coming off a historic rock bottom, but the tide is finally turning on the South Side. In the latest episode of One Royal Way, host Joel Penfield sits down with Elijah Evans, Head of Operations at Just Baseball Media, to dissect a transformative offseason that has Sox fans feeling a rare sense of optimism.

From the shocking bargain signing of Japanese power-hitter Munetaka Murakami to the end of the Luis Robert era, this episode covers the strategic “floor-raising” moves made by Chris Getz. Evans, a deep-dive prospect specialist, explains why the focus has shifted from high-priced stars to building a sustainable core through elite infield depth and a revamped pitching staff.

Whether you’re a Royals fan keeping tabs on the division or a baseball purist interested in a classic “comeback story” rebuild, this conversation offers an insider’s look at the AL Central’s most unpredictable team.

Key Takeaways:

• The Murakami Factor: Why the league was “scared” of his profile and why Chicago was the perfect landing spot for his 30-homer potential.

• Pitching Rebirth: Analysis of the “flip candidates” and why the new bullpen won’t blow games like it did in 2024.

• Prospects to Watch: Why you need to learn the names Sam Antinachi and Noah Schultz before they hit the big league stage this summer.

• 2026 Predictions: Can the Sox climb out of the basement and overtake the Twins?

Spring training is officially underway in Surprise, Arizona, and the vibes are high for the 2026 Kansas City Royals. On this week’s episode, Joel Penfield breaks down the recent trade for Mitch Spence, reveals his first 26-man roster projection of the spring, and identifies the four “hinge point” players who will determine if the Royals are true contenders.

The Mitch Spence Trade: Making Chicken Salad?

The Royals recently acquired 27-year-old RHP Mitch Spence from the Athletics in exchange for AJ Causey. While Spence’s surface numbers from last year (5.10 ERA) might not jump off the page, Joel dives into the “why” behind the move:

• The Sacramento Split: Spence struggled at the A’s minor-league “band box” home park (6.93 ERA) but was excellent on the road (3.64 ERA).

• The “Sweeney” Effect: With a high-spin curveball and an “Adam Ottavino-style” horizontal movement profile, there is a lot for pitching coach Brian Sweeney to unlock in a pitcher-friendly Kauffman Stadium.

First Roster Projection: The 2026 Blueprint

Joel reveals his initial projection for the Opening Day roster in Atlanta. Key highlights include:

• The Rotation: Led by Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, with Noah Cameron projected to secure the fifth spot.

• The Lineup: Isaac Collins is slated to lead off against righties, with Carter Jensen finding a home as the primary DH.

• The Bench: A focus on versatility and speed with Tyler Tolbert and Michael Massey, while Lane Thomas serves as the designated “lefty killer.”

The “Hinge Point” Players

The difference between 82 wins and 90 wins often comes down to a few specific players swinging the pendulum. Joel identifies four:

1. Jac Caglianone: Can he turn the “aha” moment from the offseason into 30+ home run production?

2. Isaac Collins: If he can maintain a .360+ OBP, he transforms the ceiling of the entire offense.

3. Seth Lugo: After a late-season fade in ‘25, the Royals need the “Sai Young form” Lugo to return for his age-36 season.

4. Carlos Estévez: The saves were there last year, but the peripherals (walks/whiffs) were shaky. Can he regain the “dominant closer” status?

Spring training is officially here, and the Royals have no shortage of storylines heading into 2026.

On this week’s episode of One Royal Way, Joel Penfield breaks down why the organization clearly believes Jonathan India is poised for a bounce-back season — and why the $8 million commitment signals real confidence that he’ll reclaim everyday second base duties. After an uneven year, Kansas City isn’t hedging. They’re betting.

Joel also dives into one of the biggest early camp questions: the left-handed relief picture behind Matt Strahm. Can Daniel Lynch IV or Bailey Falter lock down a role, or will the Royals need outside help? Plus, with several regulars headed to the World Baseball Classic, non-roster invitees and young players have a major opportunity to make impressions early.

One name to watch closely: Carter Jensen. With Salvador Perez away, Jensen could get meaningful reps with the big-league staff — and his defensive development may determine just how the Royals manage Salvy’s workload this season.

From streaming updates on Royals TV to bench competitions and a heartfelt tribute to Terrance Gore, this episode covers everything fans need as baseball season ramps up.

Kansas City Royals fans are getting their first extended look at new left fielder Isaac Collins, and his message is simple: play hard, stay present, and compete every pitch.

In this conversation, Collins shares what defines his game, why preparation matters, and how postseason experience with Milwaukee shaped his mindset. He also discusses the impact of familiar faces joining the Royals’ coaching staff, what playoff baseball truly feels like, and why execution matters more than hype when October arrives.

It’s an early introduction to a player eager to help push Kansas City back into contention.

On the latest episode of the show, Royals reliever Matt Strahm joins the conversation after returning to Kansas City, the organization where his professional career began. Strahm reflects on the emotions of coming back to a familiar place, the comfort of rejoining an organization that helped shape him, and the excitement of starting a new chapter with a team he knows well.

The discussion dives into Strahm’s relationship with Salvador Perez, a decade in the making, and why throwing to Salvy remains one of his favorite parts of the game. As a veteran pitcher nearly ten years into his big-league career, Strahm opens up about how his approach has evolved—balancing tinkering, refining his arsenal, and focusing on one simple goal: getting outs, however that happens.

Strahm also shares insight into modern pitching, from experimenting with arm slots to embracing PitchCom and trusting his catchers in high-leverage moments. Off the field, he talks about his passion for baseball cards, the stories behind some of his biggest pulls, and how family life has shifted his priorities in recent years.

The episode wraps with a fun rapid-fire segment that shows Strahm’s personality away from the mound. Thoughtful, honest, and entertaining, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at a veteran pitcher returning home with perspective and purpose.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro joins the conversation to reflect on his contract extension and what it means to continue building alongside the organization he’s grown with since day one. Quatraro opens up about the trust between the coaching staff, front office, and players—and why that partnership is central to the Royals’ long-term vision.

The discussion also dives into the club’s newest additions and what excites Quatraro most about welcoming players who not only bring talent, but leadership and a team-first mindset. As the Royals continue to shape their roster, Quatraro explains how preparation never truly stops, even when the games do.

From offseason evaluations to hiring new coaches, he outlines the constant work behind the scenes aimed at getting better every single day.

One of the episode’s highlights is Quatraro’s candid perspective on managing the grind of a 162-game season. He shares how staying present—focused on the next pitch, the next inning, the next decision—helps both him and his players avoid chasing results and losing sight of the moment.

The conversation wraps with a lighter rapid-fire segment, offering a glimpse into Quatraro’s personality away from the dugout. Insightful, thoughtful, and grounded, this episode provides a clear look at the philosophy guiding the Royals forward.