Exclusive interview with Royals' JJ Picollo; Talking Roster Moves, WBC Momentum & More
The Royals Executive Vice President & General Manager breaks down the 2026 outlook, veteran additions, and why the "Secret is Out" on Kansas City’s young stars.
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.
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.