Kansas City Royals news: Kolek makes his last start

Stephen Kolek wasn’t at his best last night but still showed some positives ($):

On Wednesday, Kolek showed a different side of his repertoire. He wasn’t as sharp against the Angels and had to overcome a bit of adversity. The Royals committed three errors — including one by Kolek — but he kept the team in the game. Kolek battled through six innings while allowing three runs on five hits. He tossed 63 of 94 pitches for strikes and registered six strikeouts in the Royals’ 3-2 loss.

Kolek is part of a pitching staff that the Royals could deal from to upgrade the lineup:

The Royals won’t be afraid to use their starting pitching depth to trade for a bat. Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha figure to anchor the front of the 2026 rotation. Kolek, Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron, Ryan Bergert, Luinder Avila and Bailey Falter could all enter spring as rotation candidates. Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright are also on the roster, but are questionable because of health.

Tyler Tolbert is showing that he has more to his game than just speed ($):

Tolbert has received a few chances to expand his game. The Royals have used him in center field when Kyle Isbel needs a break. He also has been a defensive replacement, at times, spelling the Royals’ middle infielders. As of Wednesday, Tolbert was hitting .292 (14-for-48) with 17 runs scored, one home run and six RBIs in 60 games. Recently, Tolbert has found a rhythm with five hits in his last 15 plate appearances. It’s earned him more playing time; he was in Tuesday’s lineup against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. “Toby’s a hard worker, man,” second baseman Jonathan India said. “He’s always out, you know, outfield and infield. He always wants to learn. He always has a question and he is always ready off the bench, which is a pretty cool thing. You know, he knows his role and he makes the best of it. That’s what’s really impressive to me as a rookie.”

Kevin O’Brien at the Royals Reporter highlights five pitchers in Omaha to watch this offseason, including Kyle Wright:

The issue with Wright is that his four-seamer and changeup were below-average offerings, based on his 88 and 90 TJ Stuff+ marks, respectively. He also struggled overall with not just finding the strike zone (42.9% zone rate), but also inducing chase as well (24.1%). That seemed to deflate his average whiff and xwOBACON numbers.

I would be interested in seeing what Wright would look like in a full-time move to the bullpen, with some adjustments to his pitch mix.

A developer purchased property near Washington Square Park that had been floated as part of a potential Royals stadium site.

Cincinnati has played just well enough to stay in the playoff race.

Cleveland is inevitable.

Much as they did in Oakland, A’s are pissing off their fans in Sacramento.

Aaron Judge became the fourth player to record four 50-homer seasons.

Philadelphia clinched a first-round bye.

Washington is hiring Paul Toboni to be their head of baseball operations. Toboni had been an assistant GM in Boston.

Which catchers will and won’t benefit from ABS? ($)

Cleveland designated hitter David Fry will be out at least six weeks after taking a fastball to the face.

Dodgers right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates is headed to the IL with a hamstring injury.

Houston right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia will miss the 2026 season after getting elbow surgery.