IMMUNE FROM PROSECUTION AS HEAD OF STATE. WE ALSO GOT AN UPDATE TODAY ON ROYALS PLAYERS FROM VENEZUELA, ROYALS GENERAL MANAGER JJ PICOLLO SAYS EVERYONE IS SAFE. JOSE IS IN VENEZUELA RIGHT NOW. HE MANAGED THIS WINTER IN WINTER BALL AND HE’S BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PLAYERS. BUT MYSELF AND OTHERS HAVE ALSO VIA TEXT, YOU KNOW, SOME PHONE CALLS. WE’VE CONFIRMED EVERYBODY’S FINE. YOU KNOW, EVERYBODY’S HEALTHY, NOT HARMED. FAMILIES ARE FINE. PITCHER AVILA, FIVE TIME GOLD GLOVE WINNE
Royals GM J.J. Picollo says players and families in Venezuela are safe and in contact
Updated: 6:44 PM CST Jan 5, 2026
Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said Monday that players and staff connected to Venezuela are safe and have remained in contact with the organization.He said the Royals’ front office has communicated directly with players and their families.“We’ve confirmed everybody’s healthy, not harmed,” Picollo said. “Families are fine.”Several Royals have strong ties to Venezuela, including pitcher Luinder Avila, five-time Gold Glove winner Salvador Perez, and third baseman Maikel Garcia, all of whom are from the country.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said Monday that players and staff connected to Venezuela are safe and have remained in contact with the organization.
He said the Royals’ front office has communicated directly with players and their families.
“We’ve confirmed everybody’s healthy, not harmed,” Picollo said. “Families are fine.”
Several Royals have strong ties to Venezuela, including pitcher Luinder Avila, five-time Gold Glove winner Salvador Perez, and third baseman Maikel Garcia, all of whom are from the country.