Kansas City Royals news: Skipper gets a new deal

Anne Rogers writes about the new contract for manager Matt Quatraro.

Quatraro and his coaching staff have implemented plenty of changes up and down the organization since he arrived in Kansas City, with a large emphasis on analytics. But Quatraro, with a steady personality that doesn’t often get too worked up, earns praise from players for the ways he leads the clubhouse.

The Royals value continuity in leadership, and team CEO/chairman John Sherman has publicly stated his trust in both general manager J.J. Picollo and Quatraro. Last spring, the Royals extended Picollo through the 2030 season with a club option for ‘31. Now, Quatraro is on a similar timeline as the club hopes to build on the vision that makes it a sustainable winner.

Missouri lawmakers are redoubling their efforts to keep the Royals, writes Kacen Bayless of the Kansas City Star.

“There’s a sense of urgency I’ve never seen,” said Kansas City Councilman Wes Rogers. “I’m confident that we’re going to get a really good package for the Royals.”…

“The Chiefs’ thing was a wake up call,” he said. “I’ve spoken with the governor’s office, I’ve spoken with House leadership. I think the focus is not so much on north or south as it is just getting it done and keeping the Royals here.”

Missouri House Speaker Jonathan Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, echoed Rogers’ confidence in an interview, but did not provide a deadline for when he thinks the team could announce their preferred location.

“Now is not the time to be giving ultimatums,” said Patterson. “But I think we can get a deal that’s good for both the teams and for Missouri taxpayers.”

Craig Brown wonders if the Royals could swoop in and grab Bo Bichette.

I mentioned Bichette a couple of months ago as kind of pie-in-the-sky sort of wishful thinking for the Royals, figuring he would score a seven-year deal at around $25 million per. The Royals could afford that I argued, but that was prior to tendering a contract to both Jonathan India and Michael Massey. Yeah, Bichette could still slide over to second and be an amazing upgrade, but the Royals sort of shoved all their chips in for one final season with India.

While the Royals were never serious players for Bichette’s services, I can’t help but feel as though the market just isn’t developing for the former Toronto shortstop.

MLB.com ranks the top 25 rookies from last season.

9) Noah Cameron, SP, KC: Cameron earned the call to the Majors at the end of April to replace Kansas City’s injured ace, Cole Ragans. As it turns out, he could have bought a one-way plane ticket. Cameron carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his MLB debut and subsequently emerged as a rotation fixture, finishing the year with a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. Despite below-average velocity, Cameron flourished with plus command and a wicked curveball. He became the third rookie to post a sub-3.00 ERA (min. 20 starts) in Royals franchise history.

The Blue Jays sign third baseman Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal.

The Yankees sign former Royals infielder Paul DeJong to a minor league deal.

Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera is drawing interest from the Giants, Mets, Yankees, and Cubs.

The Pirates have interest in free agent Eugenio Suarez.

Could Cody Bellinger head back to the Cubs?

The Red Sox have reportedly made an aggressive offer to Alex Bregman.

Could the Cardinals choose to build around Brendan Donovan rather than trade him?

Does Justin Verlander have anything left in the tank?

A look at the history of the MLB closer.

A Brewers prospect is hospitalized after a car crash.

Alex Vesia’s wife addresses the death of their newborn that caused her husband to miss the World Series.

The Chiefs will have the #9 pick in this year’s draft.