Kansas City Royals news: MLB Network snubs Maikel Garcia

Vahe Gregorian talks to players at Royals Rally about moving in the fences at the K.

While Pasquantino perceives a vast number of ways to try to process what this means, he is exhilarated by the concept in terms of individual production — “you kidding me?!” — and appreciates the move in the context of the Royals’ history … and future.

The bottom-line rationale, as he sees it:

“Most people that follow baseball would agree the Royals have always built their teams in specific ways, which was to fit the ballpark,” he said at Royals Rally. “The Royals have not traditionally won a ton of games.”

Anne Rogers has a primer on spring training as the team heads to Arizona.

David Lesky considers if the Royals will still add some bullpen help.

There are still some good arms out there on the free agent market. Some are lottery tickets, but I would still have no problem adding someone like Justin Wilson or even taking a chance on Michael Kopech or someone like them. I just think it’s so interesting how much they’ve talked about adding in the bullpen when the bullpen looks pretty full at this moment. Even if you say that Lynch and Falter aren’t guarantees and Schreiber is getting moved, there are options to replace them who have already fared well in the big leagues. I’m intrigued by this idea that they might be looking at more bullpen help.

I haven’t heard about Bubic in the bullpen for a long time, but I feel like that’s still a possibility if it needs to be one.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep writes about five Royals position player sleeper prospects, like outfielder Spencer Nivens.

There were some high hopes last season for Nivens, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Missouri State in Springfield. In 99 games and 412 plate appearances in High-A Quad Cities in 2024, he hit 20 home runs, posted a .369 wOBA, and 130 wRC+. He had a slightly high strikeout rate at 26.9%, and his 0.44 BB/K ratio was good, not great. Furthermore, he only hit .243, though his .290 BABIP did him no favors in the Midwest League.

That said, the power was enticing, and there was some hope that Nivens could be a 20+ HR and 15-20 SB threat at the MLB level in 2027 or 2028.

Pete Grathoff writes that being omitted from third baseman rankings by MLB Network’s Shredder will fuel Maikel Garcia.

Former Royals reliever Scott Barlow signs a one-year, $2 million contract with the Athletics.

David Schoenfield at ESPN suggests some trades that could shake things up before spring training.

The Marlins trade outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. to the Rays.

The Dodgers designate pitcher Anthony Banda for assignment.

The Angels sign lefty reliever Brent Suter to a one-year deal.

Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez may begin the year in the minors.

The Red Sox are still looking for infield help.

Team USA finally has a superteam for the World Baseball Classic.

Blue Jays broadcaster and former Royals catcher Buck Martinez is retiring.

Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase allegedly rigged pitches in 48 games.