Weekend Rumblings - News for January 11, 2025
Did you get an invite to spring training?
Anne Rogers talks to Jac Caglianone about being invited to big league camp.
“Being able to share a field with Bobby and Vinnie, being able to see how much influence Salvy has with being the captain and go-to guy is really exciting,” Caglianone said in a phone conversation. “I’m super excited to learn from them. And everyone has been super welcoming so far, getting to know Blake and Jensen from last year. I think the transition is going to be really smooth. I’m super excited.”
David Lesky reacts to reports the Royals had asked about Nolan Arenado.
But the moral of the story that I find so interesting is that a month ago, the Royals asked about a third baseman. I think it’s very clear they’re willing to make an upgrade there. Maybe they end up hoping Jonathan India’s arm is enough there and they focus their offensive attention on the outfield, but I feel like I’ve taken my eye off third base upgrades a little too much thinking they weren’t out there. In free agency, it does seem unlikely that they’d make a move, though I still think Yoan Moncada makes sense on a small deal. But don’t sleep on a Brett Baty deal if the Mets can get Pete Alonso signed (or Alex Bregman, but that seems unlikely). I wonder if Rengifo is available still with their contract dispute. I’m not a fan of Ryan McMahon, but he fits the Arenado mold. I don’t know. I could see a deal coming together at third at some point.
Zac Miller at Farm to Fountains writes about how Royals prospects can improve in 2025, such as Blake Mitchell.
If you’ve read any analysis on Mitchell, his strikeout rate is bound to get mentioned. It was undoubtedly the weakest area of his game in 2024 and is especially notable since it occurred in the lowest level of the minors. I am willing to give it a pass since he was a 19-year-old in his first full season of professional baseball in 2024. Undoubtedly, his swing-and-miss tendencies will be a focus of his offseason, and I expect him to lower his strikeout rate in 2025. There is little else to nitpick about Mitchell’s game; after all, he was the Royals’ George Brett Hitter of the Year last year. His on-base ability remained elite despite the strikeout struggles, aided by his incredibly impressive 17% walk rate.
Jim Bowden at The Athletic grades this Royals off-season a “B”. [$]
Key takeaways: One of the Royals’ main goals this offseason was to acquire a leadoff hitter with a high on-base percentage, and India fits the bill. He is expected to get first crack at being their everyday third baseman, although he could end up at second base or in left field. Wiemer, also acquired in the trade with the Reds, is expected to platoon in center field against left-handed pitching and gives them much-needed outfield depth. Their best move was retaining Wacha in free agency on a club-friendly deal in terms of years and dollars. After dealing Singer, the Lorenzen signing was huge as he should provide important innings and starting pitching depth.
Biggest questions: Do they have enough rotation depth after dealing Singer? Will they be able to add bullpen depth?
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter reacts to this week’s Royals news.
The Phillies outright former Royals reliever Jose Cuas.
Baltimore signs reliever Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million deal.
The Cubs sign pitcher Colin Rea to a one-year, $5 million contract.
Pete Alonso has reportedly proposed a short-term deal with the Mets.
Is Alex Bregman the missing piece for the Red Sox?
The Athletics are open to further rotation additions.
The sale of the Twins to the Ishbia brothers is drawing closer.
The Yankees are willing to eat some of Marcus Stroman’s contract to facilitate a trade.
The two fans who interfered with Mookie Betts on a foul ball in the World Series are banned from all MLB stadiums.
Amazon is interested in the broadcast rights for MLB and UFC.
The Rams playoff game is moved to Arizona due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
Is the NIL era ending in college sports?
Fox and Warner Bros Discovery abandoned plans to launch Venu Sports, a live sports streaming service.
A ban on TikTok seems more likely than ever.
The history of fake force-users in Star Wars.
Your song of the day is Mick Jagger with Just Another Night.