Here are the latest happenings in Royals news from last week!
ICYMI: The Royals Reporter is coming to Farm to Fountains! That’s right, THE Kevin O’Brien has joined the Farm to Fountains team as Lead MLB Writer.
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ROYALS NEWS
Christian Chamberlain has a torn UCL: “It’s not the news you want to hear this early in the spring. Anne Rogers of MLB.com has reported that left-handed pitcher Christian Chamberlain has a torn UCL. According to Rogers, he is deciding on the next steps, but typically, Tommy John surgery is needed to repair a UCL tear. Chamberlain had called for the trainer in his last spring training out on February 24th as he felt some soreness. “
ROYALS ANALYSIS
Kevin O’Brien takes a look at why the four-seamer and sweeper will be Brady Singer’s key to success in 2024: “Right now, the Royals need to raise the floor with their starting pitching in 2024 if they want to improve in the standings. Singer can help with that team goal if he can bounce back and produce something similar to his line from 2022. It’s easy to forget that Singer was nearly a three-fWAR pitcher in only 24 starts that season.”
Preston Farr looks at who will be the Royals fifth starter to open the season: “There’s plenty of ways the Royals could go as the spring continues. It’s for this very reason that the team didn’t settle this winter and kept adding depth. Because of that, the options at the back of the rotation shouldn’t be seen as a choice between two arms. Instead, it’s a choice of which path gives the team the best chance to win. With all the added depth, there are a handful of possibilities, not just two.”
Jared Perkins dives into who could be the most impactful newcomer for the Royals: “Outside of his performance numbers-wise, one of the best things about Wacha is his veteran presence and composure on the mound. He rarely shows signs of getting rattled. Something many of the younger arms can learn from. On top of that, Wacha has demonstrated an ability to adapt when he’s struggling. He is always trying to find ways to find success and isn’t afraid to deviate from what isn’t working”
Zac Miller discusses why this is the most important Royals’ season in nearly a decade: “This is the year to make it happen and end this never-ending rebuilding process. And hey, if a team that did not make the playoffs in 2013 can make a World Series in 2014, maybe a 56-win team can win the division the following year. The Royals have proven that crazier things can happen.”
Alvin Garcia dives into Salvador Perez’s goals for 2024: “Salvador Perez had a strong showing in 2023, making a significant impact with 23 home runs and 80 RBIs. Although his batting average didn’t reach great heights, his leadership on and off the field stayed strong. As the Royals’ fourth captain in club history, Perez guides a team that underwent substantial changes in the offseason.”
Max Rieper takes a look at what the Royals starting lineup should look like: “The last four spots will likely alternate lefties and righties. Velázquez could move up in the lineup early on if he proves his hitting last year was no fluke. Renfroe has been out of action early on in the exhibition schedule due to back tightness, and injury that could open up another spot if it becomes a lingering issue.”
Trey Donovan gives his way too early 2024 awards predictions: “Based on Fangraph projections, Bobby is set to hit another 30 home runs, steal anywhere from 30-50 bases, have an OPS above .800, and more. He has all the tools to be a top-tier MLB player and has time to develop even further given he is only 23. With Bobby signing the biggest contract in Royals history he now has expectations to build upon last season and give Royals fans a glimpse of winning if the season pans out that way.”
Michael Farina takes a look at the AL Central competition starting with the Minnesota Twins: “My prediction for the Twins is about where they were last year, so around 85 wins. I think their pitching might take a step back, especially if/when they experience an injury to one of their key starters, but their hitting has the potential to be even better than last year. The bigger question is: will it be enough to win this (supposedly) weak division again? Next time, we’ll dive deep into the second-place finishers: the Detroit Tigers.”
FARM SYSTEM
Jaylon Thompson covers the rise of Royals prospect Tyler Tolbert: “Tolbert hit .276 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and 50 steals in 126 games. Tolbert recorded 143 hits and led the Texas League with 10 triples. He posted a .755 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and was named the George Brett Hitter of the Year in the Royals organization.”
MLB NEWS
Matt Chapman signs a three-year, $54 million deal with the San Francisco Giants
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Manuel Margot to the Minnesota Twins
Brandon Crawford signs a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals
