It’s been a quiet news week for the Kansas City Royals compared to the weeks leading up to the holidays, but here are some highlights of Royals’ happenings last week.
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MLB Team
The Royals add Johnny DiPigula into the front office: “The Kansas City Royals have brought yet another good mind into their scouting department. Earlier this offseason they brought in Brian Bridges to be their Director of Amateur Scouting. This time around, the team has changed their focus to the International stage. Johnny DiPuglia, long with the Nationals organization, has joined the organization. The report was confirmed by a source on Tuesday. Although his official role isn’t known quite yet, he was the Nationals’ International Scouting Director before he resigned in early September.”
Royals Double Down On Their Commitment To Jackson County, As Long As The Sales Tax Is Approved: ” Separating from recent tactics, they partner with the Chiefs who have been speculated to be also looking at a move. While these rumors have been driven solely by the fans, this statement may ease some minds moving forward. As stated by both teams in the joint release, they are committed to staying in Jackson County, Missouri if the sales tax is approved yet again”
RHP Max Castillo was claimed by the Boston Red Sox: The Royals acquired Max Castillo from the Boston Red Sox in the trade that sent Whit Merrifield to the Toronto Blue Jays. Castillo struggled to find success in two seasons with the Royals posting a 9.16 ERA in 2022 and 4.43 ERA in 2023. He was limited to 39 innings over those two years. Castillo was recently designated for assignment to make room for new outfielder Hunter Renfore. The Red Sox will take a shot on the still young 24-year-old right hander.
Preston Farr looks at interesting non-roster invitees for spring training: “There’s a reason Vallimont has yet to stick in the major leagues. There’s also a reason he was sent to waivers and allowed to enter free agency. However, he is exactly the type of low-risk signing that Kansas City could take a chance on to deepen their bullpen.”
Anne Rogers makes some predictions for the 2024 Royals: “When Pasquantino talked with reporters at the Winter Meetings last month, his excitement to be back on the field and in the batter’s box was palpable. Here’s predicting that energy will be an immediate boost to the Royals’ clubhouse and lineup.”
Matthew Robinson takes a look at what might be next for the Royals this offseason: “J.J. Picollo, Executive VP of Baseball Operations and General Manager of the Royals, was recently on Foul Territory to discuss the Royals’ offseason and where they’d like to go. They chatted about many things, but the item that caught my attention most was Picollo’s willingness to continue to make moves. “We have an opportunity to now improve the team on the margins, help to finish it off,” Picollo said. “I hope we can do a few more things”.”
Trey Donovan dives into the state of the organization at third base: “Similarly to shortstop, third base has a guy that could be there for years to come, albeit not on Bobby Witt Jr’s. level. There are a couple of decent backup options and some intriguing future pieces. With that let’s start with the Major League guys.”
Jacob Milham looks at two potential breakouts and two potential bounceback candidates for the Royals: ” Kansas City added bullpen veterans this offseason but will still rely heavily on the younger relievers in the system. McMillon has the makings of a back-end reliever, thanks to his slider and triple-digit fastball.”
Farm System
Preston Farr drops the composite top 30 Royals prospect ranks: “Although we have our prospect rankings here at Farm to Fountains, there’s value to be found in pooling together many prospect rankings to build one giant Composite Prospect Ranking. That’s what we’ve brought for you.”
Expected international signee Yandel Ricardo is a top 5 international prospect: “According to Joe Doyle on his Over Slot podcast, Yandel Ricardo, who the Royals are expected to sign, is a top 5 international prospect according to scouting directors. Ricardo is ranked #16 on MLB Pipeline’s top 50 international prospects.”
Jared Perkins takes an early look at who the Royals might be able to take at #6 in the 2024 MLB Draft: “Sirota is probably my favorite sleeper in the entire draft. A lot of the reasons he seems to get overlooked is because he’s at a mid-major in Northeastern. There were questions on whether he could handle better competition but he’s shown he can in multiple summers in Cape Cod. Sirota is a sum-of-all-parts guy at the plate and does about everything you’d like to see right”
Jackson Wilks talks about why you should be paying attention to Javier Vaz: “Javier Vaz is a guy you will be able to root for as a Royal. The intangibles are there, and there is so much for a major league club to value. I like him as a player and for this franchise because he fits the core identity of Kansas City Royals baseball. If he reaches his potential, he will be an everyday outfielder with the athleticism of Lorenzo Cain.”
Jackson Wilks believes that Cayden Wallace is the future at third base for the Royals: “Cayden Wallace is the most well-rounded hitter for the upcoming season for NW Arkansas. Between above-average power potential and the ability to hit for a little average, he will most likely make another jump this year. A well-rounded player and the type of guy who seems to be a comfortable fit in the current Royals lineup.”