Anne Rogers writes about the biggest questions facing the Royals this off-season.
Kansas City tried to sign a power-hitting outfielder last winter, but it didn’t work out. The outfield is again an open
path to adding a bat: Royals outfielders hit just .219 in 2025 with a .617 OPS and 70 wRC+.
A proven corner-outfield bat should be at the top of the Royals’ shopping list this winter. They also saw what a platoon could look like when they brought in Mike Yastrzemski and Randal Grichuk at the Trade Deadline this year, and it’s not something they’re not opposed to doing again — especially with interest in bringing Yastrzemski back.
Jaylon Thompson writes about the progress Carter Jensen made this year.
Jensen would also discuss strategy with veteran catchers Salvador Perez and Luke Maile. And when he found some spare time, he’d be in the batting cage, fine-tuning his swing while receiving a crash-course on that night’s pitching matchup.
“You know, the work is just starting,” Jensen said. “Everything is cool and all that, but you know, I think being out of the playoffs leaves a little sour taste in your mouth. I’m getting that first-hand experience. So next year, I’m gonna be ready to go and I’m excited.”
David Lesky looks at the Royals’ hitting philosophy and candidates they may look at to fill out the hitting coaching staff.
But one thing that I have heard consistently is that the general idea is that up to two strikes, the plate belongs to the hitter and at two strikes, the pitcher dictates the action.
What does that mean as a philosophy? It’s super simple, but way harder to actually master. It means that until there are two strikes, the hitter isn’t swinging unless they can drive the ball (with obvious exceptions for situations). Once the count gets to two strikes, it’s more of a contact approach because while they wondered if they weren’t striking out enough, I came to the conclusion that it was more that they believe they are selling out to not even get to two strikes and that doesn’t lend itself to driving the ball.
Long-time Royals coach Mike Jirschele retires after 48 years in professional baseball.
“I would say 48 years in baseball sort of helped make my decision,” Jirschele said, laughing. “It gets to a point where my grandkids are starting to grow up, they’re in sports, and I’m missing a lot of that just like I did with my kids.
“I do think it’s the right time. Traveling and living in hotels, I’ve done it for so long, I think I can retire. Move on and watch the grandkids play.”
Maikel Garcia is salty about not being the third baseman for Team Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic.
The Mariners win an epic 15-inning affair against the Tigers to advance to the ALCS.
Tarik Skubal set two post-season records in his start for Detroit.
A.J. Hinch defends pulling Skubal after 99 pitches.
Can the Yankees build a title-winning team around Aaron Judge?
Did Judge have one of the greatest hitting postseasons of all-time?
The Angels discuss their managerial opening with Albert Pujols.
Padres infielder Jose Iglesias was suspended for one game for unprofessional conduct toward the umpire in the playoffs.
Outfielder Cody Bellinger will opt out of his contract.
Japanese star third baseman Munetaka Murakami will be posted this offseason.
It has been a pain in the butt to stream MLB postseason games.
Is it time for North Carolina football to end the Bill Belichick experiment?
Pro tennis players are complaining modern balls are too fluffy.
Disney raises prices at their theme parks.
Volunteers are trying to save forgotten information left on floppy disks.
Your song of the day is Johnny Cash with One Piece at a Time.
