Pete Grathoff writes that the decision not to be aggressive sellers was a vote of confidence to the team.
Many fans clamored for the team to tear it down, trading most everyone and starting anew to build around Witt. But Picollo gave the team a vote of confidence, and they appreciate it.
“I think he’s not wrong with that, right?” second baseman Michael Massey said. “I think it’s been a group that was here for a long time. I think ‘24 kind of showed the potential that we have, and obviously last year
wasn’t what we wanted, but we were still above .500 and right there in September. I think we were four games out.
“Obviously, this year the wheels kind of fell off a little bit. Part of that’s injuries, part of that just on us not doing a great job, us as players. But yeah, I agree, I think the core is here. I think this is a team that can definitely be right back in at this time next year.”
David Lesky writes about another impressive Noah Cameron start.
Overall, the data looked good. He threw his changeup more than anything after leaning heavily on his cutter in the last two starts. I think it was because he kept trying to find it. But he threw his slider second-most, throwing 22 of them and 23 changeups. For the season, he uses his slider about 10 percent of the time, and last night he used it 21 percent of the time. It’s because it was a dominant pitch, particularly late.
He got seven whiffs on it in 15 swings and allowed just three batted balls against it. Twins hitters saw 13 of them out of the zone, and they swung at eight of those. That’s pretty incredible. I mentioned it in yesterday’s newsletter, but the Twins are a fairly patient offense. To get a chase rate of 62 percent on one pitch and 42 percent overall is very impressive.
Bradford Doolittle at ESPN looks at how each team looks after the trade deadline.
As expected, the Royals didn’t do much at the deadline — there really wasn’t much for them to do. The healthy version of Kansas City’s roster looks moderately more complete than its current Stock Watch ranking suggests, but that’s not to say there isn’t work to be done. Even with the injuries in the rotation — some of which will carry over into next season (Cole Ragans, Stephen Kolek, Luinder Avila) — the Royals have a solid foundation in that group. The challenge will be to deepen the lineup and almost completely revamp the bullpen. It’s a lot to do given what is likely to be limited payroll flexibility and too few prospects pushing up from below.
Aaron Bummer elected free agency rather than assignment to the minors.
Clark Fahrenthold writes that Lucas Braun looked solid, giving up two runs in six innings in his debut for Omaha.
The city advances a proposal to spend $20 million in preparations for a Royals downtown ballpark.
The Kansas City Plan Commission approves rezoning for the project.
The A’s part ways with general manager David Forst.
White Sox manager Will Venable has to pull his starter after one out due to a mound visit blunder.
Tarik Skubal will make his Dodgers debut on Monday against the Royals, and Blake Snell will return from injury the next day.
The Astros are looking to add right-handed hitting outfielders that have become available.
Former Royals outfielder Joey Wiemer joins the White Sox.
Giants third baseman Matt Chapman will have season-ending surgery.
Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will have right elbow surgery.
Red Sox pitcher Peyton Tolle strikes out 14 as Boston wins their ninth straight.
The Nationals release pitcher Zack Littell.
Are the Red Sox title contenders?
Who are the offseason trade candidates?
Chase Utley is inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.
Buster Posey responds to a hot mic catching the producer saying he sucks on a TV show.
Glen Powell will play Lou Gehrig in an upcoming Richard Linklater movie.
An autopsy shows Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke died of a drug overdose.
The Raiders are already having scuffles in practice.
The biggest wellness trends of 2026.
Amanda Knox, once convicted and later acquitted of murder, is drawing heat for her new comedy show.
Burger King overtakes Wendy’s as the nation’s second largest burger chain.
Your song of the day is Boz Scaggs with Lido Shuffle.
