Some locals are “relieved” that the Kansas City Royals moved on from the Aspiria campus location on Tuesday.
“I’m very happy that they’ve kind of seen the light about the location at the Aspiria Campus,” Kelly, an Overland Park resident, said. “I don’t think it really would have worked to put that stadium there. I think we presented a lot of reasons why not and I hope we were a part of their careful consideration.”
Keith Law’s latest top-100 prospect list has three Kansas City Royals representatives,
including right-handed pitcher Kendry Chourio at 61st.
When Chourio reached Low A last July, he became the first pitcher under age 18 in full-season ball since Julio Urías debuted in Low A in 2013. Chourio signed last January for $247,500, began in the Dominican Summer League, then moved to the Arizona Complex League, and between those two stops he walked one batter in 28 2/3 innings for a 0.9 percent walk rate. He finished the year in the Carolina League, where his walk rate soared to 4.2 percent (that’s sarcasm) and he did have real issues with men on base, giving up a .340/.389/.740 line in a small sample of 54 PA. He doesn’t look like a 17-year-old on the mound, certainly, with exceptional command of a three-pitch mix that includes a 94-97 mph four-seamer with some ride and natural cut to it, an upper-70s curveball that seems to drop off the table, and an 84-88 mph changeup with good fade that he almost exclusively used against lefties. He’s already stronger than his listed weight of 160, with a good lower half to maintain that velocity and perhaps add a little more as he becomes an adult. There’s obvious risk with any pitcher his age throwing even moderately hard, and he does have to pitch better from the stretch, but this is everything you’d want to see in a young pitching prospect, including the potential upside of 80 command.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel has catcher Carter Jensen as the lone Royals representative on his top 100 list.
Jensen was a local high school player the Royals gave a little over $1 million to in the 2021 draft. He has steadily improved defensively and in his bat-to-ball ability since then to be either average or just a tick below.
He has always been a strong athlete for a catcher with a plus arm, a good eye at the plate and above-average to plus raw power projection. Because he could be a reliable every-day catcher who offers offense that’s above league average, there’s some real upside for seasons of 3-plus WAR, possibly as soon as 2026, though I think he’ll land more often with a WAR that starts with a 2.
Preston Farr’s latest Royals projections have a more productive season than expected from Issac Collins. Sometimes all you really need is a change of scenery.
Last season, American Family Field ranked 22nd in Park Factor for hitters at 97. Kauffman Stadium was tied for sixth at 101. Moving in the fences will impact that further, potentially making The K a top 5 hitter-friendly park in 2026. Where The K plays well is where American Family Field doesn’t: Doubles and Triples. While Collins will likely see some drop off in home runs, I don’t expect it to be a heavy drop. He’d have lost 4 last season based on Expected Home Runs by Park, and with the fences moving in, that number would almost certainly be lower. If home runs remain relatively flat, and Collins sees a notable uptick in doubles and triples, he stands to actually be a much better power bat with the Royals. Throughout his minor league career, Collins showcased plenty of speed, and that speed should suit him well in The K, further boosting his production.
After the Royals moved on from Aspiria, Dave Helling discussed some of the additional wrinkles that could be in store for the Royals’ stadium search.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has suggested a local stadium financial package can be assembled without a public vote (although, as we’ve pointed out, residents may have a different approach.) There are rumblings in Jefferson City about requiring a local election, too.
The Kansas City Port Authority seems the most available option for a required local contribution to a stadium, if the Royals want Missouri’s help for the structure. Using Port KC for those subsidies would further inflame the public: Not only would there be no public vote, there might not even be a City Council vote on $500 million or more for the ballpark.
Kings of Kauffman’s Caleb Moody thinks the Royals could pounce on All-Star infielder Luis Arráez after quiet offseason.
As has become common place in the past with free agents who are still available at the later stages of the offseason, the opportunity to secure shorter-term deals increases.
Given the Royals signing patterns when it comes to offensive free agents in recent years, while Arráez would certainly constitute a deviation from the norm skill wise, from a term perspective this would be right on brand.
Given Arráez’s limited contact-first offensive profile and his defensive shortcomings, despite some positional versatility, it’s reasonable to think that perhaps a one or two-year “prove-it” deal, like Ken Rosenthal described on Foul Territory on Tuesday, is what the market would dictate for him at this point in time.
CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder calls perception, not spending, MLB’s “biggest problem”.
When it comes to the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers and their payroll, Major League Baseball definitely has a problem. It’s been growing for years and, sure, the massive payroll is one component.
The main problem, though, is public perception. Perception is reality, as so many of us know all too well.
Major League Baseball is a business that is built solely on fan interest. If fan interest wanes, that’s a problem. The massive number of people complaining about how unfair baseball is and how it needs a salary cap and how the league is a joke because the Dodgers are automatically just going to win the World Series again in 2026 — because they bought it — is a problem.
Former Royals All-Star Whit Merrifield says that Kyle Tucker “really wanted to sign” with the Toronto Blue Jays, but the offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers was too good to pass up.
The Seattle Mariners designated former Royals top pitching prospect Jackson Kowar for assignment.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will grace the cover of MLB The Show 26, his first since MLB The Show 18.
The MLB trade deadline is moving back a bit to Aug. 3, 2026, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray.
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa looks at 10 extension candidates, including Detroit Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle.
Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa will not play in the World Baseball Classic after not getting insurance on his contract.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden still believes Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte could be traded before Opening Day.
The Chicago Cubs add outfielder Dylan Carlson on a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.
The Minnesota Twins send catcher Jhonny Pereda to the Seattle Mariners.
Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs will retire from the booth after the 2026 season, his 41st in Seattle.
Could the New York Mets keep Freddy Peralta on a long-term deal? One thing needs to happen first.
The Buffalo Bills apparently believe in their internal coaches after promoting Joe Brady to head coach.
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is snubbed from Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility.
What are FROGs and why is Bobby Jones one for golf?
Never fear, the Wienermobiles are nearly here.
This year’s Sundance Film Festival is the last in Utah, but a move next year could push out long-time attendees.
Yale University is waiving tuition and other fees for undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000 annually.
How are certain birds helping cherry orchards in Michigan?
Today’s song of the day is All Your’n by Tyler Childers.
