Anne Rogers writes about Royals prospects that could contribute in 2026, such as Luinder Avila.
He did not allow a hit on any of the 64 four-seam fastballs he threw and just four hits on his sinker, with
both of those pitches averaging 95.8 mph. But the standout pitch was his curveball, which completely missed bats – registering a 50% whiff rate – with its biting, downer action. It was a total beauty .
It’s not a stretch to say that Avila will be an important piece in 2026, but how the Royals use him is yet to be determined. He’ll report to camp as part of the starting depth — teams build up as many pitchers as they can for protection when the injuries inevitably come — but there’s no denying that Avila’s stuff ticked up in the bullpen this year. And that might mean that the Royals have an emerging weapon in their bullpen.
Royals third base coach Vance Wilson is a managerial candidate with the Giants and Twins.
Jon Heyman reports the Royals could be a surprise suitor for Alex Bregman. [$]
“Word is the Royals, who’ve become a decent spender for a small-market club, seek extra offense and could be one. Maikel Garcia was a revelation at 3B for them this year, but he’s seen as versatile enough to move to the outfield or (second base).”
David Lesky reacts to that rumor and speculates what the Royals would do with Maikel Garcia.
Now, I will say that there’s an interesting case to be made that Garcia would be a good fit in the outfield. The Royals have three real spots that would be an easy upgrade offensively without having to mess with the defensive alignment too much. It’s second base and either or both corner outfield spots. The sample was small in the regular season, but I saw it a bit in spring training and I thought Garcia looked good in the outfield. He has the arm. He seems to have the instincts. It should work for him. Again, I don’t love it, but if they can find a third baseman who can boost the offense, I could see that making a little more sense and it seems like the Royals are willing to be a little flexible.
Jacob Milham at Kings of Kauffman would like to see Avila transition to the bullpen full-time.
Anthony Santander is removed from the Blue Jays ALCS roster due to injury.
How the Dodgers bend over backwards for their Japanese stars.
The Astros sign pitcher Nate Pearson to a one-year, $1.35 million deal.
The Tigers are laughably far apart in negotiations with star pitcher Tarik Skubal.
The Phillies are expected to trade or release Nick Castellanos.
CC Sabathia questions the Yankees’ roster construction.
F1 announces a new broadcast deal with Apple TV.
The Chiefs are mum about the continued absence of rookie lineman Josh Simmons.
The U.S. seizes $14 billion in bitcoin from a Cambodian exec in an alleged crypto scam.
Walking backwards is good for your health.
How scarecrows went from ancient magic to fall horror fodder.
Your song of the day is Ace Frehley with New York Groove.
