David Lesky writes about what the Royals can learn from the Brewers.
The Brewers simply hit on pitching. They strike guys out. They had 18 guys throw at least 20 innings. The league average strikeout rate in 2026 was 22.1 percent. The Brewers had 13 of those 18 above league average. The Royals also had 18 pitchers throw at least 20 innings. Four of them had a better-than-average strikeout rate. One of them was Cole Ragans and one was Kris Bubic. I suppose the Royals could sign Bubic, but it’s not
anything I’d predict and Ragans won’t be a factor until midseason at best. It’s not even about the walks as much as the strikeouts. Eight of the 18 Brewers walked more than league average. It was 10 for the Royals, which isn’t all that different. The Royals need more strikeouts.
Craig Brown reflects on the World Series.
A couple of stray World Series thoughts as we process a long winter (and probably spring) ahead…
I felt the similarities between the Brewers and the 2015 Royals in that both teams played a form of what I’ve taken to call Total Baseball in that they do just about everything right. Strong starting pitching? Check. A selfless move-the-line batting order? Uh-huh. A lockdown bullpen? For sure. Clutch hits, including home runs? Yep. Hell, both teams check the box with salt of the earth managers who are refreshingly honest.
MLB Trade Rumors lists top trade candidates for this offseason, with mentions for Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey, and Kyle Isbel.
A Bleacher Report writers imagines a Bobby Witt Jr. trade to Boston
So, you want to trade for Witt? Well, this is what it would take. Or something like it, anyway.
Tolle? He’s a potential ace-caliber lefty who still has five years of club control left. Abreu? He’s a Gold Glover with 20-homer power who still has three years of club control left. Arias? He’s the best prospect in the American League. Gonzales? He’s not on Arias’ level, yet he might be Boston’s best pure hitting prospect.
The Brewers held their championship parade on Friday.
Jay Jaffe looks at the most dominating postseason runs by World Series champs.
The Dodgers are still the odds-on favorites to win it all in 2027.
Why the Brewers can repeat next year.
World Series TV ratings were fairly strong for having small markets, and it may be due to MLB scheduling.
14 more players became free agents after options were declined.
David Schoenfield at ESPN guesses where top free agents will land.
Mike Axisa at CBS Sports ranks the top 50 free agents.
Only four teams now have yet to win a title, which has the best chance?
The Astros hire former Cardinals executive Randy Flores as their new GM.
Which pitchers are lighting up the metrics in the Arizona Fall League?
Jorge Posada says he doesn’t feel welcome by the Yankees.
An appeals court revokes a pardon for convicted sex offender Wander Franco.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark will step down in January.
Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson announces this season will be his last.
More visitors came to Kansas City for the World Cup than expected, but they spent slightly less than projected.
Dozens of people protest the “Liberty Bibberty” ads at Liberty Mutual’s headquarters.
The creepy science behind sleep paralysis ‘demons’.
Your song of the day is Eric Clapton with She’s Waiting.
