David Leksy writes about the possibility of the Royals pursuing Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner.
And the return will be interesting. First, let’s say he could be had for Bubic. Does that make perfect sense
for the Royals? Bubic only has one year remaining before free agency and it’ll cost somewhere in the $6 million to $8 million range. Hoerner will cost $12 million in the final year of a three-year deal he’s on. Hoerner, in value, is probably worth more than Bubic, so that makes sense there, but does he fit what the Royals really need? I struggle with this because I think they’d be better with Hoerner than without, but is there a better deal that involves Bubic.
From what I’ve heard, the Royals think the Red Sox are going to come back off their demands for Jarren Duran and believe Bubic can be a part of that deal. It wouldn’t be the whole deal, but he’d be the central big league piece. I think Duran fits what the Royals want more than Hoerner does. I also think one year of control for Hoerner is helpful for now, but do they want to do more?
Anthony Franco at MLB Trade Rumors writes about whether the Royals will trade a starting pitcher.
Picollo has strongly downplayed the chance of moving Cole Ragans. He’s controllable for three seasons and has shown ace upside but is coming off a significant rotator cuff injury. They extended Michael Wacha last offseason and Seth Lugo before the trade deadline. It’s hard to see either veteran righty going anywhere.
Left-hander Kris Bubic is headed into his final season of arbitration control. He pitched at a top-of-the-rotation level but suffered a season-ending rotator cuff strain not long after the All-Star Break. Southpaw Noah Cameron had a sub-3.00 ERA over his first 24 career starts despite a below-average 20.5% strikeout rate. Controllable depth arms Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek have drawn interest but have minor league options and could be key injury insurance in Triple-A. They’re presumably open to moving Bailey Falter, but he’d have minimal trade value. Alec Marsh has gotten interest in the past but underwent labrum surgery in November and will likely miss the entire season.
MLB.com writes about a potential breakout prospect from each organization.
Royals: Warren Calcaño, SS (No. 17)
Right-hander Kendry Chourio was the big breakout of 2025 for Kansas City, but Calcaño was actually the club’s largest international signee with a bonus of $1,847,500. He lasted only nine games in the DSL, going 9-for-26 (.346) with a homer and eight walks, before injuring his shoulder in a freak collision. Calcaño should be healthier for his age-18 season in ‘26. He’s already considered a gifted defender at shortstop and was in the midst of proving he had an advanced approach as a switch-hitter. A larger, healthier sample could make him one of the more exciting prospects in the Royals system.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep has New Year’s resolutions for the Royals.
ESPN writers come up with bold predictions for baseball in 2026.
The Twins acquire first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Marlins.
Where will free agent pitcher Framber Valdez end up?
The Blue Jays are considered favorites to land Kyle Tucker.
What are the bullpen options for the Yankees?
Which upcoming free agents have an important year coming up?
How far have the Cardinals fallen in drafting and development?
Which NFL coaches could be fired on Monday?
Have the San Antonio Spurs arrived?
Archaeologists may have found the lost Iron City of the Silk Road in the remote highlands of Uzbekistan.
Saks Global prepares for bankruptcy.
Betty Boop and Blondie enter the public domain in 2026.
Your song of the day is Supertramp with Breakfast in America.
