Owner Goals
As always, a new offseason came with new goals.
Two long-term goals remained for Stewart to work towards, improving fan interest and winning the World Series. Both remain on track for a 2035 deadline.
Fresh in 2032, was the challenge to win the Championship in 2034 (a year earlier than the long-term goal), to improve Stolen Bases in 2033 (2032 was an increase from 12th to 11th) and to acquire a Great Glove winner by 2035.
None of these challenges are insurmountable although how active the pursuit of stolen bases and Great Glove winners will be remains to be seen.
In fact, at the start of 2033, Stewart would speak to Sherman and suggest changing the Stolen Bases goal to an upgrade at Catcher, reflected above.
Finances
Not for the first time, Royals owner Sherman reflected on a successful year by cutting budgets. Having originally forecast a budget of $212m back in November 2030, the announced budget was only $166m, with player payroll of $55m. This is clearly unviable with Bobby Witt Jr., Jimmy Goodman, and Billy Mumaugh earning $49m between them. The final player budget, therefore, will be higher than $55m but it is clear it will not be a year of spending during Free Agency.
This is despite another year of high attendances (21% higher than when Stewart arrived) and fan loyalty that has now increased to Average {insert fan interest link}.
Personnel
There was only one staffing departure at the end of the season; Rookie Pitching Coach Andy Altemus not receiving an extension to his contact. He was replaced by Jay Rainville who arrived on a one-year contract.
Colin Stewart was rewarded for reaching the World Series with another
one-year contract, increasing his salary to $1.9m although the lack of stability from single year extensions is a challenge.
Minor Leagues
Awards
Amongst award winners, particular highlights were
Dan Jones winning his 5th consecutive Manager of the Year Award at AA while
Josh Olaniyan (2026 2nd Round pick) made it back-to-back drafted players winning the Outstanding Pitcher Award at AAA.
Rookie (ACL)
Mathew Figueroa Manager of the Year
Rookie (DSL)
Jason Flach Manager of the Year
AA
Dan Jones Manager of the Year
Rookie (DSL)
Sa-yoon Kim Outstanding Pitcher Award
AA
Vince Baron Outstanding Pitcher Award
AAA
Josh Olaniyan Outstanding Pitcher Award
Notable Retirements
The 2026 draft class saw 10th round reliever
Shea Wendt retire having reached the AA level.
The 2027 class (Stewart’s first) had five retirements, including two former minor league Outstanding Pitcher award winners:
• 11th Round: AA 2B
Manny Marin
• 12th Round: R-ACL CF
Braylon Payne 2028 ACL Gold Glove CF
• 16th Round: A+ RP
Billy Turner
• 17th Round: AAA RP
Jorge Lucino 2030 A+ Outstanding Pitcher Award
• 18th Round: AA RP
Mike Woods 2029 A Outstanding Pitcher Award
The 2028 class lost 10th round pick
Haywood Brushett, who never got out of Rookie Ball.
2028 trade acquisition from the Yankees, reliever
Nate Brittain also chose to retire from AAA.
KC Top 500 Prospects Performance
Mike Hoffer was the pick of the prospects, as he graduated to the starting rotation and is primed for a big extension in the offseason. However, it wasn’t isolated success as
Eddie Baquerizo,
Curt Bogans, and
Josh Olaniyan all had strong AAA seasons.
On the batting side,
Enny Mijhail Van Dyke continues his improvement and will be looking to force his way into the big leagues at Spring Training, while
Juan Zubia is ready and almost certain to start on the big-league books in some role.
Edgar Mir spent the year in the DSL but looks ready to graduate while
Chris Maguire put up 5 WAR in AAA and provides a good riddle for Stewart to solve at 2B.