Major League Predictions
The Royals are predicted to go 107-55 as the rest of the competitive AL Central is poised to fall away. The third best offense in runs scored paired with the best defence in runs against gives a predicted runs differential of +258. The Rangers have the best offense in the league, centred on 2028 1st Rounder 1B Dan Liantonio (80 power) and 2030 1st Rounder 3B Johnny Powell while the Yankees have the predicted best pitcher with their 2030 1st Rounder J.J Tjepkema.
Four predicted 90-win teams in the National League hints at some impressive ballclubs, and a competitive season with each division decided by 2 games.
2027 1st Rounder Mitch Jackson of the Cubs is predicted to be the best hitter in the League, with the Padres having the best two pitchers, 2025 Scouting Discovery Dominican Ismael Moreno and offseason Free Agent Nate Schultz, who the Royals had met early in negotiations.
There will be three new Opening Day starters for the Royals as the hitting line up gets the biggest shake up in recent years.
Jonathan Gerew’s departure left a Catching competition in the Spring. Sam Hart won that competition with his superior defence, leapfrogging Edgar Rivera for the starting role. He earns the offer of a long-term contract with his ascension to the starting role. Rivera will play a bit more often than in previous years.
Jeremy Rogerson remains the opening day 1B with the hope that he will return to a .300+ hitter. The power infield back up bat will be Rogelio Camacho, who brings 70 power but a 35 Avoid K’s, leaving the Royals fans with Hunter Owen vibes.
Edgar Mir’s growth made it impossible to leave him in AAA to start the year so, after three and a half years Tim Storer moves to a back up role, and he will cover across the infield. Mir ends March with a long term contract offer to consider.
The departure of Danny Petty was made to allow Bobby Witt Jr. to slide across to 3B for the 2035 season. He remains able to contribute with the bat and his glove should be stronger on the left-side corner. He will have cover in Rogerson and Storer.
Ed Nicholson translates a strong end of 2034 to the starting role at SS for the Royals – the first new opening day SS since 2021 (14 years ago)!
The outfield (once Burress returns from injury) will be a case of rinse and repeat with Billy Mumaugh, Burress, and Jimmy Goodman starting, with Enny Mijhail Van Dyke operating in the DH position and Alex Duke covering as fifth outfielder. Burress’ injury sees Goodman moves to CF to start the year and new arrival Jaison Chourio. Chourio can play across the outfield with solid contact and ability to take a walk. His time with the Club will likely only last until Burress’ return as he is out of options.
Opening Day Lineup
C Sam Hart 2028 6th Round
1B Jeremy Rogerson 2027 2nd Round
2B Edgar Mir 2029 International Amateur
3B Bobby Witt Jr. 2019 1st Round
SS Ed Nicholson 2029 Trade LAD
LF Enny Mijhail Van Dyke 2028 3rd Round
CF Jimmy Goodman 2027 1st Round
RF Billy Mumaugh 2029 1st Round
DH Alex Duke 2029 2nd Round
C BU Edgar Rivera 2026 Scouting Discovery
INF Rogelio Camacho 2030 6th Round
INF Tim Storer 2028 1st Round
OF Jaison Chourio 2035 Trade SF
IR Drew Burress 2033 Trade SF
With the exception of Ed Nicholson and one outfielder (Chourio on opening day then Burress) the rest of the Royals hitting line up is home grown, a reflection of the great work done by the farm coaches.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Optioned C Haden Bursey to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 2B Dan Colligan to Triple A Omaha.
Assigned 3B Toby Demkowski from Spring Training camp to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Eric Rose to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RF Albert Stefanov Thomas to Triple A Omaha.
Invited non-roster LF Jaison Chourio to Spring Training camp.
For the first time since 2023 Mason Barnett will not be in the Royals rotation as he moves to the bullpen following his offseason return to the Royals.
The unknown return date for Chase Dollander made the rotation decisions easier with offseason acquisition Daniel Nava headlining. Mike Hoffer returns after injury last year, joining 2034 starters Cade Townsend and Curt Bogans. Eddie Baquerizo moves to the starting rotation this year fresh off his 8-year contract signed over the offseason.
In the bullpen, Chris Wagner is fit and ready to start the year as the team’s closer with returning stalwarts Jon Holtz and William Schmidt in setup roles. Barnett moves into a middle relief role, with two more returnees in Eric Cook and Billy Nicklas, before offseason acquisition Connor Phillips shares LR and 6th SP duty with Shane Baz.
The lack of new faces is a combination of the strong bullpen performance in 2034 plus the young arms invited to Spring Training not quite being ready. Only one of those pitchers was out of options and that was 2028 4th Rounder Lazaro Espinal who never quite cracked the Big Leagues for the Royals. He moves to SF where he will be an asset, with the Royals receiving a big bag of cash, along with Jaison Chourio and some International Amateur bonus pool room.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
SP Daniel Nava 2034 Trade SEA
SP Mike Hoffer 2027 3rd Round
SP Cade Townsend 2029 Trade NYY
SP Eddie Baquerizo 2030 1st Round
SP Curt Bogans 2030 2nd Round
RP Chris Wagner 2034 Trade COL
RP Jon Holtz 2029 Trade PHI
RP William Schmidt 2024 2nd Round
RP Mason Barnett 2022 3rd Round
RP Eric Cook 2029 7th Round
RP Billy Nicklas 2034 Waivers SF
RP Connor Phillips 2034 Trade SEA
RP Shane Baz 2034 Free Agent
IR Chase Dollander 2034 Trade PHI
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Optioned SP Chris Wolff to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SP Brad Demarest to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned SP David Maciel to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Bobby Martin to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CL Ismael Conston to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Phil Farmer to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned RP Mike Halpin to Triple A Omaha.
Traded 28-year old RHP Lazaro Espinal (retaining 100%) to the San Francisco Giants, getting 29-year old LF Jaison Chourio, $30,000,000 in cash, and $11,750 in international amateur bonus pool room in return.