Major League Predictions
The Royals are once again predicted to be best in the American League, a crown that weighed heavily on the team last year. The best guess of the experts gives the Royals a 17-game cushion over the White Sox with a highest in baseball 917 runs as part of a +242 run differential
Curt Bogans is listed third on the pitchers’ performance list, 214 K predicted in 187 IP. Edgar Mir and Mike Hoffer both join Bogans on the top players list.
The Mets (105-57) are the only other 100-win team predicted in baseball, comfortably ahead of next best in the National League, the SF Giants with 91 wins.
Opening Day Lineup
There was little turnover in the hitting department for the Royals heading into 2036 as Juan Morena is the only new face, earning the 1B starting spot ahead of Bobby Witt Jr., who moves to an infield back up role. Eric Rose, therefore, starts the year in AAA, with Rogelio in the same position as his contact rating has failed to improve enough to make a roster spot viable.
In the outfield the same first choice five start, with Tim Spears sent back to AAA and Danny Rose risked in waivers.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Wednesday, March 19th , 2036
Optioned C Haden Bursey to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned C Ajinkya Corley to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 1B Rogelio Camacho to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B David Estrada to Double A Northwest Arkansas.
Optioned SS Marquis Foggie to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned 3B Eric Rose to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned LF Tim Spears to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned LF Joe Wallace to Triple A Omaha.
CF Danny Rose was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Opening Day Pitching Battery
It is the same starting rotation for the Royals as finished the 2035 season but the bullpen sees some changes. Brad Demarest (2029 4th Round) moves into a setup role having won the Outstanding Pitcher of the Year Award in AAA in last year, with the AAA Reliever of the Year Mike Halpin (2018 19th Round) joining him in the ‘pen, in a middle relief role. Phil Farmer (2033 Trade WAS) is the third pitcher promoted from AAA last year while waiver wire pick up Robby Denton makes the team.
Opening Day Roster Transactions
Wednesday, March 19th , 2036
Optioned SP Ethan Chafin to Triple A Omaha.
Optioned CL Ben Alvarado to Triple A Omaha.