Zero to Hero - A Scotsman in MLB

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Owner Goals

Team Record:
You have put us in the position to make a second half run at the playoffs. Remember, the postseason has been our goal all year. Keep up the good work during the second half of the year.

Extend your player:
I know it's hard to talk extension early with some guys, but I was hoping that Ethan Chafin would have been an exception. Keep the dialog open with him and try to get him signed as soon as you can.

Acquire a player:
I love it when you put in effort to satisfy the goals I set out for you. That's why it's so disappointing to see you completely ignoring my request to acquire a Hometown player. Make an effort to reach this goal, or the next thing you may need to do is update your CV.

During our time working together, I have been good with your progress towards the goals I have set out for you. Considering your current and past successes, I am happy with your overall performance. It's important to have success on-field and in the boardroom, and you seem to be on that path.

The final evaluation towards these goals will come at the end of the season. Good luck in the second half!

Prospect Performance



2041 Draft

The Royals had the 35th pick in the 2041 draft, as well as a supplementary pick (39th overall) from Bruce Zglinicki’s refusal of the QO.

With their first round pick, the Royals selected 2B Mike Andonian, an 18-year old out of Dallas, Texas. Potential plus contact and eye is coupled with potential plus-plus gap power and speed. His defense is average and will need to see some improvement through the development lab but the Royals could have a successor to Edgar Mir with this pick.



Round 1 (Suppl.), Pick 4 - CF Alexander (AJ) Pratt, age 18 out of high school
Round 2, Pick 33 - RF Rickey Hardyman, age 17 out of high school
Round 3, Pick 26 - SP Chad Johnston, age 18 out of high school
Round 4, Pick 30 - 2B Randy Braun, age 18 out of high school
Round 5, Pick 30 - SS Trovin Houle, age 20 out of college (Florida International University; Miami, FL)

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Transactions & Injuries

Monday, July 1st , 2041
Signed 1B Coach Robbie Price to a 5-year contract extension.
Signed 3B Coach Ari Adut to a 5-year contract extension.
Wednesday, July 3rd , 2041
Signed - Peter O'Brien to a 5-year contract extension.
Thursday, July 4th , 2041
SP Joe Davis was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, July 6th , 2041
Signed Hitting Coach Victor Ferrante to a 5-year contract extension.
Wednesday, July 10th , 2041
Optioned RF Chris Slate to Triple A Omaha.
Placed RF Billy Mumaugh on the active roster.
Friday, July 12th , 2041
Sent CF Natalino Villa to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Friday, July 19th , 2041
SP Joe Davis was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Saturday, July 20th , 2041
SP Joe Davis diagnosed with a herniated disc, will miss 1-2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of SP Ben Lane from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, July 23rd , 2041
Optioned 1B Jorge Calvo to Triple A Omaha.
RF Billy Mumaugh was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about one week.
Purchased the contract of CF Natalino Villa from Triple A Omaha.
Wednesday, July 31st , 2041
Sent SP Bailey Pinsmail to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.

The Royals didn’t make any trades in July but did resign several of the coaching staff to start the month as well as welcoming back Natalino Villa from injury, with Bailey Pinsmail soon to follow as he starts an injury rehab.

Minor League News

July's top-rated pitcher was Ernesto Soriano of Omaha Storm Chasers. He demoralized International League hitters in posting a 4-0 record and captured the Pitcher of the Month award.

In 4 starts, Soriano limited opposing batters to a .277 average. He rang up 22 strikeouts in 26.1 innings of work, issued 8 walks, and crafted a 4.10 ERA.

For the year, Soriano has compiled a 6-0 record with a 3.49 ERA.

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MLB Standings



Kansas City Results



Kansas City Statistics





Kansas City fans certainly took notice of Estanislau Covete's performance in August.

The 22-year-old third baseman had .367 batting average, with 7 home runs, 22 RBIs, 21 runs scored and a .433 on-base percentage.

It all culminated in him being named the American League Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month.

Currently Covete is batting .295 with 25 home runs, 105 RBIs and 87 runs scored.



Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, August 4th , 2041
Optioned SP Joe Davis to Triple A Omaha.
Friday, August 16th , 2041
LF Mike Connelly was injured in a collision at a base. The Diagnosis: oblique strain. He's expected to miss about 2 weeks.
Purchased the contract of RF Chris Slate from Triple A Omaha.
Monday, August 19th , 2041
Sent SP Bailey Pinsmail to Triple A Omaha for injury rehab.
Wednesday, August 28th , 2041
Optioned RF Chris Slate to Triple A Omaha.
Placed LF Mike Connelly on the active roster.

Minor League News

The Pitcher of the Month has been chosen and the Texas League trophy went to Northwest Arkansas hurler, Chris Reid.

During the month, Reid was impressive with a 1.76 ERA and 4 wins and 1 loss. In 41 innings he struck out 52 and gave up 30 hits and 2 walks.

In 24 starts this season, Reid has registered a 11-5 record and a 3.67 ERA.

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MLB Standings

The Royals finish the season at another team best, 113-49, beating their previous best record by 2 games and winning their 6th AL Central pennant in a row, and 17th all time.

They are one of four 100-win teams, with three in the AL, and two in the AL Central. The playoffs are going to be a challenge in 2041.



Kansas City Results



The key dates for the season were 1 September, when a wild card was clinched in a 1-0 shutout over the Astros, 22 September when beating the Giants 7-2 to clinch the AL Central, and 26 September, a 9-8 victory over Washington their record 112th win of the season.

Kansas City Statistics




In the month of September Gilberto Matos thumped the ball with authority, earning American League Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors in the process.

Kansas City's first baseman hit .321 with 8 home runs, 28 RBIs and scored 26 runs.

This season, Matos is batting .296 with 105 hits, 16 home runs, 74 RBIs, .389 OBP and has scored 72 runs.

Estanislau Covete of the Kansas City Royals has just enjoyed one of the better weeks of his career. That fact was not lost on American League officials, who named him Player of the Week.

Covete logged a .444 batting average for the Kansas City Royals, racking up 11 RBIs and 5 home runs.

For the season, Covete is hitting at a .299 clip with 30 home runs, 118 RBIs and has scored 98 runs. He has 148 hits, 47 walks and a .357 on-base percentage.



Transactions & Injuries

Sunday, September 1st , 2041
Transferred SP Joe Davis to the 60-day IL.
Purchased the contract of RF Bobby Nickelberry from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of SP Bailey Pinsmail from Triple A Omaha.
Purchased the contract of RP Dan Acton from Triple A Omaha.
Tuesday, September 10th , 2041
RP Jon Yuhas was injured while pitching. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Thursday, September 12th , 2041
RP Jon Yuhas diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, will miss 6 weeks.
Wednesday, September 18th , 2041
1B Bob Crimi was injured while stealing a base. The diagnosis is not yet known.
Sunday, September 22nd , 2041
1B Bob Crimi diagnosed with a hamstring strain, will miss 3 weeks.
Purchased the contract of 1B Jorge Calvo from Triple A Omaha.
SS Tony Thompson was injured while running the bases. The Diagnosis: torn hamstring. He's expected to miss about 6 weeks.
Monday, September 30th , 2041
Purchased the contract of 2B Andres Raygoza from Triple A Omaha.

Several injuries in the final month of the season makes the Royals post-season path a little trickier, none more so than losing Bob Crimi for 3 weeks with a little over a week of the season to go. He should be back if the Royals make it to the League Championship but with the strength of the AL that is no gimme.

Minor League News

It was a productive month of September for Omaha reliever Ernesto Soriano. He put up some impressive figures with no saves in no save opportunities -- figures so impressive that the International League chose him as its Pitcher of the Month.

During the month, the Storm Chasers bullpen specialist chalked up 3 wins and no losses while compiling a 0.78 ERA. In 23 innings Ernesto Soriano yielded 12 base hits, struck out 0 and walked 5. Opposing batters hit .156 against him.

This year, Soriano has 1 save in 11 relief appearances with a 10-1 record and 3.02 ERA.

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The Royals and the Astros earn the byes in the AL, with the Royals taking on the winner of the Avalanche and White Sox Wildcard Series. A match against divisional rival the White Sox would be a sixth all-time, tying with the Orioles, and the first since a 4-2 Championship Series victory for the Royals in 2038. The Royals have never played the Avalanche in the postseason, and it will only be a third-ever against the former Oakland A’s, the last a 1-0 wildcard series victory for Kansas City in 2014.

Over in the NL, the Dodgers are once again the top seeds and no one would bet against another World Series appearance for LA.

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The Royals will take on the White Sox as Chicago are the only home team to advance out of the Wildcard Series. The Red Sox and the Astros complete the AL Division Series while over in the NL, the Dodgers will take on the Marlins, and the Braves the Reds.

The 113-win Royals and the 106-win White Sox will meet for the 6th time in the postseason, with the White Sox holding a 3-2 lead, and the Royals claiming the last two series.

Chicago is a pitching powerhouse, with the second least runs conceded in the AL with the 5th most runs scored.

The batting line up is top heavy, with SS Bob Bolnick having hit .320 while stealing 40 bases from the lead off spot, and is followed by 3B Juan Borja (36 HR, 95 RBI) and 2B Herb Savard (126 wRC+). On the pitching side, star Josh Webb was the only starter with an ERA above 3.26 in a rotation of right handed pitching, while the bullpen features four pitchers with an ERA below 3.00, including closer Julio Pesina, who recorded 36 saves, and is one of four left-handers.

The White Sox took the regular seasons series 7-6.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Ethan Chafin vs. Chris Estrella (2036 Trade NYY)
• Kansas City wins 10-0
• Chafin : 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R 9 (injured for 2 weeks)
• Estrella (L): 6.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R
• Bailey Pinsmail (W): 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Tsuguo Abe (SV): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Natalino Villa (3rd, 2R), Jamie Edwards (4th)
• POTG: Natalino Villa (KC) 2-5, HR
• 1-0 Kansas City

Game 2 in Kansas City: Dan Carrig vs. Steve Mathews (2038 MiL FA)
• Kansas City wins 9-5
• Carrig (W): 5.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R
• Mathews (L): 1.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R
• Kansas City HRs: Gilberto Matos (1st, 2R), Billy Mumaugh (3rd, 1R)
• Chicago HRs: Juan Iruegas (6th)
• POTG: Billy Mumaugh (KC) 2-4, HR, BB
• 2-0 Kansas City

Game 3 in Chicago: Eddie Baquerizo vs. Josh Webb (2036 Trade NYY)
• Kansas City wins 4-1
• Baquerizo (W): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R
• Webb (L): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R
• Dan Nichols (SV): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Kansas City HRs: Edgar Mir (1st; 4th), Matos (7th)
• POTG: Edgar Mir (KC) 2-3, 2 HRs, BB
• 3-0 KANSAS CITY WINS

Series MVP: Edgar Mir (KC) .545 2 HR 4 RBI

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The reward for the Royals sweep of Chicago is a 4th post season match up against the Houston Astros. The Astros won 103 games on their way to the AL West and are making their first Divisional Series since 2035, when they eliminated the Royals 4-1 before losing the World Series to the Padres.

The NL Championship Series features the Dodgers (who make an unsurprising return although possibly the 3-2 margin of victory over the Marlins was a surprise) and the Reds, who finished 3rd in the NL Central but are now 4 wins away from the World Series.

The Astros will be hoping for a repeat of the 2035 Championship Series and will be doing so with a balanced ballclub that 2nd in runs scored and 3rd in runs against in the AL. Their batting line up is intimidating, led off by SS Kevin Barlow, with a .286 average, followed by a middle of LF Mike Thomas (.322, 105 RBIs) former Royal 3B Mike Campney, CF Wilfredo Terrazas (28 HRs, 108 RBIs), and 1B Juan Moreno (30 HRs, 102 RBIs).

Their ace, Julio Barrera will miss the series but they will be able to call on Jeremy Cline (3.00 ERA), Bobby McPhee (3.60), and Jon Elfstrom (3.46). In the bullpen, only left handed setup man Phil Welch managed an ERA until 3.00 but closer Tim Fields recorded 44 saves over the course of the season. An all-righty starting rotation is complemented by six lefties in the bullpen.

The Royals won the regular season series 5-2.

Game 1 in Kansas City: Dan Carrig vs. Jon Elfstrom (2040 Free Agent)
• Houston wins 3-1
• Elfstrom: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• Carrig: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R
• Tim Fields (W): 2.0 IP, 1H, 0 R
• Tsuguo Abe (L): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Houston HRs: Juan Moreno (2nd)
• 1-0 Houston

Game 2 in Kansas City: Eddie Baquerizo vs. Jeremy Cline (2040 Trade DET)
• Houston wins 6-2
• Cline (W): 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
• Baquerizo (L): 4.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R
• Houston HRs: Luis Rojas (2nd, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Gilberto Matos (9th, 2R)
• 2-0 Houston

Game 2 in Houston: Curt Bogans vs. Bobby McPhee (2040 Trade MIL)
• Houston wins 7-2
• McPhee (W): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R
• Bogans (L): 3.0 IP, 9 H, 6 R
• Kansas City HRs: Edgar Mir (1st, 2R)
• Houston HRs: Nelson Aguirre (8th)
• POTG: Nelson Aguirre (HOU) 2-4, HR
• 3-0 Houston

Game 4 in Houston: Bailey Pinsmail vs. Gautier Riggan (2039 Free Agent)
• Houston wins 11-5
• Pinsmail (L): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R
• Riggan (W): 6.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R
• Houston HRs: Wilfredo Terrazas (4th, 2R; 8th, 2R)
• Kansas City HRs: Mir (1st), Bob Crimi (8th)
• POTG: Mike Campney (HOU) 3-4, BB, 4 RBI
• 4-0 HOUSTON WINS

Series MVP: Terrazas (HOU) .375 2 HRs 7 RBIs

The Astros sweep out the Royals as they dominate both sides of the ball, winning the series 27-10. The Royals come up short again and a World Series looks as far away as ever for this ball club.

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The Dodgers come up one series short of a four-peat as the Astros clinch their first World Series since 2022.

Kansas City Postseason Stats



Too many Royals bats went cold in the Astros series as the Royals got nothing from C, 1B, 3B, or SS. It was a disappointing end for the team that scored the most runs in baseball in the regular season with some big decisions to be made in the offseason.



The Royals arms failed to control the Astros but had excelled before that, as shown by the FIP- scores across the team. The four starters all turned in FIP- scores well below the average although with less impressive ERAs while the bullpen all gave up too many hits and walks to succeed.

Owner Goal Review



Team Record:
I told you before the season to win it all, and you at least made a strong push towards it. I am a little disappointed, and I know I push hard, but only because I know this team has the talent to make it that last step.

Extend your player:
It's no simple task signing a player who's reluctant to talk. Do your best to keep the conversation with Ethan Chafin going.

Acquire a player:
So you decided to ignore me when I asked you to find a good Hometown player? That's not really the way I envisioned our working relationship to function. Not good.

Long Term:
You made the playoffs. I had set out a longer vision to bring a championship to Kansas City by 2043, and that time isn't up yet. You do know it's been 26 years since this franchise has won? That may not be as bad as some teams, but I think the fans are starting to wonder when the next one will come.

I am good with your performance in accomplishing the goals I have given you. However, when I consider the on- and off-field success of the team, my overall mood with your performance is very happy.

Minor Leagues



Postseason

Omaha Storm Chasers [AAA] lost in the Championship.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals [AA] lost in the Championship.
Quad Cities River Bandits [A+] missed the playoffs by 0 games.
Columbia Fireflies [A] missed the playoffs by 5 games.
Kansas City (ACL) Royals [R] missed the Playoffs by 0.5 games.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Stewart [R] won the Championship.
Kansas City (DSL) Royals Glass [R] lost in the 1st Round of the Playoffs. 

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International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Ignacio Jarmillo, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Ignacio Jarmillo is a long, lean athletic shortstop who was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He is a true bopper maturing into plus-plus power. As a shortstop he grades out as a superior defender. At maturity he should be a league average hitter with a .250 batting average. Jarmillo could develop into a productive regular on a contending team.

Juan Belderas, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Belderas hails from La Vega, Dominican Republic. He has a quick bat that handles most fastballs, but off-speed stuff can challenge him. Expect a batting average around .250. He could someday hit a good number of home runs. He projects to be a patient hitter with good discipline. Belderas can be a second division starter at shortstop.

It was a great practice and none of the invitees disappointed in showcasing their talent.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Nelson Aguirre, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Eytor Avilez, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Frank Jamarillo, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Maldonado, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Alvaro Mohedano, 15 year-old CF out of Argentina
Arturo Moreira, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Julio Solorzano, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Luis Aguilera, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic

Around the League

Retirements

Wednesday, October 30th , 2041
Detroit Tigers: RF Bryce Eldridge retired from professional baseball. (KC 2033)
Washington Nationals: SP Liam Peterson retired from professional baseball. (KC 2034)
Atlanta Braves: SS TJ Pompey retired from professional baseball. (KC 2037-2039)
Milwaukee Brewers: SP Blade Tidwell retired from professional baseball. (KC 2033)

San Diego Padres: CF Jackson Merrill retired from professional baseball.
New York Yankees: SP Federico Ramos retired from professional baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies: 3B Junior Caminero retired from professional baseball.

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Another year at the top of most of the rankings for the Royals with Home Runs (and baserunning) the only statistics outside the Top 6, although with Extra-Base hits sitting at 6th, a lack of power was certainly at play for the Royals, rather than just the Kauffman Stadium dimensions which suppress HRs to .845.



Catcher

There will be a Catcher discussion this off season for the first time since 2035 when Sam Hart made his debut. Hart (84 wRC+) was a below average hitter this past season as his average dropped by 50 points and his OPS 80 points. Not only that but his defense dropped from a 65 to a 55. Mike Murphy (116 wRC+) continued to offer a strong catcher bat but his defense will never make him the Royals everyday starter.

The Royals are likely to shop Hart around to get his salary off the books but could start 2042 with him in a back up role which would spell the end of Murphy’s time in Kansas City.

Infield

Bob Crimi had an interrupted season due to injury but was very good, post season excepting, when he was fit. A 148 wRC+ with a .945 OPS means the Royals will be starting the season with him at 1B, injury allowing. Jorge Calvo was league average (97 wRC+) while offering stronger defense than Crimi. The switch hitter has one option year left and some potential to realise and so will likely be retained, especially with Crimi’s injury challenges.

Edgar Mir (99 wRC+) had the worst hitting season of his career and the Royals will be hoping it was simply a blip and expect him to bounce back in 2042. Andres Raygoza had his first time in the big leagues at the end of the season and struggled but at 22 still has two option years left and some potential so will be in the mix for 2042.

Estanislau Covete (143 wRC+) couldn’t have wished for a better rookie season as the 22-year old led the team in RBIs (129) and HRs (33). His SLG .567 was the 5th best Royals rate of all time, with the 3rd best RBI total of all time. The Royals only gripe that he was a below average defender, something they will hope to help in the off season. This was the biggest risk the Royals took, moving on from Mike Campney, so a comparison is worthwhile. Campney injured his hip and missed 4 months, finishing with a .266/.333/.489 and is now fragile, making the Royals feel pretty happy about their decision. For Campney, a World Series ring will means he feels happy about the outcome as well!

Bob Morrison was the everyday shortstop and was above average with the glove and below average with the bat with Tony Thompson a better glove and a worse bat. Ideally one of these players would be an utility infield so a starting SS is something the Royals could explore.

Outfield

Starting with the clear success story as Billy Mumaugh (124 wRC+) was voted an All Star and provided elite defense at RF. After a 4.9 WAR season the Royals will execute the final TO of his contract at $18m.

Chase Standberry (105 wRC+) was another success with the bat and glove (1.069 EFF) in CF, filling in for Natalino Villa during the latter’s injury problems. Villa (94 wRC+) was slightly below average with the bat but stole 34 bases and his 1.083 efficiency meant he contributed more WAR than Standberry in fewer games. Both will be back in 2042.

The final corner outfield spot, in addition to DH/5th OF is where the Royals will spend their thinking time. Mike Connolly (110 wRC+) and Jamie Edwards (108 wRC+) are very similar walk-generating, above average contact, average power bats, and the Royals may not have the capacity to carry both. Connolly has the better body of work but is into his arbitration years while the numbers would say that Edwards is the better defender and is on a league minimum contract. The Royals can afford Connolly so it may be a case of testing the market for both.

There is the chance that both may be moved on with two prospects excelling at AAA and both spending some time in the Major Leagues this year – 4th overall prospect in Bobby Nickelberry and Chris Slate.

Offseason / Early 2042 Overview

C Zach Herr
1B Bob Crimi
2B Edgar Mir
3B Estanislau Covete
SS TBC

LF Billy Mumaugh
CF Natalino Villa
RF Bobby Nickelberry

DH Gilberto Matos

C Mike Murphy
IF Bob Morrison / Tony Thompson
IF TBC
OF Jamie Edwards / Mike Connolly / Chris Slate



Starters

The five main starters for the Royals all returned a FIP- under 90 and only Bailey Pinsmail having an ERA+ below 122.

Eddie Baquerizo (74 FIP-) led the team in WAR with 5.0, as well as wins (17-5). Curt Bogans had a down season with a 3.70 ERA, his strikes down from 9.2 to 8.6/9. However, he had two disastrous starts to end the season, giving up 16 H and 9 R in 12.1 IP. Both players have a TO at $8m which the Royals will execute, although with stronger conviction for Eddie than Curt.

Ethan Chafin (82 FIP-) had over 4 WAR despite missing a couple of matches due to injury. A 1.06 WHIP was the best amongst the starters, with another year of over 10 K/9, and a 4.48 K/BB rate, the 7th best of all time. He enters his final year of arbitration in 2042.

Dan Carrig had a record-breaking rookie season for the Royals, pitching over 200 innings, with a 3.59 ERA. No Royal has ever struck out as many batters in a season as Carrig did, his 262 K 14 more than Chafin’s best season in 2038, and at a record 11.6 K/9. He also recorded the 4th best K/BB rate of 4.52 in a Royals season.

Bailey Pinsmail had an injury-hit season and was somewhat overshadowed by Carrig. However, he still put up almost 3 WAR (2.9), and was a little unluck with an ERA 1.34 above his FIP.

Ben Lane started 8 games and will have a battle to break into the rotation in 2042.

Bullpen

Three pitchers in the bullpen provided over 2 WAR, with Dan Nichols (68 FIP-) and Tsuguo Abe (76) both pitching over 100 innings. Closer Nate Avis had a 96% success rate in saves, racking up 24. All of the bullpen kept a FIP- under 100. Nichols head to Free Agency and is looking for four years at $10m so the Royals will let him hit FA although would be happy to bring him back if the price was right.

Bernalldino Caneas, Eric Jones, and Art Putney all head into their first year of arbitration and will be back next year while Jon Hall enters his second year and the Royals may listen to offers for him.

The bullpen, therefore, is likely to look very similar in 2042 although there will no doubt be some young pitchers from AAA looking to break into the lineup.

Offseason / Early 2042 Overview

SP Eddie Baquerizo
SP Ethan Chafin
SP Dan Carrig
SP Curt Bogans
SP Bailey Pinsmail

RP Nate Avis
RP Tsuguo Abe
RP Joe Manley
RP Art Putney
RP Eric Jones
RP Bernalldino Caneas
RP Flossy Giordano
RP TBC
RP TBC

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Owner Goals



Finances

You will have $240,000,000 available for the total team expenses. Given your current spending on staff and other costs, this should allow you a team payroll of around $140,000,000.



The combination of an almost full Kaufmann and the increased interest from the fans, the Royals will increase their ticket price by $2 next year, an increase that could see an additional $6m in revenue.

Personnel

Two Major League coaches did not have their contracts renewed heading into the offseason:

Bench Coach Florentino Nunez
Team Trainer Greg Van Sickle

The Royals will be looking for a new bench coach to aligns more to a sabermetric style with the ability to manage veterans, while they hope to find a Team Trainer to aid recovery more effectively.

Minor Leagues

Awards

The awards were reserved for the top of the Royals system as they captured the Manager of the Year (Robert Donovan and Peter O’Brien (2)), the Outstanding Pitcher Award (Chris Reid (2036 11th Rd) and Darryel Sabatino (2038 1st Rd (S))), and the Most Valuable Player (Jesus Pinada (2035 SD) and Chris Kern (2039 2nd Rd)) Awards at both AA and AAA level while Juan Anaya (2037 Int Am) also picked up the AAA Reliever of the Year Award.

Retirements

The most significant retirement was the 2033 5th round pick SP Jamie Gross who retired from AA.

Prospect Review

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Personnel

Sunday, November 3rd , 2041
Signed Bench Coach Kurt Isenberg to a 5-year, $500,000 per year contract.
Tuesday, November 5th , 2041
Signed Team Trainer Steve Seaboldt to a 4-year, $400,000 per year contract.

Colin,
It has been a privilege serving the team as a General Manager. However, I have decided to move on. I have accepted an offer to be the new General Manager with the San Francisco Giants.

Tye Edlich

Tuesday, November 19th , 2041
Signed Assistant GM Jake Van Orden to a 5-year, $300,000 per year contract.

Awards

A Platinum Stick and two Awards for the Royals with both Award winners first timers, with Closer Nate Avis winning Reliever of the Year, ahead of Tsuobo Abe in 2nd, and Dan Nichol 4th, and Estanislau Covete winning a unanimous Rookie of the Year Award ahead of a 3rd place for Gilberto Matos, in addition to a Platinum Stick.

AL Great Glove CF Juan Soreni CLE
NL Great Glove 3B Danny Petty WAS | RF Jimmy Goodman NYM
AL Platinum Stick 3B Estanislau Covete KC
NL Platinum Stick
AL Manager of the Year Euner Rodriguez HOU
NL Manager of the Year Generoso Gonzalez LAD
AL Reliever of the Year Nate Avis KC
NL Reliever of the Year Mike Smithers PHI
AL Rookie of the Year 3B Estanislau Covete KC
NL Rookie of the Year 1B Morton Henrik WAS
AL Cy Young Mike Geel BAL
NL Cy Young J.J. Tjepkema (3) LAD
AL MVP Mike Thomas HOU
NL MVP Juan Minnelli ATL

Pre-Arbitration Extensions & Trades

Sunday, November 3rd , 2041
Signed C Mike Murphy to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,500,000.
Signed SP Ethan Chafin to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $12,200,000.
Signed 1B Bob Crimi to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $3,700,000.
Signed RP Art Putney to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,750,000.
Signed RP Bernalldino Caneas to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,450,000.
Signed RP Eric Jones to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $1,400,000.
Traded 23-year old minor league LHP Brad Soko, 19-year old minor league CF Nelson Caraballo, 22-year old minor league 2B Humberto Bustillos, and 22-year old minor league RHP Rob Clauss to the New York Mets, getting 17-year old minor league RF Alejandro Quintanilla, 19-year old minor league LHP Alfredo Trevino, 17-year old minor league 3B Juan Zenteno, and $15,000,000 in cash in return.
Thursday, November 7th , 2041
Traded 27-year old RHP Jon Hall to the Boston Red Sox, getting 24-year old minor league RHP Luis Salas in return.
Monday, November 11th , 2041
Signed LF Mike Connelly to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $10,400,000.
Signed LF Jamie Edwards to a 1-year contract extension worth a total of $2,350,000.

All but one of the arbitration eligible players were signed ahead of the arbitration deadline with the odd man out being RP Jon Hall, who was entering his second year of arbitration so was traded for a young prospect; a move welcomed by the rest of the clubhouse.



There was one additional trade as the Mets offered 4.5 star prospect RF Alejandro Quintanilla for prospect pitcher Brad Soko and CF Nelson Caraballo. The Royals tacked on some additional players to grab 3B Juan Zenteno and some off season cash.

That cash could be used to offer some of the arbitration signed players out to the market retaining contracts to increase the return.

Arbitration & Qualifying Offers

Friday, November 22nd , 2041
RP Dan Nichols becomes a free-agent.

Dan Nichols is allowed to leave to Free Agency, and with an initial ask of 4-years at $18m it seems unlikely he will be back after a successful single season in Kansas City.

International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Ignacio Jarmillo, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Ignacio Jarmillo is a long, lean athletic shortstop who was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He possesses middle of the order power potential. He provides well above average defense. With a short, line-drive swing he stays inside the ball. He will challenge defenses if he can keep his strikeouts in check. Jarmillo is an elite big league shortstop.

Juan Belderas, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Belderas hails from La Vega, Dominican Republic. He has the power potential of a prototypical home run slugger. He may not compete for batting titles, but still projects to hit for a .270 batting average. He projects to be a patient hitter with good discipline. Belderas should be a regular starter.

It was a great practice and none of the invitees disappointed in showcasing their talent.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Alvaro Mohedano, 16 year-old CF out of Argentina
Luis Aguilera, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Nelson Aguirre, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Frank Jamarillo, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Maldonado, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Arturo Moreira, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Julio Solorzano, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Eytor Avilez, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela

Fall League News

One of the rarest feats in baseball occurred at Tyrants Park: the perfect game.

Facing off against the Portland Tyrants, Virginia Beach Maulers hurler Julio Bonilla gave up no runs, no hits, no walks and saw no errors in the 3-0 victory.

"This was one of those games where a good athlete was on top of his game," said Virginia Beach manager Colin Stewart after the game. "He had a tremendous rhythm out there. His focus, his concentration, his stuff, everything was as good as it could possibly be."

Bonilla saw 27 batters and retired every one of them in order. He bewildered the Tyrants, striking out 6.

Late in the game, the left-hander sat by himself at one end of the dugout, staring at the ground. No one approached him, adhering to the baseball superstition that no one mention a no-hitter -- much less a perfect game -- until it is completed. When it was over, Bonilla gave a simple fist pump, while his teammates mobbed him and the fans gave a standing ovation.

"A game like this was pretty special," Bonilla said. "It doesn't come along very often."

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International Amateurs

We just completed our monthly private practice with many young international amateur free agents who we hope can aid our club in the coming years. It was great to meet the players in-person and get to know them better, and I was able to improve my scouting assessment on all invitees.

In fact some of the players impressed me, since they showcased a higher potential than I had previously expected from them:

Juan Belderas, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Juan Belderas hails from La Vega, Dominican Republic. He generates excellent raw power with his bat speed. He may not compete for batting titles, but still projects to hit for a .270 batting average. He is a very sure-handed and reliable shortstop. Belderas has the potential to be a cornerstone player as a shortstop.

Frank Jamarillo, 17 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Frank Jamarillo hails from Quisqueya, Dominican Republic. He projects to leg out many hits and hit for a high average. He has plus-plus speed with advanced instincts on the basepaths. He has shown he can play the shortstop position at the next level. Jamarillo can be a second division starter at shortstop.

However, a few invitees left me disappointed as they did not appear to match my previous assessment, although they may still end up being future stars:

Julio Solorzano, 17 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Julio Solorzano hails from San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. He is a plus contact potential. With good contact, he has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order force. He is a slightly above average runner. Solorzano has a considerable ceiling and can be a first division starter in the majors.

Luis Aguilera, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Lean and athletic, Luis Aguilera hails from Constanza, Dominican Republic. He has a significant projection for a high batting average. His raw strength and quick wrists should give him above average power. If Aguilera fulfills his potential, he could make multiple trips to the All-Star Game.

And other players that I was able to further assess were:
Alvaro Mohedano, 16 year-old CF out of Argentina
Eytor Avilez, 16 year-old 2B out of Venezuela
Ignacio Jarmillo, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic
Juan Maldonado, 16 year-old 2B out of Dominican Republic
Arturo Moreira, 16 year-old CF out of Venezuela
Nelson Aguirre, 16 year-old SS out of Dominican Republic

Development Lab

Gilberto Matos has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

Edgar Mir has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at second base.

Estanislau Covete has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working with staff to improve his defense at third base.

• No noticeable changes.

Billy Mumaugh has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at right field.

Natalino Villa has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at center field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by 5
• Outfield range rating improves by <5
• Outfield error rating improves by <5

Jamie Edwards has completed his training in the development complex, and as you are aware, he has been working hard with staff to improve his defense at center field.

• Outfield arm rating improves by <5
• Outfield range rating improves by 5
• Outfield error rating improves by 5

Rule 5 Draft Trades & 42-man Changes

With a huge number of Rule 5 eligible players in AAA a thorough review of the Royals programme took place in conjunction with the roster turnover reviewed as part of the end of season review.

The established major league talent coming to the end of their time with the Royals were Catcher Sam Hart, SP Bailey Pinsmail, and LF Mike Connolly. Hart had taken a dive with his bat and glove in 2041 and his three remaining guaranteed years were feeling too much of a risk for the Royals. Getting organisational depth and cash from the Twins felt like an acceptable return. Connelly had turned 30 and his arbitration number had started to not reflect his value to the Royals, especially with the prospects coming up. There was little of interest available in trade but Jeff Markulin seemed like a potential trade piece, especially with the Astros retaining 40% of the contract. Finally, and perhaps most surprisingly, young pitcher Pinsmail. He had been overtaken by other prospects and his repeated injuries had left him fragile with a questionable long contract. A pile of cash plus elite RP Moon-soo Im gave the chance to move on from Pinsmail while bolstering their bullpen for 2042 and beyond with Im on the final year on a minimum contract.

Occasional big leaguers moving on were Jorge Calvo and Chris Slate. Neither of them had established themselves in their time in Kansas City and had prospects behind them with more upside. They were packaged together for a younger OF in Kevin McDaniel from the White Sox.

In addition, a host of Rule 5 eligible players, or 42-man roster players without a route to the 27, moved on in trades with returns that make the minor leagues younger while bringing in some additional cash.

This opened up space for seven players being added to the 42-man roster, the biggest winner being C Zach Herr (2039 1st Round), whose route to the starting job has opened up and he is favourite to start 2042 as the Kansas City Royals everyday catcher.

Despite these changes, the Royals still lost three players in the draft, none of whom were likely to be more than organisational depth for the Royals, but all with high floors.

Trades

Tuesday, December 10th , 2041
Traded 31-year old C Sam Hart to the Minnesota Twins, getting 28-year old minor league LF Chris Mahoney and $10,000,000 in cash in return.
Traded 23-year old RHP Bailey Pinsmail to the Seattle Mariners, getting 24-year old RHP Moon-soo Im and $20,000,000 in cash in return.
Traded 30-year old LF Mike Connelly to the Houston Astros, getting 24-year old 3B Jeff Markulin (retaining 40%) in return.
Traded 24-year old 3B Jeff Markulin and 22-year old minor league RHP Pete Bradford to the Pittsburgh Pirates, getting 19-year old minor league LF Sergio Rulz and 21-year old minor league CF Jon Burns in return.
Wednesday, December 11th , 2041
Traded 26-year old 1B Jorge Calvo and 24-year old minor league RF Chris Slate to the Chicago White Sox, getting 23-year old minor league LF Kevin McDaniel in return.
Traded 26-year old minor league CF Ken Troutman to the San Antonio Avalanche, getting 24-year old minor league RHP Chris Richter in return.
Tuesday, December 17th , 2041
Traded 24-year old RHP Tug Adams, 33-year old minor league RF Kevin Roberts Jr., 21-year old minor league RHP Luis Rico, and $50,000,000 in cash to the Miami Marlins, getting 22-year old minor league LHP Mike Ramos and 20-year old minor league 2B Brad Thomas in return.

42-man Roster Additions

Tuesday, December 10th , 2041
Purchased the contract of C Zach Herr from Triple A Omaha.
CF Jon Burns in return.
Placed CL Juan Anaya on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SS Jadon Tezeno on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Wednesday, December 11th , 2041
Placed 2B Luis Aceves on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed LF Andres Madrigal on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed 2B Juan Parra on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed C Luis Rosario on the secondary (42-man) roster.
Placed SP Darryel Sabatino on the secondary (42-man) roster.

Rule 5 Draft Transactions

Tuesday, December 24th , 2041
Lost 2B Ismael Leyva in the Rule 5 Draft to the Colorado Rockies.
Lost SP Ernesto Soriano in the Rule 5 Draft to the Detroit Tigers.
Lost LF David Trujillo in the Rule 5 Draft to the Cleveland Guardians.