There may be nonetheless extra to do, however Royals Common Supervisor J.J. Picollo mentioned the workforce is “75 %” performed with their low season in feedback this week on the Cody and Gold present on 96.5 The Fan.
Having already re-signed pitcher Michael Wacha and bought leadoff hitter Jonathan India, Picollo indicated that the “heavy lifting” for the low season had been achieved already. However the workforce nonetheless has some holes to fill, notably with pitching depth. Picollo additionally indicated he wish to add a left-handed hitter with a choice for somebody able to enjoying infield, however extra possible a task participant, not an on a regular basis starter. The Royals had been rumored to be involved in free agent Josh Rojas. Earlier experiences additionally indicated the Royals have been pursuing one other middle-of-the-order bat.
Picollo mentioned he understood the frustration with eager to know what subsequent 12 months’s roster appears to be like like, however he pleaded for endurance, opining that market costs for gamers was a bit excessive.
“We’re going to be a bit of bit extra affected person for that proper participant to turn out to be accessible,” mentioned Picollo. “We wish a few of these costs to come back down once you’re speaking a couple of position participant.”
Regardless of prime free agent Juan Soto signing final week, many different prime free brokers stay unsigned. ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote this week concerning the stagnant market.
With costs for gamers at a premium, groups have turned to the commerce market as a substitute, leaving free company stagnant. Groups additionally acknowledge the calendar works of their favor. The nearer it will get to when spring camps open in February, the tougher it’s for gamers to stay steadfast of their calls for.
This displays experiences about how the Royals would slightly pursue a bat by commerce slightly than free company. Passan writes the commerce market has been extra energetic recently and is “nonetheless percolating with exercise” with bats like Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arraez, Luis Robert Jr., Starling Marte, Lane Thomas, Mike Tastrzemski, Taylor Ward, Josh Naylor, LaMonte Wade Jr., and Nathaniel Lowe amongst those who might be accessible. In the meantime, the outfield free agent market that features names like Antony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, and Joc Pederson stays ice-cold.
Picollo mentioned how the Winter Conferences have modified and gamers and groups have turn out to be extra meticulous and affected person in current off-seasons. He expressed hope that some current signings may assist transfer the general market.
“Because the free brokers are signing…you may form of see the place groups are going, how they’re shaping their golf equipment, which ought to result in higher discussions within the coming weeks and months.”
Final low season, the Royals didn’t make any signings on the Winter Conferences, however signed Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton, and Hunter Renfroe within the week that adopted.
Picollo mentioned he had some flexibility in payroll to to go to possession to pursue a participant whose worth dropped, however would solely accomplish that for “the precise participant,” citing how Wacha was focused final low season. A report at The Athletic indicated the Royals would have a payroll round $120 million, a quantity they’re working up towards already.
“I like the place our payroll is true now, I feel we’re in a very great place, now we have a bit of bit of cash to spend, now we have a number of smaller holes to fill, we should always be capable of handle that properly.”
A normal supervisor’s feedback within the low season ought to at all times include the caveat that true transparency works towards your individual curiosity. Telling different groups and free brokers that you must add one other participant solely undercuts your individual negotiating place. The Royals have made some important strikes this low season – they’ve signed the eighth-largest free agent deal of the low season, and made one of many extra important trades to date.
And but if that is all, it will be a disappointment. We’ll see which aspect blinks first – groups or free brokers – to get the new range heat once more.
