Royals Rumblings - News for January 14, 2025
It’s prospect list season!
MLB Pipeline writes about the top international prospect in each farm system.
Royals: Yandel Ricardo, SS (No. 8) There’s something to be said for catcher Ramon Ramirez, who has gone from a $57,500 signing to a powerful catcher at 19. For now, we’ll lean on last year’s big international signing in Ricardo. The Cuban native is a switch-hitting shortstop who is still filling out his 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame, meaning more power should come as he prepares for a move stateside. In the meantime, he has the actions of someone who should stick at the six for a long time, helping his prospect status.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter is doing a prospect list, and he begins with his Honorable Mentions, including outfielder Roni Cabrera.
Cabrera was a throw-in to the Cole Ragans-Aroldis Chapman deal in 2023, and his first experience in the States was a mixed bag. On one end, he showcased impressive tools, power, and swagger for a teenage prospect out of the Dominican Republic who turned 19 at the end of July last season. Conversely, he didn’t hit for a high average, and his BB/K numbers left a little to be desired. Nonetheless, his profile has some upside (albeit with risk), and he should be followed closely in 2025, with a stint in extended Spring Training likely.
R.J. Anderson at CBS Sports also ranks top Royals prospects.
2. Jac Caglianone 1B/LHP
The short hook: Two-way player with big question marks both ways
Caglianone was the most interesting athlete in last year’s draft. He’s a two-way player who shattered Florida’s career home-run record (previously belonging to Matt LaPorta) and was capable of touching into the upper 90s on the mound. Alas, we’re not sold that Caglianone has the command to reliably pitch in the majors. That, in turn, puts pressure on him reaching his offensive potential. While Caglianone has immense strength (he notched a 117 mph exit velocity during the Arizona Fall League) and above-average bat-to-ball skills, his approach is so swing-happy as to threaten his whole operation. In an ideal world, he turns into either a Diet Yordan Alvarez or a Fancy Cat Anthony Santander; in this one, he might have to settle for something lesser. MLB ETA: Spring 2026
The Mariners sign infielder Donovan Solano to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
Roki Sasaki has narrowed his list of suitors down to four finalists.
Free agent Jeff Hoffman failed physicals with the Braves and Orioles before signing with the Blue Jays.
Despite losing Juan Soto, the Yankees may have improved his winter.
The Red Sox are considering long-term deals with their top prospects.
Why is no one trying to sign Alex Bregman?
Why are the Athletics spending as they relocate?
Jayson Stark at The Athletics writes about why he voted for Andy Pettitte for the Hall of Fame for the first time.
Oneil Cruz loves to hit pitches at the top of the zone.
Mike McCarthy is out as coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Why the Phoenix Suns should trade Kevin Durant.
Should states put the brakes on building more freeways?
There will be another scripted TV show about the Chiefs, this time starring Christopher Meloni, Pete Holmes, and Holly Robinson Peete.
The Robbie Williams biopic Better Man is a box office flop despite good reviews.
Your song of the day is Devo with Uncontrollable Urge.