Weekend Rumblings - News for January 18, 2025

The Royals welcome new international signees to the fold.

Jaylon Thompson writes about the Royals’ international signing class.

“We are excited to welcome such a diverse and talented group of players into our organization,” longtime Royals executive Rene Francisco said in a news release.

Calcaño is projected to be a shortstop in the majors. Scouts have raved about his defensive instincts and arm. And he brings added value with his ability to hit from both sides of the plate as a teenager.

Anne Rogers has more.

Those superlatives are lofty for any young player to live up to. But the Royals have once again agreed to terms with a Venezuelan catcher they’re ecstatic about adding to their organization in Moises Marchán, the No. 31 overall prospect in the 2025 international class per MLB Pipeline.

Marchán headlines the class, but it’s an extremely deep one as the Royals are also bringing aboard Dominican shortstops Warren Calcaño (No. 38) and Ramcell Medina (No. 49).

Calcaño’s and Medina’s deals are both worth $1 million, per an industry source. The club, which received $6.9 million in pool money, did not publicize the financial terms.

She also writes about the versatile Royals infield.

The obvious: Witt will play as many games as he can at shortstop, although he could get a few more days off or at designated hitter this year. Pasquantino is the Royals’ everyday first baseman, but Salvador Perez can be considered the “backup” there.

A major storyline this spring will be whether India or Massey can play more than just second base, like Kansa City advertised when it acquired India, and that includes the outfield. It seems more likely that India would be the one who could move to third base or left field, but the Royals won’t really know until they see both out there.

Preston Farr at Farm to Fountains writes that the Spring Breakout showcase for prospects returns this year.

MLB Pipeline ranks Jac Caglianone the best first base prospect in baseball.

The Dodgers sign pitcher Roki Sasaki.

The Mets sign pitcher A.J. Minter to a two-year, $22 million contract.

Reliever Jose LeClerc signs a one-year, $10 million deal with the Athletics.

The Tigers sign viral knuckleballer Kenny Serwa.

Boston avoids arbitration with Jarren Duran.

Free agent reliever Tanner Scott could sign this weekend.

The Blue Jays remain in talks with Anthony Santander.

The top trade contenders for the rest of the season.

The Athletics will wear a Sacramento logo on their uniforms.

The Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball league impresses fans with its debut.

The Steelers rebuff a request from the Bears about coach Mike Tomlin.

Beauty brands can help you smell like donuts.

Why your brain is lying to you about “the good old days.”

Conan O’Brien will receive the Mark Twain Prize for his career in comedy.

Your song of the day is Average White Band with Pick Up the Pieces.