Royals Rumblings - News for January 28, 2025

Will Zack Greinke get in the Hall of Fame?

Trevor Powers at Pitcher’s List ranks Royals prospects for dynasty leagues with Blake Mitchell at #2.

There were two sides to Mitchell’s first minor league season. On the good side, he showed the ability to tap into his power consistently in game. In just 111 games, he hit 18 home runs and 16 doubles. For such a young player, it is impressive to see him get to his power that frequently in game. On top of that, he showed the ability to make good swing decisions with an above-average 16.5% walk rate. When looking at what it takes to be an above-average power hitter in the game today, the ability to not swing at pitches outside the strike zone is imperative to success.

The bad for Mitchell this season is the concerns surrounding the hit tool. Not only was the batting average production less than ideal, but a 30.7% strikeout rate is concerning. That is usually a problem that does not get better as a hitter progresses through the MiLB ranks. The pitching gets just enough better that it can expose some swing flaws. But Mitchell is still so young, he has plenty of time. He played most of the 2024 season at 19 years old, and the Royals obviously trust him enough to push him to High-A. If the hit tool improves, he has the skills to be a top catcher in the league.

Jay Staph at Just Baseball has Bobby Witt Jr. atop his ranking of shortstops in baseball.

Not only is Witt one of baseball’s best hitters, but he’s a 99th-percentile fielder as well. In 2024, Witt posted 16 OAA, and a 78th-percentile arm strength.

Witt is also the fastest player in MLB, with his 30.5 ft/s sprint speed atop the leaderboard. Witt has stolen as many as 49 bases in a single season, and with this immense speed, Witt may have the potential to come close to the 70 stolen base threshold Ronald Acuna Jr reached in 2023.

Witt isn’t just the best shortstop in all of baseball, but he’s truly one of MLB’s best players. Within the next few years, Witt has the chance to become the best player in all of baseball, using his five-tool abilities along the way.

Jay Jaffe looks at the next five years of Hall of Fame ballots.

Ballwriters love them some Joey Votto, so I think he’ll make it on the first ballot.

The same is true for Greinke. While he didn’t return in 2024 to collect the 21 strikeouts he needed to reach 3,000, I suspect that shortfall bothers me more than it does him; this is a man who said he didn’t want the “hassle” of a no-hitter, so you can imagine what he thinks about milestones. His 225 wins and 121 ERA+ are impressive, as is his 62.9 S-JAWS, which ranks 25th all-time between Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins and Tom Glavine, with Max Scherzer two spots and 1.4 points below him.

The Royals are helping the Negro League Baseball Museum offer free admission in February.

Surprise Stadiums announces promotions for spring training games.

The Orioles sign outfielder Dylan Carlson to a one-year deal.

Texas signs 41-year-old veteran Jesse Chavez to a minor league contract.

San Diego may be making pitcher Michael King available in a trade.

Who could trade for Spencer Torkelson?

What players could are next to get long-term extensions?

The Angels are seeking multiple relievers.

At The Athletic, Rob Manfred reflects on ten years as commissioner. [$]

David Adler at MLB.com looks at eye-popping projections for players.

The most extreme ballpark in MLB may be in Seattle.

Baltimore brings back Adam Jones as a special advisor.

The players most likely to be traded at the NBA deadline.

Naomi Girma becomes the first $1 million women’s soccer player with her transfer to Chelsea.

Why don’t you remember all your dreams?

There are adult diaper influencers.

What were the best movie stunts in 2025?

Your song of the day is Warbly Jets with Alive.