Weekend Rumblings - News for July 26, 2025
What happened to all that Meche Money?
Jaylon Thompson writes about what the Royals might do at the trade deadline.
It’s possible the Royals will decide to be buyers at the trade deadline. Yet, there are reasons to believe their current offense will continue to be plagued with inconsistency.
If the Royals happen to stumble in coming days, they could decide to be sellers — and that might draw All-Star pitchers Kris Bubic and Carlos Estévez into the discussion.
Royals first round pick Sean Gamble met with the Kansas City media Friday night.
Despite Friday’s rainout against the Guardians, Gamble still got to visit the Royals’ clubhouse and walk out onto the field.
“You couldn’t help but think, ‘I want to play on this field, and I want to be a part of this organization and city and fan base,’” Gamble said, thinking back to when he was sitting in the stands at Kauffman nearly a decade ago. “When I was here, all that was running through my head. That was a ways in the past, and now we’re here. Stars kind of aligned for it. It worked out perfectly.”
Gil Meche talks to Jayson Jenks of The Athletic about his decision to walk away from $12 million.
When I wasn’t performing the way I wanted to, man, when I got home that offseason, I felt it in my heart that it was my time to walk away. I talked to my dad about it; I talked to my agent about it. He was obviously a little shocked, but he said: “You know, Gil, I’ve had your back your whole career. If this is something in your heart that you need to do, I’m totally with you.”
Over all these years, dude — gosh, it’s been 15 years — looking back, that money would have benefited a lot of people, my kids being number one. But I never ever could tell you that I’ve regretted that decision.
Jim Bowden comes up with trades he’d like to see, such as Maikel Garcia to the Yankees for outfielder Jasson Domínguez.
In return, the Royals would get Domínguez and could lock in the rookie as their future left fielder. Domínguez, 22, has slashed .253/.328/.406 with nine homers, 15 doubles and 14 steals (in 16 attempts). He is not fully developed but should eventually be a 20-to-25-homer corner outfielder.
David Lesky writes that Seth Lugo isn’t the only Royals player drawing trade interest.
From what I’ve heard, teams are very interested in Kyle Isbel. That doesn’t mean he’s going to bring back a stud prospect or anything, but there are a lot of teams who see Isbel as a big part of a championship-caliber club. He plays very good defense in center and can fit in a corner, so he works as a fourth outfielder, especially given that he has occasional spurts of hitting and can do some things situationally. I think in the right situation, he could really thrive. Houston, the Yankees, the Cubs, the Dodgers, Philadelphia and San Diego all make some sense, but Isbel has some control left too, so you never know.
The Royals are tweaking their slides in response to some overturned replay calls, writes Pete Grathoff.
“One thing about those guys that came off the bag is they’re running so fast,” said Royals coach Damon Hollins, who works with the teams’ baserunners. “It’s just one of those things that you’ve got to just keep some type of body part on the bag.
“Obviously, you’re reaching for the bag and you beat the throw. But depending on where you are and how fast you are going, when you start to slide, your momentum is going to obviously take you a little bit past it (the base).
“So it’s really just about staying down, trying to keep some type of body part on the bag. I can’t fault those guys as part of it, you’ve just gotta work within the rules.”
Royals Reporter writes about four Royals position player prospects to know.
Fangraphs ranks Bobby Witt Jr. as the second-most valuable player in baseball.
Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz hits four home runs in a 6-for-6 performance.
The Mets acquire lefty Gregory Soto from the Orioles.
The Yankees acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies.
The Red Sox are interested in Dodgers catcher Daulton Rushing.
Boston reportedly rejected a Padres offer for Jarren Duran.
The Padres are interested in outfielders Luis Robert Jr. and Ramón Laureano.
Two-time Gold Glove shortstop Nick Ahmed announces his retirement.
Nick Kurtz is slugging his way into the AL Rookie of the Year race.
CC Sabathia’s car broke down on his way to Cooperstown.
How Bristol Motor Speedway was transformed into an MLB stadium.
Fenway Park concession workers go on strike.
The feds are probing the NFL players’ union for potential criminal action.
Lionel Messi is suspended one game for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
Why do you have to put your seat back in the upright position for plane landings?
How Marvel rebooted the Fantastic Four franchise.
A ranking of the best movie spoofs ever.
Your song of the day is Steve Winwood with Holding On.