Royals Rumblings

Royals Rumblings - News for December 28, 2020

RIP to one of the best knuckleballers ever.

By Max Rieper@maxrieper Dec 28, 2020, 8:00am EST

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Royals Rumblings - News for December 28, 2020

At Royals Academy, Clint Scoles gives his thoughts on a potential Jurickson Profar signing.

Obviously, the Padres offer a better team, but the Royals probably offer more secure playing time through a slump and a better spot within the batting order. Should he and the team perform, it could position better for the next contract. At 28 on opening day, if the market isn’t offering much now, he could be 29 or 30 years old when he hits the market once again. Still at 2/9 or 1/5 as I’ve on the interwebs, he seems like a bargain, and if the Royals need to add some money or an option, I would do it.

Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter looks at whether Whit Merrifield will return to second base.

While Lopez is better than Whit defensively at second, Whit is still serviceable, and it seems like the Royals are eager to add another left-handed bat to the lineup. The Royals have been connected to players like Jurickson Profar and other similar utility outfielder types who could play multiple positions in the outfield, which would add some defensive flexibility as well as much needed production in the bottom of the lineup. While it may be unlikely that Moore will ink a deal before the new year, the Royals have been aggressive this off-season, and it seems likely that the Royals have at least one more major move left in them to make before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training.

And thus, with that being the case, it seems probable that a.) the Royals would pursue another outfielder and b.) the acquisition would move Whit back to second and push Nicky into a utility infielder role off the bench.

Will Leitch at MLB.com has one holiday wish for each team.

Royals — Bullpen help: The Royals have been impressively aggressive so far, and the additions of Carlos Santana and Mike Minor really do make them look better. But a wobbly bullpen could tank everything they’re trying to do.

Shawn Bauman at Kings of Kauffman sees problems with a potential Adam Wainwright signing.

The Pirates trade first baseman Josh Bell to the Washington Nationals.

The Rangers sign Japanese pitcher Kohei Arihara to a two-year deal.

Who are the best fits for slugging free agent Marcell Ozuna?

The Padres and Cubs have discussed a Yu Darvish trade.

At ESPN Insider, Jeff Passan answers questions about the uncertainty of next season.

Hall of Fame knuckelballer Phil Niekro dies at age 81.

Old friend Jake Diekman could be the closer in Oakland this year.

The new minor league landscape could hurt franchise values.

A look at the weirdest baseball uniforms ever worn.

The history of baseball in Hawaii.

What 2020 can teach us about building an NFL team.