3:03PM: The Royals have officially announced the signing.
1:06PM: The Royals have agreed to a two-year deal with free agent first baseman Carlos Santana, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports (via Twitter). The contract is worth $17.5MM in guaranteed money, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan (Twitter link), with another $1MM available in incentives. The majority of the money will come in 2022, as the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports that Santana will earn $7MM in 2021 and then $10.5MM in the second year of the deal. Santana is represented by Octagon’s Ulises Cabrera and Brian Mejia.
The $17.5MM matches what Santana would have earned in 2021 had the Indians exercised their club option on his services. Instead, Cleveland declined the option and bought Santana out for $500K, sending him into free agency.
This is the Royals’ second notable two-year free agent contract in as many weeks, following their two-year pact with Mike Minor worth $19MM in guaranteed money. Kansas City had over $23.5MM coming off their books in the form of expired contracts for Ian Kennedy and Alex Gordon and Maikel Franco being non-tendered, and now just about all of that money has been reinvested in the form of Santana, Minor, and Michael A. Taylor.
As a smaller-market team facing a bigger financial hit than most clubs in 2020 given the lack of revenue-sharing funds, this type of aggressive spending from the Royals is a little surprising, yet it signals that owner John Sherman (who bought the team last offseason) is willing to green-light some significant roster upgrades. GM Dayton Moore openly said that he plans to field a competitive team in 2021, and while the Twins, White Sox and (even likely without Francisco Lindor) Indians still loom as powers in the AL Central, the organization clearly feels it is possible to contend.
Kansas City is very familiar with Santana over his years in Cleveland, and Santana has more career home runs (31) and RBI (93) against the Royals than any other opponent over his 11 Major League seasons. 2020, however, was a down year for veteran, as he hit .199/.349/.350 over 255 plate appearances for the Tribe — the lowest numbers Santana has ever posted in all three slash-line categories. While he still led the American League with 47 walks, Santana’s power numbers dropped significantly, and he posted his lowest hard-hit ball and barrel percentage (as per Statcast) of the last six seasons.
It isn’t what you want to see out of a player entering his age-35 season, making it somewhat surprising that Santana was able to land such a healthy two-year guarantee in free agency. (MLBTR projected Santana for a one-year, $6MM deal.) Still, Santana had only a .212 BABIP last season and his .360 xwOBA far outpaced his .311 wOBA, so some misfortune was baked into his lackluster results. Combine this lack of batted-ball luck with the small sample size of the shortened 2020 season, and there’s certainly reason to imagine Santana could look like his old self next year. It was just in 2019 that Santana hit .281/.397/.515 with 34 homers for Cleveland, earning the first All-Star and Silver Slugger nods of his long career.
Santana played all 60 games at first base last season, with somewhat mixed reviews (+5 Defensive Runs Saved, but -2.0 UZR./150 and -2 Outs Above Average) depending on the metric. Still, Santana has long been at least an average defender at first base, so he is likely to get the bulk of playing time at the position in 2021, with likely a fair number of DH days included to keep him fresh.
With Santana at first base and Franco gone, it now looks at if Hunter Dozier will slide back across the diamond to play third base. Dozier didn’t exactly shine defensively in his previous stints at third base, so there is some possible room for flexibility within the Royals’ lineups. Speculatively, Dozier could see some time in the outfield and Whit Merrifield could get some time at the hot corner, though Merrifield hasn’t played third base since 2017. If Bobby Witt Jr. is called up at some point in 2021, K.C. could also deploy the star prospect at third base.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Not a bad signing but confused why there’s so many two year deals. Royals aren’t anywhere close to competing.
This is a great deal 2 years for 17 million. Good job by the Royals. I wanted Santana to return to Cleveland, but it did not happened. I’m wondering who will play first base for Cleveland either they sign someone via free agency or they will make a trade.
Naylor will get most playing time at 1st for the Tribe this year.
Yes you are right.
Not necessarily. Too many variables to determine that right now. Bobby Bradley. Bauers, maybe. Naylor could end up in LF again, where he’s much better than Bauers and has experience playing.
Right. There are a lot of options at first, none that are great. Naylor (my preference) Bauers, Bradley. They even talked about Jones being there before they decided to give him reps in the outfield. What it would love to see (but it looks highly unlikely) is that we can pry Dominic smith from the Mets in a Lindor trade. He would be my ideal player at that position.
So many left handed hitting options. I wouldn’t want another in a Lindor trade unless its a middle infielder taking over for Lindor.
Stole my thunder.
I would gladly include Dom Smith in a deal for Lindor.
How about D. Smith, Pitcher Matt Allen, and OF TJ Ginn?
Clearly too much for a year of control. That’s not happening, they may get one of Rosario and Gimenez, and if they throw in one of their starters, then I could see Smith or JD, even Nimmo going back with a lower tier prospect or two.
Maybe Mets send Dom Smith in a package deal for Lindor.
Mets need their heads examined if they trade Dominic Smith for one year of Lindor, especially as part of a ‘package’. Smith can flat out hit and outperformed Lindor in 2020 by a wide margin.
Yup Indians fans need to realize they aren’t getting a haul for one year of Lindor.
I think what people need to consider as well is that the Mets can pay him the most money and with the uncertainty of the season and potentially another year of lost revenue, the Mets have the inside track. It would be a trade and sign like what Mookie did.
Lindor’s stat cast data looked a heck of a lot better than the actual numbers. I’m guessing he’s going to have a pretty good 2021 if the season format isn’t disrupted again.
I’d trade Dom Smith in a package for Lindor 100/100 times. With no DH This year—it’s going to be really tough to find abs for him.
It’s not a simple 1:1 of Dom Smith to Lindor, though. It’s five years of control on Dom Smith to one year of Lindor.
And Cano is out for the year. Move McNeil back to 2B and put Dom in RF. Their defense is already terrible, it can’t get much worse. There are plenty of ABs for Smith. Conforto and Nimmo also have injury histories.
The Mets (imo, as a fan) are not one player away from competing for a WS. With luck, and at least one more SP, they can squeak into the playoffs. Adding Lindor for one season and giving up Smith to do so (plus *more* as part of a ‘package’) is crazy. Lindor at 2B, and an outfield of Conforto/Nimmo/McNeil is not markedly better than McNeil at 2B and an outfield of Conforto/Nimmo/Smith.
Why would the Mets do this if they could just sign him next offseason? The Mets are not likely to be WS contenders this season (especially if they do not sign a SP or two), so having Lindor in 2021 at the cost of five years of Smith makes no sense.
It’s the kind of move you make if you’re really close, and the Mets are not.
Further, Sandy explicitly said he wants to improve the team via FA signings, not trades, so this is probably moot.
And if the Mets trade for him you will be the first poster talking about what a great deal they made regardless of who they trade. It’s called being a fan.
No, I would not. If they traded Smith for Lindor I’d be right here trashing it.
Wishing your favorite team success while being critical of their moves… now *that* is called being a fan
What are you talking about? Smith in RF? Lindor at 2b?
Mets are absolutely one player away from competing. They might not be in the same class as the Dodgers, but who is. A full season will solve a lot of issues and I’m bullish on any team that fronts deGrom, Conforto, Alonso and McNeil.
Dom Smith only has 4 years of control remaining. If you have Pete Alonso—that really hurts what you can do. Smith is not an outfielder. He’s going to hurt you significantly with the glove. I’d easily give up Dom Smith + for Lindor. I’m not talking multiple top prospects but I’m certainly making a deal.
I would make the trade, but I’m sure a pitcher is heading to the Mets as well so its not only Lindor but a SP as well. That to me would be a solid deal. Without the DH its almost impossible to get Smith’s bat in the lineup especially if they pick up Springer. However, I would think that if Lindor comes over, then Springer may be off the table. Again, I’m sure there are agreements in place that’s allowing clubs to make or not make certain moves to shore up their roster.in anticipation of these agreements.
Smith, Davis & Nimmo for Lindor could work.
RCT, Because the Mets could create buzz and win the news cycle away from the Yankees, if only for a moment. It would be a splash move for a new owner that says he is going to spend money.
I guess I don’t understand this. It won’t be a blockbuster but it should be a decent return. I’ll use the Mookie Betts trade and an example. His last year in Boston was good but not great. Same with Lindor, but he plays a prime position very well. Betts (with the addition of Price) brought a decent haul back for the Red Sox. It wasn’t Lux, May or Ruiz, but it was still very good.
Bobby Bradley will play 1B as he is cheaper. Indians will be cost cutting and as a tribe fan it will suck but it is what our ownership is known for.
It looks like Pavin Smith from the Diamondbacks is the odd man out. I would take a flier on him…
Remember when he was the Best College Hitter in the draft out of Virginia?
What prospects can you offer the Pirates for Josh Bell?
This is clearly a sign that they may have something brewing with the Mets for Dominic Smith or JD Davis, both of which can play first base. I suspect Lindor may be headed to the Mets.
Could be they’re thinking we’ll sign these guys and if we compete, great; if not, the extra year could increase the trade returns.
Bingo.
If the pitchers continue to develop, I don’t think competing in 2022 is out of the question. But also we have to give two year deals to play with free agents.
I mean, if the team is competitive he’s a veteran leader and dominant on-base presence. If the team sucks again, he’s got good trade value because of the second year. It’s really a win-win for Kansas City.
I see these deals done by teams similar to KC as deals that fill holes, don’t really raise the payroll, and are eventually trade bait and will be moved at the deadline. The veteran players can also help the younger players develop by giving them a on the job training whether it’s their routine, specific drills they do, how they approach at-bats mentally, scouting reports, picking up on a pitcher’s tendencies, etc…
Yeah, @RoyalsFan12 that is a little puzzling.
I wonder if they think having these guys on two year deals might make them more attractive at the deadline, if they decide to move them.
Interesting that Santana got significantly more than was predicted. On the macro level, I wonder if perhaps finances aren’t quite as bad as I was originally thinking.
Seems like a overpay for Santana.
Of course it’s an overpay. That’s what it takes to get someone to sign with a rebuilding club this early.
I agree, bad year + age, its not the best deal.
It can also be a prospect sign. If he does well and gets back in form, he could be spun to a contender. Decent contract and he could net a few prospects.
Exactly what I was going to post. This seems to hurt their rebuild because he’ll add a win or two, that could decrease their draft pick. Why spend money for that?
I’m shocked to see the Royals spending this kinda money on a 35 year old vet who had horrid numbers in 2020 on a 2 year deal. Just doesn’t quite make sense? Did I miss something?
Yes, you missed that his career worst year last year was still significantly better than anything we’re going to get out of our first base options. Also he still has a .341 OBP and a 91 OPS+ which is basically his floor. 2019 he was like .281 with an obp of almost .400 and hit 34 home runs. He’s a good defender and a great clubhouse presence for our young kids. Worst case scenario he’s a roughly league average hitter that’s better than our in-house alternatives.
Far closer to competing than you think.
Poised to have a top 3 pitching staff with all the young arms they have (to which they added Mike Minor). They were 6th in league ERA last year in the short season, and should continue to improve. Adding a middle of the order bat like Santana, and bounce back years for Mondesi and Dozier, would get them at least a middle of the league offense. That is the formula for a playoff push.
Royalsfan .. I am wondering the same thing.
Are they maybe rolling the dice on paying cheap two year deals early so that if COVID ends by 2022 and prices go back up they might have bargains? Maybe players with friendly contracts that can be moved for pieces in 2022?
I don’t really know, but I just don’t see the Royals being competitive with CWS or the Twins in two years. Maybe Cleveland the way they are moving players off. Even Detroit might be better than KC over the next two years. Definite head scratcher.
Twins get ready to rumble in 2021
We need some bullpen arms and rotation pieces.
Honestly, I’m fine with trading Kepler and/or Polanco. Would love to trade sano, but I don’t think anyone wants him.
Just curious, but why would you trade Kepler and Sano? You’d be selling low on them both and you likely wouldn’t get MLB ready players in return. The Twins window is right now. They should be adding, not subtracting.
They should not trade Kepler or Sano, both under team friendly contracts, Max is going to break out in 2021.
Santana likely is the full-time DH with Soler playing RF.
Santana is great fielder at 1st. Actually try watching some games young fella
No need to be rude
his career -6 dwar tells otherwise,kid!
dWAR is weighed worse toward 1B’s. Plus he was a poor defensive catcher early on in his career. He’s put up average or better numbers at 1B since 2016.
he has had the most innings at 1b. 7,724.2 vs. 2,783.1.
Defensive numbers since 2015 at 1B: +7 DRS, 10.2 UZR, 7.7 range runs above average. Might have more career innings at 1B, but that -53 DRS at catcher early on in his career really affects his overall dWAR. Again, dWAR is weighed differently based on position. Being a bad defensive catcher is going to significantly bring down your dWAR. Being an above average defensive 1B is going to help, but unless you’re Matt Chapman, it’s hard to post a good dWAR there.
Vizionaire, Santana’s career +5 dwar at 1B according to BBRef would like to counter what you said.
Slow down. Keith Hernandez was a great first baseman; Santana is above average, maybe good, depends on the year. But let’s save the term great for true greatness.
Santana will likely play 1B with Soler still the DH
Or Perez mixing in at DH with Soler in the OF. It will be a rotation
Soler is a disaster in RF. Not going to happen very often.
He didn’t look all that great at 1B in Philly, that’s all I’m saying!
soler a horrific fielder though
He’s more likely gonna play at first. Here’s what the lineup looks like right now:
C: Salvador Perez
1B: Carlos Santana
2B: Whit Merrifield
SS: Adalberto Mondesi
3B: Hunter Dozier
LF: Edward Olivares
CF: Michael Taylor
RF: Franchy Cordero
DH: Jorge Soler
Not a bad lineup. Assuming Cordero doesn’t play a full year, you’d have Lopez fill in at second and Whit slides to the outfield. Don’t get to watch too many Royals games, so maybe a Royals fan can answer this. It seems like the Royals are starting to sour on Lopez, I personally think he has to ability to be a decent regular, have the Royals moved on or at least don’t have as much faith in him as before?
No…they haven’t soured on Lopez – depending on what metric you prefer, he was one of the top defensive 2B in the game last year – OOZ and DRS, he’s at the top. With less than a season under his belt, that kind of defense will buy him some patience to see if he can establish himself at the plate against MLB pitching. Having said that, Whit will still play 2B plenty this year.
Thanks rswhite. I wasn’t sure, but figured he was in an odd man out situation, I hope they can give him some more ABs this year. If he can carryover his minors success he will be a solid top of the order bat in terms of base running and OBP. And imo that would fill a huge need and probably be a big boon to the rebuild beyond just one roster spot.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Whit bounce between LF and 2B with Lopez getting time at 2B….not a bad lineup though….hope we see more of the young arms join Singer/Bubic this year…..I don’t think with the pitching we have on the way we are too far off from being a pretty good team again
I personally would prefer Lopez on the bench or in the minors. Can’t have that bat in the lineup.
not arguing your point on Lopez….I just could see him getting another long-ish look, maybe.
@Royals12
Nicky Lopez at 2nd, Whit in OF
It will likely start that way, but Nicky is gonna have to hit better to see regular playing time.
More likely to be at 1B, Dozier going back to 3B with Franco gone. Royals article on the signing admitted as much:
“Santana could function as the Royals’ starting first baseman, with Hunter Dozier moving across the diamond to take over at third base for Maikel Franco, who was non-tendered.”
That seems steep for the Royals to spend on a 1b/DH
They aren’t paying 25% of their salary on Alex Gordon any more. And most of their players are in their first 3 years of control, so very cheap. I might be wrong but the Danny Duffy and Ian Kennedy contracts come off the books relatively soon as well.
Duffy is in his last year. I was playing with possible trade scenarios for the Angels a few days ago and considered Duffy a decent target if KC wanted to drop payroll, which this move indicates they do not.
I don’t see this move, or Minor’s signing, as a move toward a press to contend. If they contend, great. If they don’t, they’ll shop Minor and Santana at this deadline or the next and turn them into prospects.
Kennedy is gone so that contract is off the books…was up for the QO this year and Royals declined.
A royally high cost
$8 million is about what it costs for an average MLB player in free agency. There is a case that Santana is above average. These prices are cheap. The two year contracts may be the agents knowing the salaries are lower because of revenue and hoping for one more pay day? Although Santana is a bit old. Clubs are also probably cautious to go more than 2-3 for the average type player.
though, the pandemic is still in full blow-up.
Great signing by KC one of my all time favorite non-twins player. Will help that line up and team a ton
I always thought he was one of the most underrated or underappreciated players in the game. He’s made his share of money, but just one All-Star Game and MVP votes in two seasons. You could pick any of his seasons out of a hat (2020 aside) and be happy about that level of production.
AL central is slowly starting to become competitive
Wow! Great to see the Royals want to spend this kind of money! They really needed a first baseman. With Soler, Merrifield and Perez the Royals kind of have a good top of the order now.
They just signed their starting catcher!
Even though royals won’t do anything this year it’s great to see bad teams get better. It makes the league better to watch. And they do have good prospects I think.
I guess we will see if the Mets do anything so that they don’t end up in 5th place again.
Who would have thought the Royals would be one of the more active teams this offseason?
No kidding. I wondered if Miami would be a surprise-spender, especially with Ng at the reins and understanding value.
But KC? Yeah, no…
with some big money off the books, not too surprised…especially with two year deals on these guys – that gives them time to bring along more of the young arms and potentially be a dangerous team (assuming those arms pan out, like Singer) or to trade these guys off to contenders. Good flexibility either way for KC here. Like the signings.
Welp. Brewers missed their guy…
Under Mendoza line and gets 16mill. Ridiculous.
Under the Mendoza like for one year (not even). His BA always fluctuates quite a bit, but he still produced near league average ops+ at his worst. Teams are probably looking at his decade long track record of being an above average producer that gets on base, hits for some power, and provides quality defense at first base. Especially a team that has OBP issues in their lineup. He is a consistent producer that is able to contribute even if he’s slumping.
He’s a solid defensive first basemen who in his career worst year still had a .341 OBP and a 91 OPS+. If this is what we get out of him this year, he will be a MASSIVE upgrade over O’Hearn/McBroom.
If you’re looking at a decades long track record, Edwin Encarnacion would sign for less! There comes a time to not take chances on players coming off a poor season. One of those times is when you’re a small market team that can’t risk making a mistake.
I don’t follow the Royals very closely but don’t they already have two 1B? What’s happening to OHearn?
O’Hearn just isn’t very good. He’s been given way more than enough time by the Royals to try to prove himself, but hasn’t seized his opportunities. I personally like Ryan McBroom more than O’Hearn, nevermind Santana.
So the Royals blow the entire budget on a 35yr old 1st baseman. Brilliant!
and add Witt to the line up and the Royals may have something there……
They may not too.
They also may
Rip Ryan O’Hearn. This signifies the probable end of the experiment.
Never sign a non-catcher position player to a multi-year deal when he’s in his mid-30’s. I suppose it’s no great hindrance to the Royals, since they have basically nothing else on their payroll for the next two years, but I’d have gone cheaper at 1B and spent a little on veteran innings-eating pitchers.
They have more pitching on the way….lots of top shelf arms are coming soon to join Keller, Singer, Bubic. Not to mention Minor in the mix now along with Duffy already here….this gives the Royals the option of slowly brining along those other arms this year and next, or if they push their way up, you can move a guy like Bubic of Duffy to the pen, etc. The potential is there for this team to be pretty fun sooner rather than later. And Bobby Witt on the way, along with some other solid position players….
Nelson Cruz put up some excellent numbers as a non-catcher in his mid-30s on multi-year deals.
@rtc Cruz is on that Big Roid vitamins that keep them healthy and raking
Sounds like you have proof? No?
OBP!!
Could probably do the ephemeral fall out of bed today and take a walk or get a base hit. And if reports are to be trusted, great in the clubhouse to boot.
Just question the cost and where he fits on the Royals’ developmental path. But Moore usually doesn’t do dumb things.
I understand the move from the Royals point of view, another team I wouldn’t get it.
Two year deal means he’s out by rebuild end. I can’t see them letting Salvy go, so I could see him moving to first to finish his career and they can keep him healthy. I feel like he could pick up first base with relative ease. Couldn’t hurt possibly getting some pointers from Santana
They won’t let Salvy go, even if it made sense to. Salvy means too much to the city. Some people won’t like that line of thinking, and they may have a point, but it’s reality. Salvador Perez has a contract on the Royals for as long as he wants one.
That’s what I’m saying. He’s a player they will probably let finish on his own terms (probably used in case he holds on a bit too long). He certainly won’t finish it behind the dish, so this move seems like a solid place holder and in two years he can transition to 1b/DH and mentor the next catcher in line.
Royals trying to sneak in and steal the central.
I finally got one right on the Prediction contest. Only took 5 years.
Good for KC. I’m surprised Santana didn’t wait for a more obvious contender to approach him, but happy he got 2 years.
Maybe waiting this long without being approached by a contender told him enough. Not many contenders have their 1B put up a 91 OPS+.
There’s not too many good teams knocking on his door after the rough season he had. Plus ifthe Royals are bad and Santana bounces back, they’ll be able to flip him to a contender.
Horrible waste of money. Royals are not a competitive team, despite Dayton Moore fantasy spin. Santana is fine as supporting player on good team but serves no purpose on a team lucky to get 3rd.
2 years $17M for a guy who had a 911 OPS in 2019. Guy had a 349 OBP on a 199 average, the eye is there, he probably just had a dumpster fire year with the pandemic, and should get back to 800+ next year, great snag for the Royals, they will most likely flip him in 2022.
Overpay.
He hits just like the ocean, under the moon
Royals are certainly going to be a great sneaky contender pick this year
That’s something you and I seem to agree on. We have both been saying that for a while. I have a feeling they are gonna be the 2018 Braves.
Low-key… the Royals starting to look like a lower level WC team. That lineup could probably hold it’s own if they got another pitcher and some pen help. Starting to think that one of Rodon or Urena will go there and be a back of the pen force. Royals. Hmm.
This guy has killed the Royals for years! Looking forward to see how this plays out!
Mitch Moreland will be lucky to get 1/2 the years and 25% of the money. At the end of the year his numbers will outperform, and his defense will be superior.
This should also make Phillies’ fans feel terrible right now. The Royals are a small market team that lost money like everybody else, yet they are still going out and making moves to improve their team. The Phillies on the other hand, “lost” (wasn’t lost it was just revenue not gained, no team lost money) just as much money as any other team, yet they blame their bad decisions on a financial crisis that isn’t as bad as they make it out to be, but that can be their excuse for cutting payroll.
I guess you can throw the Reds in that same category, but to be honest, I don’t know what the heck is going on over there. It’s almost like another rebuild and less of cutting payroll.
@Rangers29, every team lost money. Losing seat revenue = losing money. The current estimate is that every team lost around $100 million on average.
Next winter, royals trade Santana to the Indian for (insert name)
I really thought Cleveland was going to feel the pressure to change their team name to the ‘Cleveland Baseball Santanas’ with a guitar painted like a baseball or something that says Rock & Roll baseball for the logo. Might have really boosted the confidence for Domingo and Carlos, but I guess we’ll never know.
This guy gets on base all the time. So underrated.
He hit .199 last season but still had an above average OBP, which says a lot. He still showed solid power last season too. I really don’t think he’s washed up yet.
Exactly. He walks a ton. Fans get frustrated with the low to mediocre average, but to me, he gives you a good at bat every time he’s up. And since he’s getting on base more than most, he’s doing something right.
still cant believe the garbage he got here seemingly just for not being explosive enough
Yup. Insane how many people just see BA. Hoskins is essentially getting the same treatment now.
Plenty of people see more than batting average, but the truth is that Santana is pretty much only suitable as a leadoff hitter going forward. He’s terribly miscast as a run producer, because he’s easily defensed and not good bat-to-ball. There’s a reason his lifetime BABIP is terribly low. In the end, he’s a frustrating player to watch. Why? Because–and I’m not kidding about this–no player in major league history has worked himself into more good counts and done less with them than Carlos Santana.
Despite being a slight overpay, I like this move for the Royals. They had a gaping hole at 1B, and Santana should provide a lot more offense than O’Hearn or McBroom, along with being a great clubhouse addition for an increasingly younger Royals club. They could also use him as a trade chip if he bounces back next season.
The Royals have extremely little money on the books for the next two seasons, which is why I think they are comfortable giving out two year deals to Minor and Santana. Slight overpays, but admirable that they’re spending some money. Sends a good message to the fans.
I’m a little surprised that Santana was able to get such a large contract, given his age and his recent production. However if he can produce like he did in 2019 then this will work out well.
I’m honestly surprised a small market team like themselves gave this much money to a player who won’t be around when they win, especially when they could’ve went cheap and just rolled out guys like McBroom or O’Hearn. It’s better to have name value guys like Santana that your fans can cheer for. It’s why I don’t like how some teams operate such as the Orioles who have players like Villar or Alberto who just get released. In the end, winning 55 games or winning 60 games doesn’t matter that much, but alienating a fan base by only rolling out AAAA guys does. Props to them.
The Royals aren’t that far off of contending. Minor, Keller, Duffy, Singer, and Bubic give them a pretty good rotation and my be better than the rotations they went to the World Series with. If they re-sign Holland or Rosenthal to anchor the bullpen and add one more Outfielder they can be right in the thick of things
On December 8th, the Royals have given out the two biggest free agent deals so far?
Go Royals go! Both very good, shrewd signings! Love them.
Love what the Royals are doing. If nothing else, they are becoming relevant again. The Santana and Minor deals remibd me a little bit of when they traded for James Shields, in large part to change the culture. They had Shields for…two years. And then won the WS just after he left.
The majority of the money will come in 2022? Well, might as well start the trade deadline speculation now.
c. Perez
1b Santana
2b Lopez
3b Whitt jr.
ss Mondesi
of Cordero/Oliveros/Taylor
cf Merrifield
rf Dozier
dh Solar
sp Keller
sp Minor
sp Singer
sp Bubic
sp Kowar/Lynch/Lacy
cl Duffy
This team can compete with any in the American league. A good young strong team.
3B will be Franco. I think they will re-sign him to be honest. Whitt Jr is awesome but it would be better for him to stay in the minors for 1 more year.
As long as he doesn’t play smooth after the national anthem,I’m ok with this.
Pretty sure KC fans are loving this deal
I think this move gives the Royals a legitimate lineup. However, their bench, rotation and bullpen can most charitably be called “lacking”.
Your right on that! Rotation is better but needs more. They signed Mike Minor and getting Brady Singer even better with that blazing fastball! Last year I saw him hit 99 with the 4-seamer. So he will probably pitch faster then last year.
Santana loves hitting at the K over .400 love this signing.
Nick Pratto just earned a reprieve for at least a season & probably 2 not to mention a roster spot a year from now.
.349 OBP is great but a .199 AVG and .699 OPS is dreadful. Should’ve been an one year, incentive laden contract.
Wow, got one right in this Free Agent pick ’em thing.
No one could’ve predicted this signing. I thought KCR might go after Chris Archer. After pitching, 1B is KCR’s biggest need. I think Hunter Dozier will move to RF and not to 3B.
Nope! Dozier will move to LF because Gordon is gone. Soler will be our RF They will most likely will re-sign Franco for 3B. Perez will be our C obviously. Santana will be our 1B. Mondesi will be our SS. Lopez will be our 2B (by April someone else will be playing there most likely.) Merrifield will be our CF. We need more pitchers. We have Singer, Minor, Junis and Duffy. We need better Starting/Relieve pitching.
Santana’s #1 stat is the walk. This should make all the obp people giddy. If you compare E Rosario (.310 obp), Nimmo (.400 obp) and Santana (.350-.375 obp), who do you think PRODUCES more runs for his team?
Secondly, why are we still hearing the term “small market team” phrase bring used as an excuse to field a mediocre team in 2020?
If a city can’t support an MLB franchise financially, they should be moved or sold to an owner who has more financial savvy. I think there should be two salary caps in baseball: a minimum and a maximum.
This salary structure would bump UP minimum and at the same time cap the maximum. Incentives would NOT be included in the total.
Teams can offer contracts worth a billion dollars WITH incentives without handcuffing themselves in guaranteed money. Players can actually be motivated again and rewarded for FUTURE performance.
Bottom line is, “small market” mentality is a choice, not a reason. Advertising, revenue sharing, tv deals, 2 million in ticket sales, WINNING, etc. all these add up to a profitable business venture. If it doesn’t, blame the CEO and financial department, not the “market”. These owners buy these teams knowing full well what the financial situation is beforehand. If history dictates it’s financially impossible to compete, then they are idiots to invest and simply incompetent business men and women who shouldn’t be allowed to own a franchise.
Lastly, if a “small market” city wants to keep its franchise, let the city figure out how to keep it (taxes, grants, incentives, marketing, etc) or baseball should award that franchise to the highest bidder like Tennessee, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Montreal, Buffalo, cities in Mexico, Delaware, wherever.
Why don’t we ever hear about how the “small market” Kansas City Chiefs can’t compete financially in the NFL? Asking for a friend…
KC was wise to back load the deal in case Santana boosts his trade value, this way they can move him before owing him the larger salary of his two years under contract.
This is my favorite team here. This signing right here means they are getting better, making more money and getting new/better player. I can’t wait till April 1 when we play Texas!!!