Royals Rundown: A Kansas City Royals Podcast

The Kansas City Royals took two of three from Cleveland, but Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco spend most of this episode on the bigger organizational questions the series raised. John Schreiber was placed on waivers and claimed by the Yankees, and the hosts unpack the money saved along with what the move signals about the front office's real view of where this roster stands. Seth Lugo's downturn gets a hard look as well, including his recent ERA spike and declining strikeouts, with the conversation turning toward why the extension for him is a genuine issue rather than an earned formality. August belonged to two Royals in particular. Outfielder Jac Caglianone put together a monstrous month that makes a real case for AL Player of the Month, backed by elite numbers across batting average, slugging, OPS, and RBI. His opposite-field power and bat control are what separate him from a typical hot streak, and Jacob and Jeremy make the case that his breakout has been the least surprising storyline of the season. Starter Noah Cameron's rise continues right alongside him, with a dominant August that puts him squarely in the AL Pitcher of the Month conversation. His improved run prevention and hit suppression trace directly back to taking over more control of his own pitch calling. The conversation shifts to what the Royals actually have heading into 2026 and beyond, with Bobby Witt Jr., Caglianone, Carter Jensen, and Cameron setting themselves as the dudes Kansas City can trust. September roster expansion brings a handful of names into focus, including Carson Roccaforte's strong week in Omaha and his center field upside, Lucas Braun as a possible rotation depth look, Hunter Owen's strikeout streak and Rule 5 protection case, and Gavin Cross getting a look after returning healthy. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals' nine-game winning streak came to an end with a 3-0 loss to Toronto, but Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco frame it as a strong stretch rather than any kind of collapse. Bobby Witt Jr. stays in the AL MVP conversation, though the offensive edge right now still points toward Yordan Alvarez. Jac Caglianone's struggles since returning from injury spark a broader conversation about rhythm and confidence, and how much weight a rough game or two should actually carry. The roster continues to churn. Michael Massey has gone on the seven-day concussion list after a scary-looking play, and Mason Black has been optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Josh Rojas is back for his third stint with Kansas City, and Anthony Gose has been selected after a strong stretch in Omaha and a long MLB career as both an outfielder and a pitcher. Beck Way's returned rehab assignment reignites a heated critique of how the organization has handled player health this year, and Nick Mears' thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis becomes another example of injuries taking far too long to sort out. The conversation turns pointed when Craig Kimbrel and the broader old-versus-young roster philosophy come up, with Jacob and Jeremy questioning whether Kansas City is leaning too hard on veterans who have no real bearing on the team's future. The back half of the episode is dedicated to MLB's newly floated CBA proposal, and it is a thorough breakdown. A proposed $265 million cap on free-agent contracts, changes to Rule 5 draft eligibility, and earlier arbitration and free agency timing are all covered in detail. Jacob and Jeremy are particularly critical of the calendar-based offseason plan, arguing that manufactured transaction windows and a winter meetings quiet period would depress salaries and make the sport less interesting rather than more efficient. The very real possibility of a lockout when the current CBA expires in December 2026 closes out the discussion, along with a personal note on how a work stoppage would affect the people who depend on baseball's offseason calendar to network and find jobs in the industry. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals just completed a perfect homestand, the fourth in franchise history, by sweeping the Detroit Tigers and extending their winning streak to eight games, the longest active streak in the AL. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break down why this stretch felt different and whether it means anything for the faintest of postseason hopes. The offense was the story all weekend. Kansas City posted a .915 team OPS, a .312 batting average, and 6.7 runs per game across the Athletics and Tigers series, with contributions coming from nearly every spot in the order. Kyle Isbel, Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Nick Loftin, Carter Jensen, and John Rave all factored in, and Rave's weekend in particular stands out with a homer, two stolen bases, and five RBI. Salvador Perez even stole a base for the first time in five years, giving the clubhouse and fanbase one of the more memorable moments of the season. Pasquantino's swing quality has looked significantly better since returning from injury, and Jacob and Jeremy dig into the bat speed, attack angle, and max exit velocity trends behind the improvement. Jac Caglianone was scratched with ankle soreness, a move both hosts view as precautionary given the timing of an off day and the stretch ahead. The bullpen remains a real concern, particularly after Sunday's game unraveled once Daniel Lynch IV exited, and the closer carousel involving Nate Pearson, Steven Cruz, and Craig Kimbrel adds another layer of uncertainty heading into the final stretch. The minor league system continues to build momentum, with strong outings from Hunter Owen, production from Ben North, and Carson Roccaforte's promotion all worth watching. The episode closes with a stadium financing update after Mayor Quinton Lucas suggested the Royals' plan may still head to a public vote. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kansas City officially approved a $600 million funding commitment for a downtown Royals stadium by an 11-to-2 vote, and Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break down everything that led to it. Jeremy's interview with Councilman Duncan, who voted no, adds real texture to the conversation, particularly his concerns about the lack of a completed financial analysis before the vote went through. The deal structure gets a thorough examination, including the Royals' private contribution, possible state funding, and whether the city actually used its negotiating leverage effectively. Jacob and Jeremy are not shy about their criticism, both of the rushed timeline and of the stadium renderings themselves, which they find generic and underwhelming given the scale of the project. For fans still opposed to the deal, the hosts lay out what options remain, including contacting city leaders directly. On the field, the Royals are playing some of their best baseball of the season. A four-game sweep of the Athletics extended their winning streak to five games, and the team has been piling up comeback wins since the All-Star break. Vinnie Pasquantino's return has been a major factor, with extra-base hits and better at-bats signaling that his power is fully back after hamate surgery. Bobby Witt Jr. is putting together a huge August that has a legitimate MVP case building, and Salvador Perez continues to climb the franchise RBI leaderboard. The injury report remains crowded. Maikel Garcia is likely headed back to the IL, Jac Caglianone is dealing with ankle soreness even amid a huge August of his own, and Beck Way has begun a rehab assignment. Noah Cameron's growing role gets spotlighted as the Royals look toward 2027, while Lucas Erceg's demotion and Carlos Duran's debut signal that the organization remains firmly in evaluation mode. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals finally won a road series, and Noah Cameron made sure the finale was memorable with a one-hit complete-game shutout in Anaheim that Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco treat as the centerpiece of this episode. The Royals had not won a road series in more than two months, making the victory over the Los Angeles Angels feel like a moment for this aimless team to relish in. Cameron's recent run of starts allowing one hit or fewer over seven-plus innings belongs in historical context, and the hosts dig into why his slider, changeup, and overall pitch-calling approach suggest something sustainable rather than a hot streak. It is the kind of performance that changes how a sophomore pitcher is evaluated. The roster continues to shift. Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino are both back from rehab, triggering a series of corresponding moves involving Josh Rojas, José Cuas, Starling Marte, and Connor Thomas. The bullpen and rotation picture gets a thorough look as well, with Beck Way's rehab assignment, Carlos Estévez, Nick Mears, Lucas Erceg, and Daniel Lynch IV all factoring into a conversation about why the organization keeps leaning on veteran depth. Tony Gonsolin's major league signing adds a high-upside but genuinely uncertain wrinkle to the pitching picture, and Jacob and Jeremy temper their expectations given his extensive injury history. Beyond the current roster, MLB Pipeline's updated farm system rankings have the Royals sitting 19th, prompting a discussion of whether the system trends up or down as the organization pushes toward 2027. The reported sale of the San Diego Padres becomes a broader conversation about franchise value and why the Royals should not be treated as a small-market afterthought, while the Kansas City ballpark situation remains messy, with the city's reported six hundred million dollar offer and its financing structure drawing real criticism over the proposed lease terms. The episode also remembers Tommy John and his lasting impact on the sport, and looks ahead to the Royals' appearance in next year's Field of Dreams game. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals dropped a series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco find plenty worth discussing in both the struggles and the small victories along the way. Jac Caglianone remains the most compelling storyline on the roster right now. He is hitting for average and looking increasingly comfortable at the player while playing first base, and Jacob and Jeremy dig into the ongoing debate about which position actually maximizes his value to this team. It is a conversation about more than just defense but where he plays affects the entire lineup construction moving forward. Carson Roccaforte is making waves with legitimate home run power, and Sean Gamble continues to impress in his second-half turnaround. The headline name, though, is Angeibel Gomez at just 17 years old and already drawing comparisons to Juan Soto. Jacob and Jeremy place his early performance in the context of the Royals' historically uneven track record developing outfielders, while acknowledging that the depth and quality of this farm system feel different than in years past. Injury updates round out the roster conversation, with Vinnie Pasquantino back from injury and Maikel Garcia's status also addressed. Statistical trends across the roster get a look as well, including the team's surprising leader in OPS. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Owner John Sherman gave an interview with Josh Vernier about what it will take to make the Kansas City Royals competitive by 2027, and Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco spend the bulk of this episode working through what he actually said. An entirely new bullpen is one of the clearest needs, and Sherman's acknowledgment of the work ahead sets the tone for a broader roster evaluation that follows, including where potential investment in starting pitching should be prioritized. Sherman's framing of the organization as a results-based business runs through the conversation, and Jacob and Jeremy weigh his comments against real skepticism about the team's current spending and management strategy. Sherman deserves credit for candor, but candor alone does not close the gaps that have defined this roster all season. On the field, Jac Caglianone's home run distance is leading all of MLB right now, and it powered the Royals on win in the Chicago Cubs series that also saw Bobby Witt Jr. make his return from injury. Daniel Lynch IV's return to the rotation gets a more critical look, with the lack of swing and miss in his outing raising familiar questions about whether he fits into the team's long-term pitching plans. The prospect pipeline closes the episode on an encouraging note. Zion Rose is showing promise in his early games, Angeibel Gomez is lighting up the DSL, and Jacob Berry has performed well since coming over in a trade. Jacob and Jeremy connect these developments to the team's improving prospect rankings and what it could mean for future call-ups. Listen to the full John Sherman interview here: https://www.audacy.com/stations/965thefan/shows/fescoe-and-dusty-1ada6/episodes/9299a4b630c4/chapters/c51c4a22bfc0 Check out I Like Numbers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ILikeNumbers1 Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals took a series from the playoff-hopeful Minnesota Twins, and the bullpen usage and managerial decisions behind the win challenge some conventional wisdom about how this coaching staff operates. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break down what actually worked. Noah Cameron's recent streak adds another bright spot, and the hosts assess what his sustained effectiveness could mean for the rotation heading into the final months of the season. Daniel Lynch's role as a starter has drawn questions, but the reasoning behind it is more strategic than it appears on the surface. Jacob and Jeremy work through the logic, connecting it to the broader pitching decisions that have shaped this stretch of games. The conversation broadens into a look at small-market team strategy more generally — why organizations like the Royals have historically found ways to succeed against payroll disadvantages while others with similar constraints have not. Jacob and Jeremy push back on some of the common criticisms of front office and managerial decision-making, making the case that understanding the full context matters before passing judgment on any individual move. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Kansas City Royals' decisions left fans in disbelief. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco dissect the moves, and the notable lack of others, as the front office's approach comes under real scrutiny. The Kris Bubic for Carlos Duran swap headlines a deadline that many are already calling a missed opportunity. Jacob and Jeremy work through why the return fell short of expectations and what it says about how the organization is valuing its own assets heading into a critical offseason. The trade of Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter to the Atlanta Braves gets similar treatment, with the hosts assessing what the return reveals about the front office's broader deadline strategy. The players the Royals chose not to move draw just as much attention as the ones they did. John Schreiber and Seth Lugo both remained in Kansas City despite being logical trade candidates, and Jacob and Jeremy question the reasoning behind holding onto veteran arms on a team that is not competing this season. The hosts make the case that proactive dealing, not passive waiting, is what a rebuild actually requires, and that this deadline did not reflect that urgency. Fan and analyst reaction has been pointed, and the frustration building throughout this difficult season comes through clearly in the conversation. Jacob and Jeremy do not shy away from the criticism, using it to frame a larger discussion about where this organization goes from here and what fans should reasonably expect heading into 2027. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trade rumors are swirling, and the Kansas City Royals' decisions over the next several days could shape the franchise well beyond this season. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco dig into what is really brewing behind the scenes as the deadline approaches. The Royals' current standing puts them squarely in seller territory, and Jacob and Jeremy make the case for why bold moves are necessary rather than optional. Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo both represent real value on the trade market right now, and holding onto controllable veterans at this stage of a lost season risks missing a window that will not stay open. The hosts break down what realistic packages could look like and why the front office cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Developing young talent remains the priority, and continuing to lean on aging arms works against that goal rather than supporting it. Jacob and Jeremy connect the current deadline decisions directly to the organization's outlook for 2027 and beyond, making clear that what happens in the next few days will say a lot about whether this front office is serious about the rebuild. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Salvador Perez is now the Kansas City Royals' all-time home run leader, and Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco give the record-breaking moment the full treatment it deserves. Perez's sustained power, his ability to keep producing at this stage of his career, and the curious absence of recognition from MLB The Show all factor into a broader conversation about his place in franchise history. The record-breaking shot could not have come at a more fitting time, and the final stretch of the season could still add to his total in meaningful ways. The trade deadline is closing in, and the Royals need to approach it as sellers. Jacob and Jeremy work through the latest rumors, potential player moves, and what realistic returns look like for the pieces the front office should prioritize moving. Lane Thomas is among the names in play, and the market dynamics around him and others are worth understanding before the deadline arrives. Noah Cameron followed up a difficult 2026 with a career-best start, and the mechanical and strategic differences from his earlier outings are worth isolating. Whether it signals a genuine adjustment or remains an outlier will depend on what comes next, but the performance itself demands attention. The Kansas City stadium debate is heating up, with Jeremy's recent article on the process providing important context. The public vote, the tension between public need and corporate interest, and what the outcome could mean for the franchise's long-term future in Kansas City all deserve the attention they are getting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Salvador Perez has tied George Brett with 317 career home runs as a Royal, and this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast gives the milestone its moment before turning to a trade deadline that is now days away. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco open with the home run series against the Giants, Perez's recent hot streak against NL pitching, and the slider-heavy strategies opposing staffs have deployed to try to contain him. The record-breaking shot could come any game now, and the hosts explore what it would mean for a player who has defined what it means to be a Royal for over a decade. The Royals have already acquired Nate Pearson, and Jacob and Jeremy evaluate what his stuff and upside could look like in Kansas City's bullpen, both as a short-term addition and as a longer-term development project. Injury updates on Stephen Kolek, Kyle Isbel, and Bobby Witt Jr. cover rehab timelines and the ripple effects on roster construction and player roles while all three work their way back. The prospect segment features the latest FanGraphs top 100 list, with Kendry Chourio, Josh Hammond, and Angeibel Gomez among the Royals names drawing attention. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals followed up a series win with a surreal 19-2 Sunday blowout, and this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast sorts through all of it as the trade deadline inches closer. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco open with the series recap, balancing the positives of the win over the San Diego Padres against the lopsided defeats that characterize 2026. Salvador Perez's chase for the Royals' all-time home run record, Jac Caglianone's slamming season, and Noah Cameron's struggles Sunday lead the conversation. On the health front, Bobby Witt Jr.'s latest injury scare and Stephen Kolek's arm concerns both demand attention. The hosts assess what each situation means for lineup stability and pitching depth during a stretch where the Royals cannot afford to lose key contributors for any extended period. Prospects Kendry Chourio, Josh Hammond, Angeibel Gomez, and Blake Mitchell all draw some praise after each has a standout start following the All-Star break. The 2026 draft class also gets a status update, with a look at which selections have signed and which remain unsigned. The trade deadline conversation centers on a controversial proposal from Jim Bowden involving Michael Wacha and prospects. Jacob and Jeremy dissect the deal from both sides, examining what it would return, what it would cost, and whether it reflects a realistic valuation of Wacha's market or the kind of media-driven speculation that rarely survives contact with actual front office negotiations. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The All-Star break is in the rearview, and the Kansas City Royals must move on to the second half. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco use this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast to reflect on the festivities, revisit the draft with fresh eyes, and map out what the remaining months of the 2026 season should look like for an organization at a critical juncture. The episode opens with a full recap of All-Star week, including standout performances from the game itself, the Home Run Derby surprises, and how the Royals' representatives fared on the national stage. The hosts break down notable derby distances and the moments that stood out from slugger Jac Caglianone despite his first-round exit. The Zion Rose draft analysis gets a second pass now that the initial reactions have settled. Jacob and Jeremy revisit the pick alongside the rest of the Royals' draft haul, incorporating Keith Law's evaluations of where these selections fit within the organization's longer-term development timeline. The prospect pipeline and farm system health are evaluated with an eye toward which names could factor into the promotion picture sooner rather than later. Jacob and Jeremy cover MLB's new regulation on artificial intelligence use in dugouts, a policy development with real implications for how teams process information during games. The hosts offer their thoughts on where the line should be drawn between technological advantage and preserving the authenticity of in-game decision-making. The trade market conversation continues to build, with Michael Wacha's value and potential destinations drawing the most attention among the pitchers who could be moved before the deadline. The 2027 schedule reveal also gets a brief look, offering the earliest glimpse at what the next chapter could look like structurally. Overall, it boils down to this: what must the Royals do in their remaining 65 games? Jacob and Jeremy each have different priorities! Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The MLB Draft is in the books, the first half is officially over, and the Kansas City Royals made a selection at sixth overall that has generated strong opinions on both sides. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco do not hold back in this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, breaking down the Zion Rose pick, the organizational philosophy behind it, and whether the front office outsmarted itself on draft night. The Zion Rose selection is examined from every angle: his tools, his evaluations from analysts like Keith Law, his character and work ethic as revealed in interviews, and the broader question of whether the Royals reached for upside when other options were available. The under-slot strategy and the additional picks it enabled, including Rabe and Slightom, each get their own evaluation, with Jacob and Jeremy debating whether the overall package of selections justifies the approach or represents the kind of organizational overthinking that has become a pattern. Front office accountability is a thread that runs throughout. Payroll decisions, team-building philosophy, and comparisons to how organizations like the Mets, Rays, and Brewers allocate resources add useful context to the conversation about what small and mid-market teams can realistically accomplish when the decision-making is sharp. The hosts also close the book on the first half of the season, taking stock of where things went wrong and what, if anything, can be salvaged in the months ahead. The trade deadline looms, and the case for moving established arms like Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha continues to build as the losses have piled up. Relief pitcher Matt Strahm's performance and injury status also factor into the bullpen evaluation after yet another blow-up appearance. The episode wraps with All-Star week predictions, including Home Run Derby picks and the Zack Wheeler ego, before closing with MLB The Show updates and a recommendation for Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All-Star Week is nearly here, the MLB Draft is around the corner, and the Kansas City Royals have plenty to talk about on both fronts. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco bring the energy, covering everything from Home Run Derby to draft strategy to a historic hitting streak from the unlikeliest of players. Jac Caglianone is set for his first career Home Run Derby and we celebrate the power breakout that has defined his last month. Let's break down his home run projections, his raw power profile, and how he would stack up against the rest of the Derby field. Hunter Goodman's case for an invite also gets debated, alongside a broader discussion about the trend of players declining Derby participation and what that means for the event's future. Tyler Tolbert's historic hitting streak is the standout moment from the recent Mets series recap. Jacob and Jeremy place his run in context within baseball's records, even as the series results themselves were mixed and defensive errors continued to be a problem. With the Royals holding the sixth overall pick, we dig into the ceiling-versus-floor debate that shapes every draft strategy conversation, evaluate specific prospects who could be in play, and outline what the organization should be prioritizing given where the franchise currently sits. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The trade deadline is approaching, and the Kansas City Royals have decisions to make. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco use this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast to work through every angle of what should be one of the most consequential stretches in the organization's near-term future. The episode opens with a look at the recent homestand struggles, including a matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, defensive inconsistency, and a bullpen that has not been able to stabilize for any sustained period. The coaching staff's decision-making and lineup management draw comparison to how the Phillies have navigated their own challenges. The injury report continues to be long and consequential. Kyle Isbel has suffered a setback, Vinnie Pasquantino heads to Omaha, and Maikel Garcia's status is cloudier than a Kansas spring sky. Cole Ragans' injury gives him a trifecta of surgeries that no pitcher should look to achieve. On a more celebratory note, Bobby Witt Jr. and Michael Wacha earned All-Star selections, recognition that the hosts acknowledge with appropriate pride before turning the conversation back to what the trade value could look like if the front office decides to be aggressive sellers. The Lugo and Wacha trade conversation from previous episodes gets expanded here, with Salvador Perez's potential trade value, injury concerns, and legacy also entering the discussion. The talent pipeline evaluation is thorough. Jacob and Jeremy work through prospect valuations, FanGraphs future value grades, and specific names the organization should be targeting in return if they move established pieces. The hosts also examine the Minnesota Twins' recent fire sale as a case study for what a bold deadline approach could look like, and whether the Royals' front office has the appetite to follow that model. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals just can't beat the AL East. They also can't stop getting hurt. And they can't stop giving up home runs to Junior Caminero, either. Or, well, they can now that they're done playing the Rays for the year. I hope. Later, Jeremy is joined by Brian Page of Rapsodo to talk about all the amazing advances in baseball technology! Finally, Jeremy, unrestrained by Jacob, goes on a WAY too long rant about the video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 . If you skip that part, we promise not to hold it against you. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals salvaged the final game against the Chicago White Sox, but the series as a whole told a familiar story: a team fighting through injuries, inconsistency, and organizational questions that do not have easy answers. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break it all down with the kind of honest, detailed analysis Royals fans can to rely on. The injury updates dominate the early portion of the episode, and for good reason. Maikel Garcia, Cole Ragans, Carlos Estevez, Nick Mears, and Jac Caglianone are all in various stages of dealing with health concerns, and the hosts work through each timeline while continuing to press on a theme that has defined this season. On the brighter side, Carter Jensen's historic hitting streak remains one of the best stories on this roster. Jacob and Jeremy examine how recent lineup adjustments, including the protection behind Jensen in the batting order, have contributed to his sustained production. Bobby Witt Jr.'s return to the lineup also draws attention, on whether or not his quick return is the right move. The roster management conversation is expansive. Bullpen usage, the struggles of starter Luinder Avila and what his future role might look like, and the broader organizational strategy around waiver claims and roster churn all come into focus. The episode closes with a reminder that has become a recurring and genuine part of the show: the importance of taking mental breaks during a season this difficult. Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Kansas City Royals have reached the season midpoint at 34-48, fourteen games below .500 and sitting in last place in the AL Central. It is not where anyone wanted to be, but Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco find more to talk about than the record alone would suggest. The headline story continues to be Jac Caglianone, who leads the team with 14 home runs and is flirting with franchise records for June production. We break down the adjustments that have fueled his recent surge, the mechanical changes that are translating into real power output, and the realistic conversation about a Home Run Derby bid. Carter Jensen's 16-game hitting streak is a remarkable run for a rookie catcher and a reminder that the development pipeline is producing players who can contribute at the major league level. We examine his progress alongside a broader conversation about the coaching staff's impact on hitting, with offensive metrics improving notably in June even as the overall record continues to disappoint. Injury management remains a recurring concern. The decision-making around IL placements and strategic rest periods gets a candid evaluation, and we wonder whether the organization's approach is protecting players for the long term or simply creating more instability in the short term. Bobby Witt Jr.'s All-Star candidacy and the latest voting updates are also covered, even as his health remains something fans are monitoring closely. The episode rounds out with a look ahead to the upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox, including pitching matchup breakdowns, a discussion of the Royals' draft prospects and the college-versus-high-school player development debate, and John Rave's recent stance change and what it could mean for his offensive ceiling. MLB Network segment on Caglianone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyNuBoz-sZI Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online: BlueSky – Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com – Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social Twitter / X – Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.