Royals Data Dugout

Capitalizing on a Cup of Coffee A quick analysis of Carter Jensen's power and approach through 46 plate appearances

NEW: So far, Carter Jensen is capitalizing on limited opportunities. Here's what the data says about the #Royals top catching prospect through 46 plate appearances. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/capitalizi...

3 Negative Takeaways from 2025 Where things went wrong for the Royals in a downturn from 2024

NEW and FREE: 3 negatives from the #Royals downturn in 2025, including a swath of pitching injuries... which struck again last night with the announcement Ryan Bergert will hit the IL. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/3-negative...

3 Positive Takeaways from 2025 Where things went right for the Royals despite missing the postseason

NEW and FREE to read: Exploring 3 positives from a season that won't include a #Royals playoff berth. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/3-positive...

Adding to the Mix for 2026 What do the Royals have in RHP Stephen Kolek?

NEW: It's no secret I'm high on Ryan Bergert, but how about the other right-hander acquired in the Freddy Fermin trade?

Breaking down Stephen Kolek's early returns in three starts with the #Royals while pivoting focus to 2026. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/adding-to-...

The Anatomy of a Blowout Why KC's plate approach failed Monday against Slade Cecconi

NEW: The #Royals nearly got no-hit by one of the worst full-time starters in baseball last night. How?

Let's start with a miserable approach against a fastball allowing a near .300 average and .519 slug. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/the-anatom...

Another Pitching Feather in KC's Cap Ryan Bergert's not-so-subtle adjustments since joining the Royals

NEW: In spite of another ugly loss to LAA, Ryan Bergert continues to shine for the #Royals.

On the adjustments he's made in KC, including an increased zone rate, pitch mix alterations and a much-improved changeup. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/another-pi...

Carter's Call How one of KC's top catching prospects fits the long-term vision

NEW: Weaving Travis Kelce into a prospect profile of the #Royals Carter Jensen. It's not what you asked for, but it's what you get with Chiefs football kicking off on Friday. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/carters-call

A Quietly Superb Summer BWJ's greatness is going overlooked

NEW: I don't write about Bobby Witt Jr. enough. Let's change that.

An ode to MLB's superstar shortstop who's operating in the shadows of Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, and dragging the #Royals back into playoff contention. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/a-quietly-...

Bullpen Trends Taking stock of Royals relievers in the season's 2nd half

NEW: Let's pretend last night didn't happen and take stock of #Royals relievers instead. Who's trending up in the season's second half? Who's treading water? royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/bullpen-tr...

Pasquatch Power Surge How Vinnie turned a slow 2025 start into the hottest two-month stretch of his MLB career

NEW: Vinnie Pasquantino is enjoying the best two-month stretch of his #Royals career in the power department. What's changed since his .177/.242/.327 March/April slash?

On Pasquatch's increased slug, slower bat speed and ability to handle heaters: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/pasquatch-...

Smooth Yaz The Royals offense is getting a lift from its new leadoff man

NEW: Start your Tuesday with some soothing Yaz music and analysis on how the #Royals new leadoff man is bringing the lineup to life. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/smooth-yaz

Carlos's Closing Struggles What's up with Carlos Estevez's 5.23 ERA in the 2nd half?

NEW: What's the deal with Carlos Estevez's struggles since the All-Star break? Diagnosing a chase rate that's dipping to unsustainable levels. #Royals #FountainsUp royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/closing-st...

Power RHP Luinder Avila's Promotion Scouting Kansas City's next call-up from the farm

NEW: Scouting the #Royals latest call to the farm in RHP Luinder Avila, who'll (for now) fill in for the loss of Hunter Harvey. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/power-rhp-...

Royal Scrolls: Stealing Another Finale India slugs from the 7th spot, Bergert flashes potential, playoff odds dwindle

NEW: Jonathan India made an immediate impact from the 7th spot, Ryan Bergert is a stud, Michael Wacha stepped up as a stopper (again) and a preview of #Royals-Twins pitching matchups. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Bailey and Bergert in Beantown Analyzing two Royals pitching debuts against Boston

Two of the #Royals shiny new toys made their team debuts in Boston the last two nights. Breaking down Bailey Falter and Ryan Bergert, their first impressions and futures with KC: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/bailey-and...

Royal Scrolls: KC Reloads at the Deadline Breaking down the additions, craving more Cameron cutters as the Royals head north

NEW: SNL GIFs, Rage Against the Machine references and, oh, breaking down the #Royals additions of Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, Bailey Falter and Mike Yastrzemski.

Plus Crowning Achievements and a weekend preview, as always. #FountainsUp royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Seth Stays in KC, Royals Add Randal Grichuk Breaking down a pair of transactions pointing toward Picollo's deadline approach

NEW: The #Royals were busy this weekend, extending Seth Lugo and making a semi-minor move for super-platoon outfielder Randal Grichuk.

A quick breakdown of both deals and the signal they send for 2025 and beyond: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/seth-stays...

Royal Scrolls: Charging Toward Cooperstown Sal's extended hot stretch, Lugo shoves in (perhaps) his Royals sendoff, Rave shines on the road

NEW: The Captain is closing in on 300 career homers, John Rave is hitting like a new man and Seth Lugo shoved in what could've been his final start with the #Royals. Plus, we preview the Guardians scheduled starting pitchers for this weekend's series. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Erceg's Summer Swoon The Royals relief ace is struggling to shut down opponents with his usual brilliance out of the bullpen

NEW: Lucas Erceg's July has featured some wavering moments, capped off by Saturday afternoon's meltdown in Miami. Is it a blip on the radar or is there an issue that needs ironed out? Let's take a look. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/ercegs-sum...

Royal Scrolls: Predictions for the 2nd Half 7 mild, medium and hot prognostications for KC's stretch run

NEW: #Royals predictions for the second half of the season! Can Sal reach 300 career homers? Is Seth Lugo on the move? Most importantly, does KC reach the postseason? royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Saturday Study Hall, Vol. 9 Preaching the value of pulling the baseball in the air

Hey, look! A NEW Saturday Study Hall edition is live!

Let’s talk about pull-air rate: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/saturday-s...

Royal Scrolls: Cam Gets the Call Boys in Blue broom the Buccos as the Captain keeps crushing

NEW: We scout Cam Devanney, highlight Noah Cameron's 18-whiff night, preview the Mets' beleaguered rotation and, most importantly, rhyme "clean-shaven" with "bench maven" in this week's Royal Scrolls. #Royals #FountainsUp royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Kris Bubic's Well-Deserved 1st All-Star Bid Breaking down a ferocious 1st half from KC's southpaw

NEW: How #Royals lefty Kris Bubic became one of the best arms in the AL and pitched himself into the All-Star Game, including a high-ride heater, a tweak to his changeup and trusted secondaries. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/kris-bubic...

Leveraging Lugo's Trade Value The time is now for the Royals to sell their reliable right-hander

It's time to move Seth Lugo.

Here's why urgency may be optimal, a look at potential suitors and the type of trade package the #Royals should seek: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/leveraging...

Royal Scrolls: The Approach Is Not the Problem Analyzing KC's first-pitch swing rates and results; preparing for LA at the K

Royal Scrolls: A lot of "first-pitch swing" chatter recently, but is that really the #Royals core issue? Not for my money. Plus, thoughts on Michael Wacha's outing and this weekend's series against the Death Star Dodgers. royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Royal Scrolls: A Texas-Sized Sweep The bats broke out, Seth Lugo found whiffs upstairs and KC heads west for the weekend

Royal Scrolls is LIVE. Big days from Salvador Perez, Seth Lugo, Maikel Garcia, Jac Caglianone power the #Royals to a Texas-sized midweek sweep. Plus a look at the next few days at Petco Park: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

Royal Scrolls: A Texas-Sized Sweep The bats broke out, Seth Lugo found whiffs upstairs and KC heads west for the weekend

Royal Scrolls is LIVE. Big days from Salvador Perez, Seth Lugo, Maikel Garcia, Jac Caglianone power the #Royals to a Texas-sized midweek sweep. Plus a look at the next few days at Petco Park: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/royal-scro...

A Fortnight with a Free-Swinging Slugger Assessing Jac Caglianone's first two weeks in MLB

Jac Caglianone's first two weeks with the #Royals included 12 games, 48 plate appearances and... no HR?

More on his Statcast data, plate approach and rest-of-season expectations: royalsdatadugout.substack.com/p/a-fortnigh...

We're two weeks into Jac Caglianone's blooming #Royals career. Tomorrow's newsletter dives into what we've seen so far, including expected stats that outweigh the surface numbers, a spiked ground ball rate and more.

LAST DAY to secure 38% off an annual subscription: t.co/tRdcL8ZOXI

I almost feel bad for sarcastically predicting Jacob Lopez would throw six shutout innings against the #Royals.