Daily Clips
December 6, 2017
LOCAL
Royals sign ex-Braves prospect Del Rosario
Right-hander was one of 12 Atlanta farmhands granted free agency
December 5, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/262881330/royals-sign-ex-braves-arm-yefri-del-rosario/
Hosmer to impact Royals' direction at Meetings
Decision on free-agent bopper could determine whether club retools or rebuilds
December 5, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/262897506/eric-hosmer-to-impact-royals-winter-meetings/
Royals add righty Peralta to pitching mix
KC signs veteran to 1-year deal with '19 club option
December 5, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/262915458/royals-sign-wily-peralta-to-one-year-contract/?topicId=27118382
Royals sign Wily Peralta, will give him chance to rebound as starter or pitch in relief
December 5, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article188192914.html
Inspired by Yordano Ventura, former Braves pitching prospect signs with Royals
December 5, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article188119669.html
Voice of the KC Royals and K-State alum gives lecture to aspiring broadcasters
December 5, 2017 By Stephen Loader/The Collegian
http://www.kstatecollegian.com/2017/12/05/voice-of-the-kc-royals-and-k-state-alum-gives-lecture-to-aspiring-broadcasters/
MLB TRANSACTIONS
December 6, 2017 •.CBSSports.com
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions
LOCAL
Royals sign ex-Braves prospect Del Rosario
Right-hander was one of 12 Atlanta farmhands granted free agency
December 5, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/262881330/royals-sign-ex-braves-arm-yefri-del-rosario/
The Royals have signed former Braves right-handed prospect Yefri Del Rosario, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reported.
The deal is worth $650,000, according to Sanchez.
Del Rosario, 18, is one of 12 Atlanta prospects who were granted free-agency after an MLB investigation determined the Braves circumvented the international signing guidelines.
According to Sanchez, Del Rosario, who is 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere to sign with the Royals because his idol, the late Yordano Ventura, pitched with Kansas City.
Del Rosario pitched in the Dominican Summer League last year and posted a 1.80 ERA in two starts. He also pitched for the Braves' Rookie-level team in the Gulf Coast League and posted a 3.90 ERA in 11 games, registered 29 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings.
Hosmer to impact Royals' direction at Meetings
Decision on free-agent bopper could determine whether club retools or rebuilds
December 5, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/262897506/eric-hosmer-to-impact-royals-winter-meetings/
Get ready for a potential wild ride at the Winter Meetings with the Royals.
They don't know what direction they will go -- will they try to contend for a playoff spot in 2018 or will they pivot toward a total rebuild? Or something in between? Depending on how things go over the next seven to 10 days, that could mean dealing such familiar players as Danny Duffy, Whit Merrifield, Kelvin Herrera and even Salvador Perez.
The domino effect will start with first baseman Eric Hosmer. The Royals could re-sign Hosmer for a figure that would be unprecedented in team history. Rumors suggest Hosmer could get as much as $175 million to $200 million in a multiyear deal.
The biggest contract the Royals have handed out was to Alex Gordon -- four years for $72 million -- prior to the 2016 season.
But the Royals believe Hosmer could be worth the stretch. He is a fantastic clubhouse presence and is coming off a career year -- .318 average, 25 homers, 94 RBIs and an American League Gold Glove Award. Hosmer also is general manager Dayton Moore's type of player -- active in the community, a major presence with younger players and a dynamic force on the field.
But if Hosmer signs elsewhere during the Winter Meetings, the Royals' approach could change dramatically. Moore has told MLB.com he would consider trading virtually anyone on the 25-man roster for prospects who could improve the team's outlook going forward.
It might all depend on what happens with Hosmer.
If the Royals were able to sign Hosmer, they could go virtually all in again toward a playoff run in a division in which only the Indians and Twins are legitimate contenders. Or if Hosmer signs elsewhere, Kansas City could back up the truck do a full rebuild aimed at making another pennant run in 2020-21.
"We just have to see what the market dictates," Moore said. "We're prepared for all possibilities."
The Royals have nine free agents who could potentially walk, including Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas, who hit a franchise-record 38 home runs in 2017.
Club needs
First base: If the Royals cannot land Hosmer, they will probably look internally to find a replacement, and that could be an opening for Hunter Dozier, the club's third-ranked prospect. They do have Brandon Moss for one more year, but club officials believe Dozier has far greater upside defensively than Moss, who obviously is more of a DH type. There's a slim chance the Royals would look to the free-agent market to replace Hosmer with someone like Logan Morrison, who is a Kansas City native, is coming off a career year with the Rays and has expressed a desire to return to his roots.
Closer: The Royals were not optimistic that they would be able to sign left-handed reliever Mike Minor, who emerged in September as the team's closer in place of Herrera. Minor was 6-for-6 in save opportunities and wowed scouts with his 96-97 mph fastball and dominant cutter. According to sources, Minor landed a multiyear deal with the Rangers on Monday night. Who will close in 2018 is now up in the air. Even in down years, Moore always has placed great value on a shutdown bullpen, his philosophy being that you better win the games that you have in hand. The Royals could be in the market for a promising young arm with closer-type stuff.
Who they can trade if necessary
Anyone: Royals fans shouldn't be alarmed by this, but Moore has made it clear that if they go the course of a total rebuild, any player could be dealt for the right price. And that includes Duffy, Herrera, Perez, Merrifield -- anyone who can bring value back for a future run at the postseason. "Honestly, we have to explore all possibilities in our situation," Moore said.
Top prospects
Raul Mondesi was once a top prospect and now is expected to contribute. Dozier had an injury-filled 2017, but the organization believes he could contribute on the big league level in '18. In a rebuild, you'll likely see hard-thrower Josh Staumont (No. 9) or crafty left-hander Foster Griffin (No. 6) at some point in '18. And certainly keep an eye on shortstop Nicky Lopez (No. 11) -- who tore up the Arizona Fall League this year -- as a potential middle infielder very soon.
Rule 5 Draft
The Royals' 40-man roster sits at 37 after they non-tendered speedy outfielder Terrance Gore, though they re-signed him to a Minor League deal. For one of the rare times in the last six or seven years, the Royals could be in position to grab a Rule 5 pick and keep him on the 25-man roster for the entire season, especially if they go into total rebuild mode.
Big contracts they might unload
As mentioned, Moore is keeping all of his options open, and one might be gutting his payroll in a total rebuild. That might mean finding takers for right-hander Ian Kennedy (still owed $48.5 million), Duffy (owed $60 million), right-hander Jason Hammel (owed $11 million), reliever Joakim Soria (owned $10 million), etc. The Royals are at a crossroads between trying to compete or going for the rebuild.
Payroll summary
The Royals gambled that in 2016-17 they still had enough talent and energy to make more postseason runs, so owner David Glass approved record payrolls each season. The '17 payroll exceeded $150 million, per club sources. Those payrolls were approved on faith that the Royals would make some postseason revenue, which didn't happen. Now the bill comes due. Glass has caught pennant fever the last four years and he may roll the dice again in '18, but he won't subsidize huge losses year after year. A lot of this depends on the possible signing of Hosmer.
Royals add righty Peralta to pitching mix
KC signs veteran to 1-year deal with '19 club option
December 5, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com
http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/262915458/royals-sign-wily-peralta-to-one-year-contract/?topicId=27118382
The Royals on Tuesday signed right-handed swingman Wily Peralta to a one-year deal with a club option for 2019, the club announced.
According to a source, the deal is guaranteed for $1.525 million. Peralta will get $1.5 million in 2018 with a $3 million club option in '19, and a $25,000 buyout. The deal also includes $1.25 million in incentive bonuses each season.
If the Royals decline the club option in 2019, Peralta will still be under club control and eligible for salary arbitration, per the source.
Peralta, 28, had spent his entire career in the Brewers' organization, including parts of the last six seasons at the Major League level. He split 2017 between Milwaukee and Triple-A Colorado Springs, going 5-4 with a 7.85 ERA in 19 appearances, including eight starts, with the Brewers.
"We view him as a potential power arm to the bullpen," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "Certainly we will look at him as possible rotation depth as well."
Peralta made one start for the Dominican Republic in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, taking a no-decision in a 10-3 victory over Colombia on March 12. He allowed one run on two hits with a walk and six strikeouts over four innings.
Peralta was the Brewers' most valuable pitcher in 2014, gaining a career-high 17 wins, along with a 3.53 ERA and 22 quality starts.
Royals sign Wily Peralta, will give him chance to rebound as starter or pitch in relief
December 5, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article188192914.html
The Royals dipped their toe into the free-agent market for the first time on Tuesday, landing a reclamation project with a strong pedigree and an uneven track record of performance.
The club signed right-handed pitcher Wily Peralta to a one-year, $1.525 million contract with a club option for the 2019 season. The deal includes $1.5 million in guaranteed salary in 2018 and a $25,000 buyout on a $3 million option the next season.
Peralta, 28, is seeking to revitalize his career after a promising start and a precipitous fall with the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2017, he posted a 7.85 ERA in 19 appearances, including eight starts, at the major-league level. He was designated for assignment in late July.
Those struggles came just three seasons after he recorded a 17-11 record and 3.53 ERA for the Brewers in 2014. He also scored an opening day start for Milwaukee in 2016. In six seasons, he was 47-52 with a 4.48 in 132 appearances, including 120 starts.
The Royals will hope to harness the potential in Peralta’s power stuff, perhaps in a relief role. His fastball averaged 96 mph in 2017, when he partly transitioned to the bullpen, and Kansas City has a track record of converting failed or struggling starting pitchers into reliable relievers.
Royals general manager Dayton Moore said the club will stretch Peralta out during spring training and give him the opportunity to start, though they also see upside as a reliever.
“He’s performed in both roles in the past,” Moore said. “He’s shown flashes of success in both roles. We see him as someone who’s potentially on the rebound.”
The risk is limited, considering the contract. In addition to the guaranteed money, Peralta can max out at $1.25 million in performance bonuses in either season. If he performs well in 2018, his option could escalate for 2019. If Kansas City opts to decline the option, he would also remain under club control and be eligible for salary arbitration in 2019. Either way, the Royals see value in the control across two seasons.
Peralta, of course, has tried to transition to the bullpen before. In 2017, the Brewers were hopeful that his fastball would translate to success. But he issued five walks per nine innings while striking out just less than a batter per inning, which limited his effectiveness.
A native of Samana, Dominican Republic, Peralta made his major-league debut on April 22, 2012, at the age of 22. He started 32 games in both 2013 and 2014 before struggling through a 2015 season that was marred by a strained oblique that cost him nine weeks. He finished 7-11 with a 4.86 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 127 2/3 innings in 2016 and never regained his top form from 2014.
Peralta’s signing came one day after former Royals reliever Mike Minor agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers. The 40-man roster now has 38 players with the Winter Meetings and annual Rule 5 draft scheduled for next week in Orlando, Fla.
Inspired by Yordano Ventura, former Braves pitching prospect signs with Royals
December 5, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article188119669.html
In the aftermath of the international signing scandal that ensnared the Atlanta Braves, Major League Baseball granted free agency to 12 prospects in their minor-league system. On Tuesday, the Royals moved to take advantage, signing pitcher Yefri Del Rosario to a $650,000 signing bonus.
Del Rosario, 18, is a hard-throwing right-hander who originally signed with the Braves for $1 million in 2016. He split the 2017 season between Atlanta’s affiliate in the Dominican Summer League and a Rookie League affiliate in the Gulf Coast League.
“We’re excited to have this kid in our organization,” said Rene Francisco, the Royals’ assistant general manager for international operations. “He’s another power arm with good makeup. That’s the way our people have seen him.”
Del Rosario, 6 feet 2 and 180 pounds, was born in Miches, Dominican Republic and grew up there before signing with the Braves. He had interest from other clubs, according to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, but he preferred to sign with the Royals because he grew up idolizing the late Yordano Ventura, who starred in Kansas City before his tragic death early last year.
Del Rosario became a free agent, along with 11 other Braves prospects, when MLB found that Atlanta had circumvented international signing rules across multiple years. The investigation led to a severe punishment from the league and a lifetime ban for former general manager John Coppolella. Del Rosario was ranked as the fourth-best prospect available in the group of 12 free agents, according to Baseball America.
In a scouting report, Baseball America wrote that “Del Rosario’s stuff has taken a step forward since he signed (in 2016). He’s now pitching with a plus 91-94 mph fastball that touches 97 and the added arm speed has also helped tighten up his sharp breaking ball. His delivery isn’t particularly clean, but he throws strikes and his cross-fire delivery adds deception.”
The transaction represented a nice lift for an organization that relies on its international scouting operation. The Royals have faced two years of penalties after exceeding their international signing bonus pool in 2015. In accordance to the rules, the club was prohibited from signing international prospects for more than $300,000 for two signing periods.