Kauffman Corner

Before the 2026 Royals season began Rany Jazayerli, David Lesky and Soren Petro each made five Bold & Daring Predictions for the season. How did they do?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are joined by Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder of Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) to look back at their preseason thoughts and decide if they were too bold or too daring.

• Breaking the Royals team Homer record.
• Multiple 40 homer hitters.
• BWJ is MVP.
• Top 10 Farm System.
• Pitching Staff top 10 in K’s.
• Maikel scores 125 times.
• Carter in the leadoff.
• Chourio gets dealt!
• Ragans breaks the K record.
• Top half of the AL in BB’s.
• Top 5 base running team.
• Loftin establishes himself.
• Cags posts a .340 OBP.
• Avila leads the Royals in Saves.
• Ballpark to Washington Square Park.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There’s no doubt the 2026 season was a disappointment for the Royals organization and its fans. But it was nothing compared to the disappointment that was the preseason predictions put forth by the Kauffman Corner Podcast.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are joined by Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder of Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) to discuss what they got right (very little) and what they got wrong on their predictions for the 2026 Kansas City Royals.

• Player of the Year
• Pitcher of the Year
• Breakout Player
• Biggest Disappointment
• Best Position Player
• Best Pitcher
• Best Reliever
• Biggest impact Rookie
• Top Prospect
• Royals Record
• Season Story Line

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals pitching staff was decimated with injuries this year. With the exception of Michael Wacha and Noah Cameron the results from the ones who did pitch weren’t very good.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss just how bad it was on the mound for the Royals in 2026. The grades are ugly!

• Don’t count on injury prone pitchers.
• The replacements struggled as well.
• Seth Lugo never did find it.
• The bullpen blew up immediately.
• How many relievers can be a part of the solution?
• What are the moves the Royals need to make?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A solid offensive finish to the season was not enough to save the grades for the Royals Position Players.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss each position on the field and hand out their later grades.

• Carter Jensen makes Catcher an A.
• Vinnie’s struggles hurt First Base.
• Solid performance for Massey.
• Missing Maikel hurt!
• Bobby’s always an A!
• Other than Cags the OF is a problem.
• What DH?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Royals GM, JJ Picollo and Manager, Matt Quatraro met with the media last week to discuss what went wrong last season and what the beginning of a plan to fix it looks like.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss their reactions to how the Royals described what happened in 2026 and what their vision is for 2027.

• Changes with the Hitting Coaches.
• Why the slow start?
• Where’s a Closer?
• Improvement in the Outfield.
• Making uncomfortable trades.
• Extensions for Jensen and Caglianone?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals have finally wrapped up the disappointing 2026 season. Soon JJ Picollo, Royals GM, and Matt Quatraro, Manager, will address the media regarding this season as well as looking ahead to the 2027 season.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) lay out what they want to hear from the Royals in their season ending press conference.

• Extending the young stars.
• Signing Starting Pitching.
• A thumper for the lineup.
• Walk more!
• More chase out of the bullpen.
• Base running is NOT the key to success.
• Swing at pitches you can drive.
• Everyone is available.
• Get more athletic!
• Acquire a true closer!
• Evaluate everyone!
• Timeline for Shields and Chourio.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve reached the final week of the season and the Royals have been eliminated from the playoff race, but there’s still some statistical accomplishments looming out there for the Royals to shoot for over their last six games.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss Carter Jensen (yes, again) and what they want to see from the Royals over the final week of the season.

• Jensen setting Royals Club Records.
• 20/50 for Bobby?
• Salvy 5th all-time for Catcher homers?
• Winning the team doubles title.
• Beating playoff teams.
• 525 walks anyone?
• Bobby getting the OPS over .800.
• How many Royals hitting 20 Homers?
• Double digit winners.
• 200 innings pitched?
• Topping 170 homers as a club?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carter Jensen tied the Royals Rookie Homer Record and Bobby Witt Jr. topped 40 Stolen Bases again. What is all means for the future of the Kansas City Royals.

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the statistical accomplishments of two of the Royals talented young players and more.

• Noah Cameron dazzles again.
• Carter Jensen ties the Rookie HR record.
• Bobby tops 40 steals AGAIN!
• What bullpen pieces can the Royals use in ’27?
• Did Seth Lugo find something in his last start?
• Quad Cities is playing for the Championship.
• Kendry Chourio is still dealing.
• What to expect this week?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Carter Jensen is closing in on the Royals Rookie Homer Record after pounding three more homers this week. How good is Jensen now and how good can he become?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss how bright the future is for Carter Jensen and look to the minors for where the Royals might find help in the future.

• How good is Carter Jensen now?
• Where does his rookie season rank among Catchers?
• What’s the plan for Blake Mitchell and Ramon Ramirez?
• Caglianone injures his elbow on an OF throw.
• Cameron/Caglianone win pitcher/player of the month!
• Daniel Lynch stinks in the first.
• David Shields sparkling numbers.
• Veteran help in Omaha.
• What to expect this week?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Royals GM JJ Picollo said .500 is not good enough for the Royals. So what’s realistic to expect from the Royals each year?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what Royals fans should be able to expect from the Royals and when JJ Picollo has been given enough time to live up to those expectations?

• Picollo says .500 isn’t good enough.
• What should the expectation be each season?
• When are the Royals fully Picollo’s organization?
• 12-2 in the last 14 means what?
• How do the Royals make the Wild Card?
• Wacha and Lugo the rest of the season.
• Monthly awards for Cags and Cameron?
• Time to call up Gavin Cross and Carson Roccaforte?
• What happens this week?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Long after the season was lost the Royals have decided to put together their longest win streak of the season. So what is an 8-game win streak worth now?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what this win streak means and whether it has any value for the organization moving forward.

• What’s an 8-game win streak worth now?
• Does it have any value for 2027?
• Just how important is Vinnie’s bat?
• Are the Royals serious about Daniel Lynch as a starter?
• How much of the bullpen problem have the Royals solved?
• Walcha vs. Cameron for the ’27 Opening Day Starter.
• Where’s the level of concern for Maikel Garcia long term?
• Royals new stadium clears the latest hurdle.
• What happens in Toronto and Cleveland?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals have serious questions regarding their pitching staff in ’27, but have they at least answered the question of who the staff’s number one starter is?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the brilliant start from Noah Cameron and take a closer look at some of the potential solutions to the Royals pitching problems.

• Why is Daniel Lynch starting?
• When do the Royals call up Lucas Braun?
• Should the Royals try a 6-man rotation?
• Is there a future with Randy Dobnak?
• Can Nate Pearson help in ’27?
• Cags continues to look like a star.
• Pasquantino and Garcia on Rehab Assignment.
• Kendry Chourio.
• How good is Angeibel Gomez?
• The Royals will play in the Field of Dreams Game in ’27.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even though the Royals were outclassed in a three game series with the Cubs, Jac Caglianone made a huge impression with a four hit, two homer game. How good can he be?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the monster performance from Caglianone and discuss the latest roster moves for the Royals.

• Cubs take 2 of 3.
• Caglianone has a monster day.
• Do the Royals have to sign him this offseason?
• Craig Kimbrel is a Royals.
• Is Carter Jensen wearing down?
• Can Daniel Lynch be a longterm answer in the rotation?
• Lucas Braun impresses in his first Omaha start.
• Limiting Kendry Chourio’s workload.
• Minor League pickups.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2026 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline has come and gone. Did the Royals get it right?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down what the Royals did and what they didn’t do at the Deadline.

• Did the Royals get enough for Lane Thomas?
• What did the Royals get in Lucas Braun and Carter Holton?
• Not moving Wacha and Luga means what for 2027?
• Could not dealing be the right move?
• How valuable is payroll flexibility?
• Luinder Avila hits the DL!
• John Rave is hitting.
• So is Blake Mitchell in the minors.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

George Brett hit his 316th and 317th Home Runs on September 26th, 1993. Almost 33 years laster Salvador Perez hit his 318th Home Run to break George Brett’s franchise record. How many more does Salvy have left in him?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss Salvador Perez, the record and much more…

• Fighting back to split the series with Detroit.
• Salvy breaks the franchise Home Run Record!
• Carlos Beltran enters the Hall of Fame!
• How big is the gap between Garcia and Loftin?
• Is Massey the answer at second base?
• Who will the Royals actually trade?
• Trade or sign Lane Thomas?
• Is Noah Cameron fixed?
• Can you build a bullpen in one offseason?
• Which players in Omaha should get a look?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Draft and All-Star Game are in the Royals rearview mirror. Time now to focus on the trade deadline. What should the Royals be targeting?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the trade deadline and what’s left for the Royals to play for in 2026.

• What’s the value in a series with now?
• Noah Cameron continues to struggle.
• Bobby Witt Jr.’s back issue.
• How to approach the Trade Deadline?
• Add Stephen Kolek to the list of hurt pitchers.
• What will the Royals pitching staff look like in ’27?
• Is Isaac Collins good enough to win with?
• How the Royals Farm System look post-draft?
• When can we officially just Brian Bridges?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals held the #6 pick in this year’s MLB Draft but chose to take a player that was ranked #30 by http://MLB.com. Was going signability early the right move for the Royals in this draft?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the Royals 2026 Draft and discuss what’s next for the Royals.

• How good is Louisville, OF Zion Rose?
• Did the Royals get it right with this move?
• Is Taylor Rabe worth the extra money?
• Why High School pitcher Jack Slightom?
• Is Maxx Yehl more than just a reliever?
• Why Dominic Battista might be better than his ranking.
• Where else could the Royals have hit in the draft?
• What’s next?

New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5883084893847552

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Royal General Manager, J.J. Picollo spoke with the media this week and didn’t sound at all like a GM that is looking to sell at the deadline. Are the Royals kidding themselves about how competitive they will be moving forward?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what the Royals plan should be as the draft and trade deadline approach.

• The Royals get two on the All-Star team.
• Cole Ragans goes under the knife… again!
• Picollo talks about the trade deadline.
• What will the Royals rotation look like next year?
• Who can the Royals look to deal?
• How close are the Royals to contending?
• Where to look in the draft?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals slogged their way through a 3-4 Road Trip that included a 22-1 ass kicking at the hands of the White Sox. So what does it look like when the Royals should consider making a change with the Manager?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what would need to happen for the Royals to look to a new manager, Carter Jensen and more.

• What to make of the (3-4) Road Trip?
• Losing 22-1 means what?
• When is it time to change Managers?
• More Outs on the bases… Stop with the excuses!
• Carter Jensen is the Royals #1 Catcher?
• Bubic coming back as a Reliever?
• Cole Ragans scheduled for surgery.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jac Caglianone was moved into the number three spot in the lineup and he’s proven ready for the challenge. Is he ready to be a star?

David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss Caglianone, the improved offense and all of the injuries.

• Is Jac Caglianone becoming a star?
• Have the Royals figured out the offense?
• Perez breaks the Royals Kauffman Stadium HR record.
• Why aren’t the Royals using the IL more?
• Can it get any worse with the injuries?
• How have the call ups performed?
• Who should the Royals promote next?
• What to expect with Pick #6 in the Draft?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.