Kansas Eyes Chiefs Stadium Deal as Royals Make Roster Moves and Extension Plans
As the year winds down, Kansas lawmakers are making a late push that could reshape the region’s NFL landscape. The Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council is set to meet Monday to consider a potential stadium deal aimed at luring the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines. It’s a move that’s been quietly building behind the scenes, but now it’s front and center - and the timing is critical.
Despite the state’s STAR bonds program being extended through June 2026 - a key tool for financing major development projects - top lawmakers had previously signaled they wouldn’t entertain stadium deals beyond the end of this year. Yet here we are, with the clock ticking and the Chiefs on the agenda.
Interestingly, the Royals won’t be part of Monday’s discussion, according to two council members. But that doesn’t mean they’re off the radar. A spokesperson for Senate President Ty Masterson, who chairs the council, said the Royals are “fully committed” to Kansas and have met the state’s end-of-year deadline - a strong hint that conversations with the MLB club have already advanced behind closed doors.
Royals Welcome Lane Thomas, Eye Outfield Shuffle
On the field, the Royals officially brought in outfielder Lane Thomas, and he’s expected to slot into left field alongside Kyle Isbel in center and Jac Caglianone in right. That trio gives Kansas City a mix of speed, athleticism, and upside - and if Thomas can stay healthy, he could be a key piece in the Royals’ outfield puzzle next season.
Thomas himself is embracing the fresh start in Kansas City. “The appeal has been there for a while,” he said.
“Back before I got drafted, that was one of the places I thought I was going. It’s cool how things come full circle.”
But 2025 wasn’t kind to him. Battling through three separate stints on the injured list, Thomas never found his rhythm.
“It was tough, man,” he admitted. “Not that that’s the reason I struggled, but it’s definitely hard to get in a rhythm when you’re fighting yourself instead of trying to fight the other team.”
The good news: he’s close to full strength. Thomas is already participating in all baseball activities short of full-speed sprints, and Royals GM J.J.
Picollo said the team had minimal concern about lingering issues after consistent communication with Thomas and his camp. The physical he passed sealed the deal.
Maikel Garcia Extension Talks Reflect Royals’ Long-Term Vision
Meanwhile, the Royals are also working to lock in one of their core pieces for the future. Infielder Maikel Garcia is in extension talks, and it’s clear the organization sees him as a foundational player.
“When we think about the Royals and what our identity is, he embodies everything we look for in a position player,” Picollo said. “Defense, situational hitting, baserunning - check, check, and check.
But the one that stands out most is his fearlessness and competitiveness. You can’t teach that.
He’s had it since day one.”
Garcia debuted in 2022 and followed with a strong rookie season in 2023. The Royals actually approached him about an extension in the spring of 2024, but things didn’t go as planned.
Despite the team making the playoffs, Garcia struggled at the plate. His .614 OPS and 71 wRC+ ranked at the bottom among qualified hitters.
“It was a tough year, man,” Garcia said. “When J.J. told me about an extension, I was excited.
I got $30,000 when I signed, and then the team’s talking about an extension - I was too worried about that. I was trying too hard to make it happen.”
Still, the Royals see beyond one down year. They believe in the player Garcia can be - and already has been - and they’re betting on his makeup to carry him through the rough patches.
Around the League: Deals, Injuries, and Rule Tweaks
Elsewhere in baseball, the Padres made a splash by locking up pitcher Michael King to a three-year, $75 million deal. The Tigers added depth with minor league contracts for Sean Guenther and three others, while Toronto brought in reliever Jorge Alcala on a minor league deal. San Diego also added Triston McKenzie on a similar pact.
In New York, fans are wondering why the Yankees have been so quiet this offseason. Meanwhile, Team USA is putting together what could be a powerhouse rotation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Unfortunately, not all the news is positive. Former Orioles pitcher John Means suffered a devastating Achilles injury - a tough blow for a player who’s already battled back from significant setbacks.
And as MLB teams prepare for the implementation of the new ball/strike challenge rules, front offices are strategizing how to adapt. It’s a subtle but potentially game-changing shift in how games are managed - especially late in close contests.
From the Gridiron to the Sidelines
In college football, Ohio University made headlines by firing head coach Brian Smith following an internal investigation involving inappropriate conduct, including an affair with a staffer and drinking in the office.
And in the NFL, the Seahawks pulled off one of the wildest two-point conversions you’ll ever see in a dramatic win over the Rams - the kind of play that gets replayed for years and leaves fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
With stadium politics heating up in Kansas, roster moves reshaping the Royals, and major league teams retooling for 2026, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into the new year. Buckle up - the offseason is just getting started.