The financial gap between MLB’s big spenders and small-market clubs is nothing new, but the contrast between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Kansas City Royals remains one of the league’s most striking examples of just how wide that gap has become.
Back in 2013, the Dodgers inked a massive 25-year, $8.35 billion broadcast deal with Time Warner Cable-one of the most lucrative local TV contracts in sports history. On top of that, the Dodgers co-own the network that broadcasts their games, giving them even more control and revenue from their media presence. That kind of deal doesn’t just provide financial security-it supercharges a team’s ability to spend aggressively, both in free agency and player development.
Now shift the lens to Kansas City. In 2024, the Royals pulled in $45 million from their local broadcast deal with Bally Sports Kansas City.
That’s not pocket change, but it’s a far cry from what the Dodgers are working with. And things have only gotten murkier for the Royals since then.
After the 2024 season, Bally Sports KC’s parent company voided its deal with the team. The network has since rebranded as FanDuel Sports KC and agreed to a restructured deal with the Royals-though it’s likely for even less money than before.
For a team like Kansas City, every dollar matters. These media rights deals are foundational to a club’s operating budget, especially for small-market franchises that can’t rely on massive gate revenue or national TV exposure. With a tighter budget, the Royals have to be more strategic-more surgical-with every roster move.
Which brings us to Kris Bubic.
The left-hander has drawn interest around the league, and while there’s no guarantee he gets moved, he’s clearly on the radar of several teams. One source says the Mets are keeping a close eye on Bubic, especially if their pursuit of Framber Valdez doesn’t pan out.
The Orioles have also shown interest in the past, though they’ve since made moves for Shane Baz and re-signed Zach Eflin, which could complicate the fit. There’s still a scenario where Bubic could carve out a role in Baltimore, but that rotation is getting crowded.
The Braves have also been mentioned as a team with some level of interest, while the Phillies-dealing with their own rotation uncertainty-could be a logical suitor. The Padres, meanwhile, are reportedly lingering on the fringes of the Bubic conversation, not pushing hard but not out of the picture either.
At this point, it’s hard to say whether Bubic will be moved. The interest is real, but the potential trade partners don’t line up cleanly. It feels like one of those situations where the Royals might hold onto him unless the right deal materializes-and that deal hasn’t surfaced yet.
Elsewhere in the Royals’ orbit, there’s buzz around their international signings, with Craig Brown weighing in on how these moves could shape the club’s long-term outlook. The international market has become a crucial pipeline for teams looking to build from within, especially those that can’t consistently shop at the top of the free-agent market.
Meanwhile, former Royals GM Dayton Moore has officially ruled out a run for governor of Kansas. Moore, who helped build the Royals’ 2015 World Series team, has long been a respected figure in the state, but for now, his focus remains outside the political arena.
As for the Royals’ stadium situation, things are getting complicated. KCUR reports the team is running out of viable options. The push for a new stadium has hit several roadblocks, and with time ticking, ownership will need to figure out a long-term solution that keeps the team competitive-and in Kansas City.
On the field, one looming concern is the Royals’ continued struggle against left-handed pitching. Philip Ruo notes this could remain a problem in 2026 unless the team finds a way to balance out its lineup. It’s a familiar issue for Kansas City, and one that could again limit their offensive upside if not addressed.
Around the league, the Mets made a major splash by signing Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal. That’s a serious commitment to a player who brings both star power and production, and it signals that New York is all-in once again.
The question now is: what’s next? With Bichette locked in, the Mets still have holes to fill and moves to make.
The Phillies, meanwhile, have brought back catcher J.T. Realmuto on a three-year, $45 million contract, keeping one of their clubhouse leaders in the fold. The Twins added depth behind the plate too, signing Victor Caratini to a two-year, $14 million deal.
Kyle Tucker’s recent signing also has ripple effects across the league, as teams recalibrate their outfield plans. The Red Sox, for instance, still need infield help, and the Cardinals are reportedly eyeing pitcher Griffin Canning. The White Sox, looking to add a veteran bat, are interested in Michael Conforto.
Looking ahead, there’s plenty of intrigue as teams finalize their rosters. The top first base prospects are drawing attention, and the Super Bowl picture is starting to take shape with potential matchups being ranked across the board.
And in the NBA, with the trade deadline approaching, several teams are emerging as ones to watch. It’s shaping up to be a busy stretch across the sports world-and for teams like the Royals, every move matters just a little more.