Royals Ownership, Player Leadership, and a Look Ahead: Kansas City’s Baseball Landscape in Motion
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas made it clear during his State of the City address: he wants the Royals to stay right where they are - in KCMO. That message quickly reached Royals owner John Sherman, who responded with appreciation and a dose of cautious optimism.
“I appreciate him wanting to do that,” Sherman said. “And I appreciate that he is working very hard at that.
I appreciate the work he is doing. You know, we’re not settled yet anywhere, but I would tell you, I don’t think we are that far away.”
Sherman’s comments reflect a franchise still weighing its options, but also one that recognizes the urgency of the moment. The Chiefs’ announcement in December about exploring a move to Kansas added a new layer of intensity to the stadium discussions, and Sherman acknowledged the increased momentum on the Missouri side.
“There’s a whole new wave of enthusiasm on the Missouri side,” he said. “And I don’t mean they weren’t working hard, but from the governor on down, there’s a lot of effort being put forth. We’re still evaluating Kansas, and we’re still evaluating multiple locations in Missouri, but I do appreciate the effort that’s being put forth, not only by the mayor but by the governor.”
Inside the Clubhouse: A Player-Driven Identity Shift
As the Royals head into Spring Training, the tone around the team feels different - and that’s by design. Instead of a message coming from the front office or coaching staff, this year’s spring vibe is being set by the players themselves.
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the emerging face of the franchise, spoke about a team-led meeting that aimed to give the club a clearer sense of identity.
“We’ve always kind of talked about it, but we’ve never really had our own kind of philosophy,” Witt said. “We just believe if everyone abides by that and comes together to do that, then I think we have the right team, players, staff, to go a long way.”
It’s a subtle but meaningful shift. For years, Royals teams have looked back at the 2014-15 squads - the ones that played with swagger, speed, and a chip on their shoulder - as the gold standard. Now, this new group is looking to carve out its own legacy.
“The 2014-15 teams, they had an identity,” Witt said. “What’s our identity?
What’s it going to be? We can do this because I think the team we have is special.
Everyone believes it, and it’s going to go a long way.”
Witt Jr. Gears Up for WBC Showdown - Even Against Teammates
Witt will also get the chance to represent his country in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and he’s not shying away from the idea of facing some familiar faces in the tournament.
“It’s always fun getting to face up against those guys,” Witt said. “You saw it whenever Kobe (Bryant) was doing it with Team USA - he (plowed through) a screen through Paul Gasol or whoever it was.
When you are out there, you’re trying to win. That’s what my mantra is.”
The competitive fire is real, even if it means squaring off against Royals teammates on the international stage.
“They’re teammates now, and when that comes, we’re still teammates,” Witt said. “But for me, I always want to win.”
John Means Joins Royals on Two-Year Deal, Eyes 2027 Return
In the background of all the stadium talk and Spring Training vibes, the Royals made a low-risk, long-view move by signing left-hander John Means to a two-year minor league deal. It’s a name that once carried real weight in Baltimore, but injuries have turned Means into a reclamation project.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2022, Means made a brief return in 2023 before suffering another setback - a second Tommy John procedure in June 2024. That effectively ended his time with the Orioles.
He signed with Cleveland ahead of the 2025 season and made seven minor league starts, but was again derailed in December when he ruptured his Achilles during training. That came just weeks after Cleveland declined his $6 million club option for 2026.
For Kansas City, this is a long-term play. Means will miss all of 2026, and by the time he’s ready to contribute - hopefully in 2027 - he’ll be 33 and two full seasons removed from pitching in the majors.
It’s a dart throw, but one that could pay off if he can recapture even a fraction of his pre-injury form. Still, fans shouldn’t be penciling him into any future rotation plans just yet.
Around the League: Moves, Injuries, and Milestones
Elsewhere in baseball, there’s been no shortage of movement and news:
- Catcher framing metrics are getting a deep dive over at Royals Keep, with a closer look at how Kansas City’s backstops stack up.
- Jacob Milham breaks down the AL Central race - a division that’s wide open and full of intrigue heading into 2026.
- Padres GM A.J. Preller, never one to sit still, signed an extension to remain at the helm in San Diego.
- The Mets added outfielder Mike Tauchman to their roster.
- Walker Buehler is heading to the Padres on a minor league deal as he works his way back from injury.
- Mike Trout wants to return to center field - a move that could have ripple effects for the Angels’ outfield alignment.
- Twins ace Pablo López is dealing with elbow soreness and will undergo an MRI - a potentially significant development for Minnesota’s rotation.
- In the NFL, the Miami Dolphins released former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday.
- And on the ice, as expected, the U.S. women’s hockey team is set to face Canada for the gold medal - a rivalry that never disappoints.
Final Note
And hey, sometimes the biggest adventure isn’t on the field. One young explorer took a plunge into a creek at the park - no harm done, just a rite of passage. Every kid’s gotta get wet in the creek at some point.
Back to baseball: the Royals are entering a season full of questions - about their future home, their identity, and their long-term roster. But if Spring Training is any indication, the answers might just come from within the clubhouse.