The Royals made a splash during the international signing period, and the name at the center of it all is Angeibel Gomez - a dynamic outfielder who’s already turning heads across the scouting world. When evaluators describe him as having “SEC football-like physicality,” they’re not exaggerating. This is a center fielder who moves like a running back and hits like a middle-of-the-order slugger.
One scout put it best: watching Gomez hit top speed is like “watching a bronco run.” That’s not just poetic - it’s backed by some eye-popping numbers.
Gomez has clocked a 60-yard dash in as fast as 6.2 seconds. That kind of speed, paired with his instincts and range, makes him a strong bet to stick in center field long-term - a premium defensive position that only adds to his value.
But it’s not just the tools. Gomez has already shown he can translate those gifts into production.
He was named MVP of the Amateur Scouting League in 2024, flashing consistent hard contact from the right side of the plate. He trained under Alexis Quiroz of AQ Sport Agency, part of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, which continues to be a pipeline for top-tier international talent.
The Royals clearly believe in Gomez’s makeup as much as his skill set. He’s known for his baseball IQ and is regarded as a high-character individual off the field - a combination that organizations covet when investing in young prospects.
Meanwhile, the Royals are also gearing up for a new chapter at home, with adjustments to their ballpark dimensions on the horizon. But here’s the thing: the front office believes this current pitching staff is well-suited for the shift.
Why? It starts with their approach - they don’t give up an overwhelming number of fly balls.
In fact, they ranked 17th in MLB in fly ball percentage last season.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll see how they’ve subtly pitched to their environment. In 2025, 37.2% of fly balls and line drives at home were hit to center field - up from 35% in 2024.
That might not seem like a massive jump, but it’s telling when you consider that Royals pitchers ranked eighth in MLB in terms of fly balls and line drives hit to center in 2025. With the center field dimensions staying put, that consistency could play in their favor.
They also finished 11th in average fly ball/line drive distance, suggesting they’re not giving up too many deep shots - a helpful trait as the field shifts.
On the national stage, the Royals are getting some well-earned recognition. Three Kansas City players landed on MLB Network’s Top 100 list, with shortstop Maikel Garcia leading the way at No.
- Garcia’s rise has been steady and impressive, and now he’s officially being acknowledged among the game’s elite.
First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (No. 93) and left-hander Cole Ragans (No. 89) also made the cut, giving Royals fans a glimpse of the core that could carry this team forward.
Around the league, there’s been no shortage of movement. The Diamondbacks added former Royals reliever Taylor Clarke, while the Rays, Angels, and Reds pulled off a three-team trade that sent Josh Lowe to Anaheim and Gavin Lux to Tampa Bay. The Dodgers made a major statement by locking up Kyle Tucker with a four-year, $240 million deal, and the Rockies added versatility by signing Willi Castro to a two-year, $12.8 million contract.
Seattle made a bullpen move, acquiring reliever Yosver Zulueta from the Reds and designating former Royals infielder Samad Taylor for assignment. Meanwhile, Japanese pitcher Takahiro Norimoto opted to stay in Japan, turning down an MLB offer.
As the offseason rolls on, questions remain about the remaining free agent starting pitchers and how the Red Sox - who may miss out on the top infielders - can pivot to stay competitive. There’s also buzz around who truly stands as the ace of this generation, especially with Clayton Kershaw set to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Zooming out, the National League West race is shaping up to be a tight one, and MLB is stepping in to regulate how technology and data are used in amateur scouting - a move that could reshape how teams evaluate young talent.
Off the diamond, a major college basketball point-shaving scandal has led to charges against 20 individuals, while a judge has denied an injunction from five college football players seeking a fifth year of eligibility.
And in a headline that stretches far beyond sports, reports have surfaced about a Defense Department device some believe may be linked to the mysterious “Havana Syndrome.”
But for Kansas City, the focus remains on building for the future - with Angeibel Gomez leading the next wave of talent and a young core starting to get national attention. The Royals may still be in the middle of a rebuild, but the pieces are starting to come together.