Vinnie Pasquantino Locks In with Royals, Team Eyes Bigger Moves Ahead
Vinnie Pasquantino’s new deal with the Royals is officially in the books, and the big first baseman sounds relieved to have it done.
“Happy to be here, and I’m glad we got that done,” Pasquantino said during Royals Rally. “They didn’t have to do that… I think both sides are taking on some risk. I think both sides understand the value there, and I’m happy we got it done.”
That’s a candid, grounded take from one of the Royals’ key offensive pieces - and it speaks volumes about the mutual trust between player and front office. Pasquantino’s bat has been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s lineup, and now he’s got some long-term stability to match his on-field production.
General manager J.J. Picollo echoed that sentiment, calling Pasquantino “a premier run producer” and “a huge part of our team.”
There’s no question the Royals see him as a foundational piece - not just for his bat, but for the connection he’s built with the fan base. This deal gives the club some certainty as they continue to shape their roster for the next phase of contention.
Royals Still Open for Business
While Pasquantino’s deal is a major step forward, the Royals aren’t done looking for ways to improve. CEO and chairman John Sherman made it clear over the weekend that the front office is still working the phones.
“I know J.J. [has] a couple of objectives,” Sherman said. “If he could add another bat, I think he’d do it. We have a surplus of pitching talent, particularly starting pitching talent, that’s valuable.”
Translation: don’t be surprised if the Royals package some of that pitching depth to bring in another impact bat. Sherman didn’t commit to any specific move, but he left the door wide open for more action. And even if nothing materializes, he’s confident the team’s internal growth - especially on the mound - will keep them in the thick of the AL Central race.
“We feel like we’re going to compete for the division,” Sherman said. “We had some regression last year, but we also think there are some areas that we’re going to fix.”
Ballpark Future Still in Flux
Sherman also addressed the ongoing stadium saga - and while the team’s current lease at Kauffman Stadium runs through 2030, he made it clear the preference is still to move downtown.
“That’s always a fallback position, we have that option,” Sherman said of staying at the K. “But that’s not something we intend to happen.”
Sherman emphasized the goal of positioning the Royals for the next generation - ideally in the heart of Kansas City, where a new stadium could serve as a cultural and economic hub. But he also acknowledged the need for flexibility.
“You have to be willing to adapt and be flexible to achieve that ultimate goal,” he said. “I would love to see us in the heart of the city… but I also have to be open to other ideas.”
There’s still plenty of work to be done on that front. The team missed a recent deadline to get a stadium measure on the ballot in Clay County, but local officials say the process is ongoing. Meanwhile, some businesses have expressed support for a potential site at Washington Square Park.
Broadcast Plans in Motion
On the media front, Royals executive Cullen Maxey said the team would prefer to stick with FanDuel Sports Network - but only if they can guarantee consistent coverage.
“Our plan with them is to stick with our partners, as long as they can convince us that there will not be a risk of an interruption during our season,” Maxey said. “They’ve actually done a great job… of expanding our reach.”
FanDuel has also helped launch the Royals’ direct-to-consumer product, which Maxey says has been well received. But if confidence in uninterrupted service wavers, the team is prepared to pivot - possibly to Major League Baseball’s media arm.
Around the League
Elsewhere in the AL Central, the Tigers and Royals are projected to battle it out atop the division - both pegged for 83 wins by Dan Szymborski at FanGraphs. That’s a wide-open race, and the Royals’ front office clearly believes they’re in position to make some noise.
On the transaction front:
- The Reds signed third baseman Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal.
- The Giants added Luis Arraez on a one-year, $12 million contract to play second base.
- The Angels signed outfielder Jose Siri to a minor league deal.
- The White Sox acquired pitcher Jordan Hicks and former Royals prospect David Sandlin from the Red Sox.
Meanwhile, Padres GM A.J. Preller says the team’s offseason plans haven’t been slowed by their impending sale.
Veteran reliever David Robertson announced his retirement, wrapping up a long and successful big-league career.
On the international stage, Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from the World Baseball Classic due to insurance issues for their players. And while Shohei Ohtani will hit in the WBC, he won’t be pitching.
Back in the minors, fans are asking: what are the oldest ballparks still in use? That’s a deep dive for another day, but it’s a question that reminds us how much the game’s roots still matter.
And finally, the Mariners will honor the Seattle Steelheads of the West Coast Negro Baseball League by wearing their uniforms every Sunday this season - a meaningful tribute to a rich and often overlooked chapter of baseball history.
NFL Note: Raiders Find Their Coach
Switching gears to football for a moment - the Las Vegas Raiders are set to hire Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, as their next head coach. It’s a bold move and one that signals a new direction for a franchise that’s been searching for stability.
From contract extensions to potential trades, stadium talks to TV deals, the Royals have a lot on their plate - but they’re also a team that believes its window is opening. Pasquantino’s deal is one sign of that belief. The next few months will show just how serious they are about turning that belief into wins.