2024 Omaha Storm Chasers/Kansas City Royals

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon Feb 05, 2024 1:03 pm

Royals make Witt face of franchise with historic extension

KANSAS CITY – The Royals have had a big offseason, but what came Monday was the biggest move of the winter, the decade – and maybe in franchise history.

Their superstar is here to stay.

The Royals came to an agreement with Bobby Witt Jr. on a mega-extension on Monday, inking their 23-year-old shortstop to a deal that could at least run through the 2034 season – an 11-year guarantee – with a team option that could carry it three more years, through 2037 as a 14-year deal. It’s not only the largest contract in team history, but the first Royals contract spanning 10-plus seasons.

Every team's largest contracts by total value

The team did not announce terms of the deal, but a source told MLB.com it’s worth $288.7 million over 11 years guaranteed, with a three-year team option that could make it worth $377.7 million over 14 total years.

There are four player opt-outs starting in 2030 through ‘33. Witt also receives a $7.7 million signing bonus. The base deal buys out Witt’s arbitration years, which would have begun after the ‘25 season, and adds two more seasons before player opt-outs begin.

“From the moment I was drafted in 2019, the entire Royals organization and fans have treated me and my family like their own,” Witt Jr. said in a statement. “This city and this team have felt like home since day one, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to continue to represent all of KC."

All offseason, the Royals have stated their intention to keep Witt in a Royals uniform for as long as they can. After watching his historic 30-homer, 49-stolen base season, that meant going higher than they ever have with a player contract.

Witt seems to be worth it and more. Conversations this winter with Witt and his representatives reiterated to the Royals that the young shortstop wants to stay in Kansas City for the rest of his career. His favorite players growing up were Derek Jeter and Dustin Pedroia, two icons who played their entire careers with the Yankees and Red Sox, respectively. Witt sees what Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose contract runs through 2031, has built across the parking lot from Kauffman Stadium and wants to help build something similar on the baseball side.

2023 Highlight: Bobby Witt Jr.
Nov 16, 2023 · 0:31
2023 Highlight: Bobby Witt Jr.
And as the Chiefs prepare this week in Las Vegas for their fourth Super Bowl in the last five years, the Royals took their own major step forward to building that sustainable success.

“We are extraordinarily proud to announce an historic deal with a very special player,” Royals CEO/chairman John Sherman said in a statement. “Like our fans, I’m thrilled that this ensures Bobby will compete in a Royals uniform for many years to come. Bobby makes us better, and I’m grateful for his commitment to our fans, our city, and our team.”

An ultimate competitor who might hate losing even more than he loves winning, Witt wanted to make sure the Royals were ready to build a contender around him. Moves this offseason – adding proven veterans to the rotation, bullpen and offense while committing $109 million in free-agent signings – gave Witt the confidence to get a deal done.

"I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City!” Witt Jr. said in his statement.

https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/royals- ... -extension

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:13 pm

Greg S wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 1:03 pm Royals make Witt face of franchise with historic extension

Kansas City Royals sign Bobby Witt Jr to massive deal

The Kansas City Royals made history today in signing Bobby Witt Jr to the largest deal in franchise history. After reacting to the news, we discuss what it means for the future of the franchise. Lastly, do we owe John Sherman an apology?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Feb 06, 2024 9:25 pm

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Feb 15, 2024 6:21 pm

Kansas City Royals
Cole Ragans is the ace of the Kansas City Royals

With Opening Day looming, we discuss why Cole Ragans can handle the pressure of being a No. 1 of this rotation. Secondly, we provide thoughts on the new downtown stadium location. Lastly, we dive into the value of Kyle Isbel.

0:00 - Ragans is the ace
11:48 - Downtown stadium
22:01 - Isbel

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Feb 22, 2024 9:12 pm

Kansas City Royals
Eric Hosmer calls it a career

We dives into the career of Eric Hosmer and what he meant to Kansas City's franchise. Secondly, we give some lasting thoughts from our trip to Surprise. Lastly, we look at the outlook for John McMillon and his health.

0:00 - Hosmer
10:53 - Final thoughts from Surprise
19:57 - McMillon

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:17 pm

Kansas City Royals
Comparing J.J. Picollo and Dayton Moore

Before we enter Year 2 of the J.J. Picollo era, we debate just how different he is from Dayton Moore. Secondly, who is actually going to be the Opening Day starter? Lastly, it's not a bad thing that John McMillon will begin the year in Omaha.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:09 am

Kansas City Royals
Cole Ragans to start Opening Day for the Royals

Cole Ragans was named the Opening Day starter earlier tonight and we've got thoughts about it! Next, what did we make of the Royals/Brewers prospect game? Lastly, Bobby Witt Jr is quietly having one of the best springs of any player on the team.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:58 am

Kansas City Royals
The roster purge of the Royals

As the off-season comes to a close, we take a look at just how different the Royals' roster looks from last Opening Day. Secondly, another brutal year for Asa Lacy ends with injury. Lastly, what did we make of Seth Lugo's final start of Spring Training?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:03 pm

Loftin, Blanco, Sauer claim Royals' final roster spots

While the Opening Day roster will not be official until Thursday, the Royals have the pieces in place. Here’s what it’s expected to look like:

Rotation: LHP Cole Ragans, RHP Seth Lugo, RHP Michael Wacha, Brady Singer, RHP Alec Marsh
Bullpen: LHP Will Smith, RHP Chris Stratton, RHP John Schreiber, RHP Nick Anderson, RHP James McArthur, RHP Jordan Lyles, LHP Angel Zerpa, RHP Matt Sauer
Catchers: Salvador Perez, Freddy Fermin
Infielders: Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., Adam Frazier, Maikel Garcia
Outfielders: MJ Melendez, Nelson Velazquez, Kyle Isbel, Hunter Renfroe, Dairon Blanco
Utility: Garrett Hampson, Nick Loftin

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Mar 25, 2024 7:23 pm

Kansas City Royals
Why did Nick Pratto go to Omaha?

After a great spring, we ask why Nick Pratto will still begin the year in Omaha. Secondly, we can all breathe easier knowing Michael Wacha's finger injury turned out to be nothing. Lastly, who will start at second base to begin the season?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:28 am

Kansas City Royals
Is James McArthur the best in the bullpen?

In a brand new bullpen, is James McArthur the best the Royals have to offer? Secondly, how encouraged are we by Brady Singer's start in Springdale? Lastly, we're about the call it a wrap on the off-season!

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:12 pm

Omaha Storm Chasers
manager Mike Jirschele talks after practice

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:11 am

Kansas City Royals
The off-season that gave the Royals hope

As we approach Opening Day, we look back on off-season that gave Royals fans a reason to believe again. Next, we ask if the effort this off-season was enough to get it done in the regular season. Lastly, we dive into a series preview against the Minnesota Twins.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Mar 28, 2024 1:07 pm

Kansas City Royals
Royals season predictions

With Major League Baseball beginning today, we make our final season predictions for the 2024 Royals season! Secondly, we project what each division will look like. Lastly, we provide some fun hot takes for the Royals!

0:00 - W/L prediction
10:35 - Standings projections
22:15 - Hot takes

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 29, 2024 10:19 am

Storm Chasers Reveal 2024 Breaking Roster

PAPILLION, Neb. – The Omaha Storm Chasers, in conjunction with the Kansas City Royals, announced their Opening Day roster for the 2024 season on Thursday ahead of the season opener at Werner Park against the Iowa Cubs on Friday, March 29, at 6:05 p.m. CT. The active roster of 28 players includes 17 players who played for Omaha in 2023, 11 newcomers, 3 players poised to make their Triple-A debuts, 10 members of Kansas City’s 40-Man Roster and 16 players with a combined 1,718 games of Major League experience.

Pitchers (15): RHP Dan Altavilla, RHP Jonathan Bowlan, RHP Luis Cessa, RHP Steven Cruz, RHP Jonah Dipoto, RHP Tyler Duffey, RHP Andrew Hoffmann, RHP Will Klein, LHP Sam Long, LHP Daniel Lynch IV, RHP John McMillon, LHP Walter Pennington, LHP Evan Sisk, LHP Anthony Veneziano, RHP Jacob Wallace

Catchers (2): Austin Nola, Logan Porter

Infielders (7): CJ Alexander, Mike Brosseau, Cam Devanney, Ryan Fitzgerald, Devin Mann, Nick Pratto, Tyler Tolbert

Outfielders (4): Nate Eaton, Tyler Gentry, John Rave, Drew Waters

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Mar 31, 2024 8:22 am

Chasers Walk off I-Cubs for Second Straight Game

PAPILLION, NE. – For the second straight game, the Omaha Storm Chasers beat the Iowa Cubs in extra-inning, walk-off fashion, as a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning secured a 7-6 win for Omaha to improve to 2-0 in 2024. Similar to the night before on Opening Day, Iowa controlled the first half of the game, as the Cubs led 2-0 at the halfway point in the game, through the middle of the fifth inning. Starting pitcher Anthony Veneziano held the I-Cubs to one run over three innings, then relief pitcher Luis Cessa behind him surrendered just one run in 2.2 innings of work.

Andrew Hoffmann starts Sunday as he tries to help the Storm Chasers open up 3-0 for a second straight season, with a 2:05 p.m. first pitch on tap in the series finale at Werner Park.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Mar 31, 2024 6:55 pm

Twins vs. Royals Game Highlights (3/31/24)

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Apr 01, 2024 1:08 pm

Kansas City Royals
One series down for the Royals

The Royals went 1-2 in their first series of the year and we are here to provide you in-depth thoughts on the start. Next, we praise all three starters in their performance against the Twins. Lastly, we discuss if the bullpen is really this poor.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Apr 02, 2024 2:37 pm

It’s only $5 but since when did they start charging to park in the gravel lot at Werner park? The other lots had a fee but that was the benefit to park on gravel was it being free. If they are going to charge the same amt, they should probably pave it.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Apr 02, 2024 2:51 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Tue Apr 02, 2024 2:37 pm It’s only $5 but since when did they start charging to park in the gravel lot at Werner park? The other lots had a fee but that was the benefit to park on gravel was it being free. If they are going to charge the same amt, they should probably pave it.

I completely agree. I think it's been at least 2 years possibly more. I get the Chasers are a good deal but I really wish they still had free parking. And if they were taking that away, the trade off should have been paving that lot.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Apr 02, 2024 3:19 pm

I really need to get to a game. I used to make it to 1-2 each year, but I don't think we have gone since Covid. I really enjoy going, but my wife not as much, especially when its 1,000 degrees outside.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 07, 2024 6:36 am

Saturdays Are For Shutouts
Royals Take Series vs. White Sox

Michael Wacha's second start of the season was a great one, tossing 7.0 scoreless innings and striking out 8. MJ Melendez hit a two-run homer and was the catalyst for the offense late in the game to secure the series win against the Chicago White Sox.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Apr 10, 2024 10:19 am

The Captain Comes Through
Royals Walk-Off vs. Astros

Coming off a four-game sweep over the White Sox, the Royals opened a home series vs. the Houston Astros. Cole Ragans battled through 5.0 innings allowing 3 runs and the offense tied things up with a 3-run 5th inning where the score stayed tied until the 10th, thanks to a tremendous effort from the bullpen keeping the Astros scoreless. Salvador Perez stepped to the plate and lined the second pitch he saw into the gap to score Garrett Hampson and give the Royals a 4-3 victory for their fifth straight win.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Apr 10, 2024 6:53 pm

Kansas City Royals
The rotation is evolving

After a hot start to the season, we examine the most impressive aspect of the starting rotation, so far. Secondly, are we in panic mode for Vinnie Pasquantino? Lastly, how big has Dairon Blanco been for the Royals?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Apr 11, 2024 9:25 am

Astros vs. Royals Game Highlights (4/10/24)

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 6:19 am

The Perfect Homestand
Royals Sweep Astros

The Royals exploded for a franchise-record-tying 11 hits in the 1st inning, plating 9 runs to open the game against the Astros. Bobby Witt Jr. lead the charge all afternoon, hitting two home runs and driving in five. Vinnie Pasquantino picked right back up where he left off the night before, driving in three in the winning effort. Brady Singer picked up the win, tossing 5.0 innings of 1-run ball as the Royals were too much for the Astros to handle earning the sweep to wrap up a 7-0 homestand.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 8:07 am

Don't look now, but with only 151 games left, the KC Royals are only 1/2 game out of first place in the AL Central and third place overall in the AL!!

It's almost like, since the vote, they are playing for a new stadium and on a seven-game win streak.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 10:22 am

Even in their losses, they've been in every game. I am so glad they didn't hesitate to sign Bobby Witt Jr to the massive contract. I am really really enjoying their games.

Greg

jag42 · Post by **jag42** » Fri Apr 12, 2024 10:54 am

KC Royals on pace to go 112-50!

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Apr 13, 2024 6:19 pm

Royals vs. Mets Game Highlights (4/13/24)

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 14, 2024 7:07 am

Three Homers Power Storm Chasers Back in Win Column

PAPILLION, NEB. — The Omaha Storm Chasers scored in the first and led the rest of the way, as three home runs helped power a 13-6 win and secure a series win over the Gwinnett Stripers, Saturday afternoon at Werner Park.

With a series win clinched, Omaha will try and win five on six on Sunday afternoon, as right-hander Jonathan Bowlan heads to the mound for the Storm Chasers with a 2:05 p.m. CT first pitch at Werner Park.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Apr 16, 2024 5:57 am

Kansas City Royals
Shutting out the Sox

We recap the Royals' 2-0 win over Chicago -- marking their fifth-straight against the White Sox. Next, we discuss the great news of Salvador Perez avoiding the injured list. Lastly, the path for James McArthur is a cool one.

0:00 - Shutout W
10:44 - Salvy
21:07 - McArthur

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Apr 18, 2024 9:32 pm

Kansas City Royals
Here comes Michael Massey

With the Royals optioning Nick Loftin to Triple-A, we discuss if this means Michael Massey is on his way to Kansas City. Secondly, will Drew Waters join Massey for the series tomorrow? Lastly, let's preview the upcoming games against the Baltimore Orioles.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Apr 20, 2024 6:11 am

Nine-Run Homecoming
Royals Relentless vs. Orioles

The Royals returned home following a 3-3 road trip and welcomed the Baltimore Orioles to open a weekend series. Vinnie Pasquantino provided the first excitement of the evening, smashing his 4th homer of the year with a 109 MPH line drive into the Royals bullpen. Alec Marsh tossed 5.2 scoress innings in the winning effort before the Royals offense provided some cushion to the tune of a 5-run 6th inning with RBI hits from MJ Melendez, Michael Massey in his season debut, and a 2-run double from Hunter Renfroe. The Royals staved off an Orioles rally in the 7th to maintain the lead before tallying 3 in their half of the inning on an MJ Melendez 3-run home run. The Royals bullpen closed things out to sew up a win in the series-opener.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Apr 21, 2024 9:47 am

Chasers End Three-Game Skid With 8-2 win Over Sounds

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Eighth-inning insurance solidified a win for the Omaha Storm Chasers over Nashville Sounds 8-2 at First Horizon Park on Saturday night, snapping the team's three-game losing streak.

The Storm Chasers look for a series split and conclude the week in Nashville on Sunday at First Horizon Park with a 2:05 p.m. CT first pitch.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 6:17 am

Kansas City Royals
Royals use gaffe as a spark

We discuss the Royals snapping their losing streak in a unique way on Tuesday night. Next, we dive into the bullpen pieces settling into their roles. Lastly, is Maikel Garcia catching fire?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:44 pm

Pitcher who wowed College World Series fans last year is back in Omaha

Welcome back to Omaha, Paul Skenes! Ten months ago, the right-handed pitcher was named the most outstanding player of the College World Series. He then went No. 1 overall in the MLB draft to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he's turning heads for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 7:09 am

Kansas City Royals
New winning streak for the Royals

After a rain-shortened game, we dive into the newest winning streak of the Royals. Next, what can we expect from the upcoming series against the Detroit Tigers. Lastly, how sustainable is this stretch for Salvador Perez.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Apr 26, 2024 3:51 pm

Royals vs. Tigers Game Highlights (4/26/24)

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed May 01, 2024 6:30 am

Kansas City Royals
Road Ragans fuels Royals

We discuss another dominant outing from Cole Ragans when pitching on the road. Secondly, just how impressive has the AL Central been? Lastly, what's next as the Royals gear up for May?