The comments from Witt Jr. were shared by Jaylon Thompson on X: “Yeah it s—-. But if you’re the worst team in baseball, you might deserve to get booed every once in a while. It should motivate us to get better. Just motivate us to go out there and lay it all on the field each and every night.”

It was a brutally honest assessment from Witt Jr., who understands the Royals are now stuck in a deep 7-16 hole and in urgent need of a turnaround. The situation could become even more complicated with Salvador Perez expected to be away from catching duties for a few days, further testing the team’s depth.

Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals’ difficult situation

Witt Jr. has done everything he can to help his team improve. He is currently hitting .287, making him one of the most productive bats in the lineup, but he admitted that when the season began, he never imagined the Royals would be in such a difficult spot.

“You look back two months ago, month ago, no one in here would believe we’re technically the worst team in baseball. We believe in each and every one in here. … It’s frustrating…,” Witt Jr. said. He has also recorded 25 hits so far this MLB season, matching Maikel Garcia as one of the team’s most productive hitters.

The Royals’ situation is fairly straightforward. They sit in last place in the AL Central, with more losses than the Chicago White Sox. Still, the season remains relatively young, and with the Cleveland Guardians leading the division at 13-11 and the Detroit Tigers close behind at 12-11, the outlook is not entirely out of reach.

The update came from Joel Goldberg on X: “Salvador Perez just spoke with the media. He was in a great mood. Talked with Matt Quatraro this morning. Been dealing with a sore hip so expects to DH more in next few days. Didn’t feel like he needed a ‘mental breather’ but understands he can’t play 162. Ready to move forward.”

Goldberg also noted that one of the reasons Elias Diaz was called up to handle catching duties is because Pérez has been dealing with hip discomfort, which will likely keep him away from behind the plate for a few days. For now, he has not been placed on the injured list and remains available on the depth chart.

What happens if Pérez can’t return behind the plate?

If Pérez is unable to resume catching duties, even though nothing serious has been reported regarding his hip, the Kansas City Royals do have options. In addition to Díaz, the team can turn to Carter Jensen, giving them multiple alternatives at the position if needed.

Quatraro’s initial assessment of Pérez’s performance was not exaggerated. The veteran has struggled to start the MLB season, and in Sunday’s April 19 game against the New York Yankees, where he served as DH, he went hitless in four at-bats and struck out twice. He has not recorded a hit since April 16 and is currently batting .152.

Last season also began slowly for Pérez. Through his first 21 games of 2025, he posted a .203 average with two home runs. While he has one more home run at this point in 2026, his overall production has dipped, with fewer hits and RBIs compared to the same stretch last year.

“I don’t need a mental breather,” Pérez responded on social media, pushing back on Quatraro’s earlier comments before the game: “…Salvy’s been struggling a little bit. Just try to give him a little mental breather,” the manager said about giving his catcher the day off.

The Kansas City Royals went on to lose that Game 2 to the Yankees, meaning they dropped the series, though Game 3 still offers a chance to salvage some pride. They currently sit at 7-14, and Quatraro’s assessment of Pérez isn’t off, he’s hitting just .160.

Just how much is Pérez struggling?

Pérez is a catcher, and while batting average isn’t always the primary metric at that position, he’s typically a .250+ hitter with a .263 career average. So far in 2026, he’s managed just 12 hits in 75 at-bats, along with two extra-base hits and three home runs, production that hasn’t done much to help Kansas City climb out of its current hole.

Among the team’s regular starters, Pérez has been the least productive at the plate. Vinnie Pasquantino is next at .165, followed by second baseman Jonathan India at .167, a clear sign the infield hasn’t contributed much offensively.

The Royals aren’t alone in their struggles. While they sit at 7-14, teams like the Chicago Cubs are in a similar position, while the division-leading Cleveland Guardians hold a 12-10 record. The Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers are close behind with just one fewer win each.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Royals agreed to a Major League deal with outfielder Starling Marte, who played for the Mets for the last four seasons.

An All-Star in 2016 and 2022, Marte has put together a stellar MLB career. Now, at 37 years old, he will join forces with elite shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. with the hopes of elevating the Royals.

Does Marte have something left in the tank?

His role has shifted from a premier outfielder to more of a part-time yet valuable player. He is also a reliable designated-hitter, and is seen as a veteran leader in the locker room.

In 2025, he batted .270 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .745 OPS with the Mets, where he was mostly a DH. The fact is Marte is no longer an All-Star caliber player, but he is a very solid option for a team like the Royals.

He is a role player, Bobby Witt Jr. is the absolute star

The Royals shouldn’t expect Marte to go ballistic. That’s what Bobby Witt Jr. is there for. The Royals are seen as a contender to witn the 2026 AL Central. The team also has a solid rotation, and with Marte, they’re adding depth in their batting, which is what they need.

Dominican journalist Yancen Pujols tweeted that the Royals and Marte “have been talking” about a potential major league deal, later adding that negotiations were “advancing.” Jon Heyman of the New York Post confirmed the discussions, though nothing is finalized yet.

Marte, 37, remains a valuable offensive contributor despite age-related declines in speed. Last season, he appeared in 98 games and posted a .270/.335/.410 slash line, mainly excelling against left-handed pitching.

What Marte brings to Kansas City

Though Marte has two Gold Gloves, he likely won’t play a full-time defensive role if he joins the Royals. Kauffman Stadium’s spacious outfield and Marte’s 28th percentile sprint speed suggest his primary value would come as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter.

His presence could complement Kansas City captain Salvador Perez and provide guidance for younger position players such as Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone, and Carter Jensen.

Potential role and impact

If the deal is completed, Marte would add depth to the Royals’ lineup and provide a veteran presence in critical situations. While the team doesn’t have a permanent designated hitter, Marte could rotate in alongside other options, contributing both offensively and as a leader for the clubhouse.

Philadelphia lost several key contributors, including Ranger Suarez, Harrison Bader, and Nick Castellanos, though they added Adolis Garcia, a two-time All-Star. Still, a right-handed-hitting outfielder remained on the Phillies’ radar as a potential upgrade for their lineup.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer identified Randal Grichuk of the Kansas City Royals as a “best fit” for Philadelphia. “He had a rough one in 2025, with his OPS falling 201 points from where it had been in 2024. Yet his exit velocity and hard-hit rate actually went up, and he still had his longstanding knack for pulling the ball in the air. Those strengths would play nicely at Citizens Bank Park, where Grichuk would supplant Johan Rojas as the primary platoon partner for Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford,” Rymer wrote.

Could Grichuk provide the Phillies with veteran outfield depth?

Though 34 and coming off a challenging season, Grichuk remains capable of contributing. In 2024, he slashed .291/.348/.528 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs, showing that his ability to hit for power and drive the ball remains intact. Philadelphia could benefit from his experience and right-handed bat in a platoon setup.

Will the move help the Phillies contend in 2026?

Adding Grichuk would provide the Phillies with flexibility and additional firepower in their lineup, particularly at Citizens Bank Park. His presence could complement existing stars and stabilize the outfield rotation as the team looks to improve on last year’s postseason run.

The report was shared by Hector Gomez on X (@hgomez27): “The Kansas City Royals sign catcher Elias Diaz to minor league deal, with spring training invite.” The signing generated notable attention, as the veteran free agent has appeared in 205 games over the past two seasons.

It’s not considered a major loss for Machado and the Padres, who have a strong roster capable of covering the catcher position. However, the Royals appear to be prioritizing experience. Diaz brings 11 years of MLB service time, primarily serving as a backup to established starters.

Elias Diaz represents a low-cost veteran addition for the Royals

More than a decade in Major League Baseball is no small feat. Diaz spent his first five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and in 2017 he received his first extended opportunity to showcase his potential, appearing in 64 games behind the plate.

He then spent four and a half seasons with the Colorado Rockies, where he became an important part of the club’s defensive work at home plate. While he wasn’t always the full-time starter, he logged multiple 100-plus game seasons for Colorado before departing in 2024 to join Machado and the San Diego Padres.

In 2025, Diaz endured one of his least productive seasons, posting a .204 batting average with 52 hits and 29 RBIs in what was a difficult campaign overall. He earned $3.5 million in salary, which could serve as a reference point for any potential deal to return to the majors. According to Spotrac, his current market value is projected at approximately $2.4 million.

The departures of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil via trade, along with Starling Marte entering free agency, left the Mets searching for additional stability across the outfield. Luis Robert Jr. is expected to handle center field duties, while internal competition remains for the remaining corner spots.

The Mets officially announced the addition Thursday on X, posting: “We have signed outfielder MJ Melendez to a one-year contract. Welcome to Queens, MJ!” Melendez’s deal will pay him $1.5 million in the majors and $425,000 in the minors.

Melendez brings versatility and upside

The 27-year-old left-handed hitter debuted with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 as both a catcher and corner outfielder before transitioning exclusively to the outfield in 2024. He can play both corner positions, giving the Mets flexibility as they evaluate their defensive alignment.

Melendez owns a .215 career batting average with 52 home runs, 163 RBIs, and a .685 OPS across four MLB seasons. Although he struggled in limited MLB action last year, he performed well at Triple-A Omaha, hitting .261 with 20 home runs, 64 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and an .813 OPS in 107 games.

Depth move as Mets reshape outfield

Tyrone Taylor projects as a strong defensive option, while top prospect Carson Benge will have an opportunity to compete for playing time despite limited Triple-A experience. Adding Melendez gives the Mets another experienced option as they prepare for a competitive season.

For Melendez, the move represents a fresh start in New York — and for the Mets, it adds another layer of depth as they structure the outfield around Soto’s new role.

According to The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies are eyeing former Kansas City Royals outfielder Randal Grichuk for the next season. “The Phillies could use a right-handed bat to platoon in left field with Brandon Marsh, and Randal Grichuk is among those in whom they are showing interest,” Rosenthal reported.

The Phillies are keen on bolstering their roster, and adding Grichuk could strengthen one of the weaker parts of their lineup. Grichuk would likely complement manager Rob Thomson’s game plan as the team aims for a robust competition next season and recently announced a new addition to the roster that could help to bring Bo Bichette.

By potentially adding Grichuk, the Phillies continue their offseason strategy to fortify their squad. With aspirations of clinching a World Series title, such moves are pivotal steps toward achieving that ultimate goal.

Grichuk’s career numbers

Grichuk, who was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Royals last season, is set to enter his 13th MLB season in 2026. Throughout his career, he’s put up impressive numbers with various teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Diamondbacks, and the Royals.

Here are his career statistics:

• Games (G): 1,361
• Batting Average (AVG): .251
• Home Runs (HR): 212
• Runs Batted In (RBI): 629
• Hits: 1,126
• OPS: .763
• WAR: 14.0

Phillies’ offseason additions to the major league roster

The Phillies have made waves this offseason with notable additions, including the re-signing of Kyle Schwarber. Here is a rundown of the significant acquisitions so far:

• Kyle Schwarber, DH/LF: 5 years, $150M
• Brad Keller, SP/RP: 2 years, $22M
• Adolis Garcia, RF: 1 year, $10M
• Zach Pop, RP: 1 year

With Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodon out to start the 2026 MLB season, Max Fried is being left out to dry by the Yankees’ front office. That could all change as there is still time for New York to shakeup its roster and bullpen. Still, most signs suggest the Bronx Bombers are focusing on other positions at the moment.

Obviously, re-signing Cody Bellinger holds priority, with rumors hinting the Yankees have developed a strategy if he doesn’t re-sign. Still, surrounding Fried with another star pitcher could prove to be just as paramount.

On that note, a report indicates the Yankees could be after former Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Lorenzen, looking for him to fill the position before Cole, Schmidt, and Rodon return to the mound at Yankee Stadium. Lorenzen is currently unsigned for the 2026 MLB campaign.

Lorenzen could help out Yankees

“The New York Yankees are in the position of needing a bridge starter, essentially, until Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt and Carlos Rodon can recover from injuries. Lorenzen isn’t the sexiest option, but he has the pedigree to warrant consideration,” as stated by FanSided’s Christopher Kline.

“Better yet: He’s an experienced reliever and can transition to the bullpen as needed. New York can figure out which role suits him best at this stage.”

Lorenzen’s numbers in 2025

What started off smoothly turned out to be a rocky year as Lorenzen struggled to end the season. As a result, the 33-year-old pitcher—named to the All-Star Game in 2023—posted a 7-11 record. Moreover, he registered a 4.64 ERA, 127 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.33 over 141 innings pitched.

Cole’s uncertain production in 2026

The Yankees are set to face much uncertainty by the time Opening Day 2026 comes around in the spring. Cole is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

According to a report from CBS News back in October 2024, about 35% of active MLB pitchers had undergone the procedure—in which a partially or fully torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the medial side of the elbow is replaced with a tendon.

Regardless, it’s still a risky surgery that casts doubt on a pitcher’s production in the seasons following the medical intervention. With that in mind, it might be wise for New York to acquire pitching help in case Cole—35—regresses next season.

The Phillies sent reliever Matt Strahm to Kansas City in exchange for Jonathan Bowlan. The only reason here is to create financial openings for the team. Strahm had a $7.5 million paycheck in 2026. As for Bowlan, he will only make $820,000 this upcoming season and has a contract through 2032 according to Luke Arcaini of Crossing Board.

The Phillies might have to make room as they have expressed their wish to retain catcher JT Realmuto and that is a heavy contract to give. It could also mean that the Phillies are looking for another big move.

The Royals are getting a pitcher seeking redemption

Strahm is a good pitcher. He is a good lefty that can absolutely ball. However, he is seeking redemption because of how his Phillies’ career ended. The last time we saw Strahm was in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers. He gave up a three-run home run to Teoscar Hernandez that sealed the win for the Dodgers. Strahm said that the team didn’t do enough field practice and that sparked a back and forth with Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowksi.

Hence, this change of pace and scenery could help Strahm regain his best form. This is a long-awaited reunion, as Strahm spent his first two seasons with the Royals. The All-Star will enter this season at 34 years old, and he is still productive despite what the last inning pitched suggests.

What will Bowlan provide to the Phillies?

Bowlan will enter his fourth year in the MLB and the first out of Kansas City. However, he is not Strahm. Bowlan’s career record is 1-4. He had 46 strikeouts last season and allowed 37 hits and 21 runs.

Bowlan also allowed six home runs in 34 games. The Phillies will take Bowlan and try to make him a better pitcher. But all in all, the Phillies real goal is to make financial room for more moves. If he produces, all the better, but if not, then at least he is a cheap pitcher.