Royals All-Star break power rankings

With the “second half” about to start, let’s once again check some vibes

The second half of the baseball season begins in a few short hours, so it’s time to check in on the vibes surrounding the Royals, both good and bad.

How’d you spend the All-Star break?

I won’t lie, I kind of forgot that the draft took place on Sunday until my fellow writers started sending messages about it. Later in the week, I heard one national baseball writer on the radio say that the ratings were up this year for the draft, but I followed it on X and BlueSky. I’m assuming it took place on MLB Network, a station I haven’t had for years.

Then I missed about 90% of the Home Run Derby on Monday. Very briefly, I saw Cal Raleigh’s second-round performance, but without a local tie, I decided to do something else with the rest of my evening.

But then Tuesday—well, Tuesday more than exceeded my expectations.

Top Five

5. The All-Star Game

Tuesday was the inverse of Monday as I started caring about the game when three Royals were on the field at once. It started out rough as Kris Bubic had an appearance I’m sure he wasn’t expecting. Still, I hope he enjoyed his time in Atlanta.

Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. sure left an impression. The latter drove in the former to really kick into gear the American League’s comeback attempt. But for an excellent defensive play by National League third baseman Eugenio Saurez in the top of the ninth, the two Royals would’ve paved the way for a win.

Instead, Bob poked a heater the other way to cut the lead to one, and then came around to score to tie it up.

And then the Swing Off, or whatever it’s called, after the ninth—that was fun!

It definitely felt like how a summertime exhibition with the sport’s greatest stars should feel—easy, light, and enjoyable.

4. Call-Ups

Sure, the Royals are back in the standings, but they wouldn’t be where they are without the likes of Noah Cameron and other minor-league call-ups. The Royals didn’t enter the season with the most vaunted of farm systems, but they’ve (mostly) hit on the guys they’ve called up since the start of the year.

3. Bob

Is Bobby Witt Jr. having a down year? Only compared to last season. Most players would kill for his type of production. Already, he’s accrued as much bWAR (4.3) as he did the entirety of 2023 (4.3).

2. Vinnie’s Thumb

He appears mostly recovered from last year’s unfortunate injury. Take it away, Jake:

Oh, and he’s funny, too.

1. Maikel Garcia

Garcia’s been the breakout player on the team so far this season. He played fine last year in 157 games, but he’s already doubled his bWAR from 1.2 to 2.8. Justifiably, he made his first All-Star Game as he slashed .297/.354/.454 in the first half. He needs to continue it for the Royals to make a postseason push.

Speaking of which…

Not Ranked: The Playoff Race

Two years ago at this time, I’d be very stoked for the Royals to be in this situation—this situation being 5.5 out of the final Wild Card spot just after the All-Star break. After last season’s jump, though, this feels mildly disappointing. It feels like the Royals should be closer to the playoffs than this, right?

Well, maybe. Maybe last year was an aberration.

Anyway, it’s all relative. This year is this year and not last year, so focusing on this year, I hope to see some important baseball the rest of the way. The Royals clearly have their work to do—they’re chasing the Twins, Angels, Rangers, and Rays—but as I wrote at the beginning of the season, let us fans enjoy the ride.

Bottom Five

5. Trade Chips—Sell

On the flip side, if the Royals decided to sell, outside of Seth Lugo, who exactly are they going to dangle? They still have a year of control on both Carlos Estevez and Bubic. And if not them, the who?

4. Frasier vs Frazier

First, Paramount cancels the revival of Frasier after just two seasons, and then the Royals trade—trade!—for Adam Frazier. I don’t get either move*.

*Actually, the new Frasier paled in comparison to its first run, and Matt says you can see the Frazier trade making sense, but only if you squint.

3. The American League Central

At the break, only the Tigers were above .500. They’re cruising with 60 wins already, the best record in the majors, 11 up on the Guadians in the Central.

Every other AL Central team is underperforming. The Twins are two under, the Royals and the Guardians three, while the White Sox continue doing White Sox things. This division was supposed to be stronger.

2. The Stadium Issue

S.S.D.D.

1. Trade Chips—Buy

Alright, if the Royals buy at the deadline, what prospects are they going to dangle? Certainly one—but just one—of their catching prospects, and then…what? It’s bleak.

Not Ranked: Cags

This is not the start anyone wanted for Jac Caglianone, including himself.

The team’s first-round pick from last year’s draft made it to the show earlier than expected, but he’s struggled mightily. Sure, there have been some highlights:

Before the break, though, you could see the kid getting frustrated. Nearly every time he made an out, he’d look disgusted or slam down his bat. Or both. He’s feeling the pressure.

Look, I don’t know whether the Royals should send him back to Omaha or keep him in Kansas City to figure out things. That’s a tough question. Psyches, you know?

Hopefully the break helped re-focus the young man and he improves his numbers, because, by golly, .146/.204/.270 won’t help.