The Kansas City Royals have made headlines in the baseball world with their recent signing of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to an 11-year extension worth $288 million. This move comes as a surprise to many, considering the Royals had the highest payroll in the American League Central, a division that is not known for its high-spending teams.
For Royals fans, this signing is a cause for celebration. It’s not often that a small-market team like the Royals can lock up a young star player for such a long time. Witt Jr., who has opt-outs after years seven, eight, nine, and ten, gives the team a sense of stability and a player that fans can get attached to. After a disappointing season in 2023 where the Royals only won 56 games, this signing shows that the team is committed to turning things around quickly.
However, there are some skeptics who view this signing with cynicism. They argue that the Royals are angling for a new stadium despite already playing in the picturesque Kauffman Stadium. They question the need for public subsidies when the team is fielding a competitive and exciting roster.
In addition to Witt Jr.’s extension, the Royals have also made some smaller signings, bringing in players like Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and Hunter Renfroe. While these signings may not be game-changers, they do help bolster the team’s roster and add depth. The Royals’ projected $150+ luxury tax payroll is set to be the highest in the Central division, which puts the other teams in an embarrassing position.
This raises the question of why other teams in the division, such as the Pirates and Reds, aren’t making similar moves to improve their rosters. If the Royals can afford a $150 million payroll, it begs the question of why other teams aren’t taking similar steps to compete.
In other baseball news, there is a significant development in college sports as the Dartmouth basketball team has been ruled as employees of the university by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This ruling opens the door for the players to form a union, similar to the Northwestern football team’s failed attempt in the past. The changing winds surrounding college athletes’ rights may lead to more breakthroughs in the future.
Finally, in the world of hockey, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche showcased his skills with an impressive goal against the New York Rangers. Despite his efforts, the Avalanche lost in overtime, highlighting the need for more contributions from other players on the team.
Overall, the recent developments in baseball, college sports, and hockey show that the sports world is constantly evolving. Whether it’s a surprise signing, a legal ruling, or a standout performance, there’s always something exciting happening in the world of sports.
