Kauffman Corner
Baseball
Didicated to covering the Kansas City Royals. Everything from yesterday's game to the very latest on the Royals top prospects. Top shelf analytics to pure passionate fan reaction, and everything in between when it comes to Royals baseball.
Rany Jazayerli (@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) stream live Sunday nights at 9:00 PM Central and are dedicated to covering the Kansas City Royals like no one else. Lifelong Royals fans. Jazayerli was a founder of Baseball Prospectus, author of the blog "Rany on the Royals" and a published writer with Grantland, The Ringer, Sports Illustrated and The Athletic. Petro has hosted local and national sports talk radio since 1994 and hosted hundreds of Royals Pre and Post game shows. From hundred loss seasons to champagne drenched clubhouses, Petro has covered the Royals for close to 30 years.
Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM, Petro is joined by David Lesky (@DBLesky) and Les Norman. Lesky is the Publisher of the Inside the Corwn Royals blog and Royals Insider for Sports Radio 810 - WHB. Norman is a former Royals Outfielder, Host of "Break'n the Norm" on Sports Radio 810 - WHB, Royals Insider at WHB and the author of "Teaching the Tools of Hitting".
Sit back and enjoy Royals fans!
Location:
United States
Description:
Didicated to covering the Kansas City Royals. Everything from yesterday's game to the very latest on the Royals top prospects. Top shelf analytics to pure passionate fan reaction, and everything in between when it comes to Royals baseball. Rany Jazayerli (@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (@SorenPetro) stream live Sunday nights at 9:00 PM Central and are dedicated to covering the Kansas City Royals like no one else. Lifelong Royals fans. Jazayerli was a founder of Baseball Prospectus, author of the blog "Rany on the Royals" and a published writer with Grantland, The Ringer, Sports Illustrated and The Athletic. Petro has hosted local and national sports talk radio since 1994 and hosted hundreds of Royals Pre and Post game shows. From hundred loss seasons to champagne drenched clubhouses, Petro has covered the Royals for close to 30 years. Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM, Petro is joined by David Lesky (@DBLesky) and Les Norman. Lesky is the Publisher of the Inside the Corwn Royals blog and Royals Insider for Sports Radio 810 - WHB. Norman is a former Royals Outfielder, Host of "Break'n the Norm" on Sports Radio 810 - WHB, Royals Insider at WHB and the author of "Teaching the Tools of Hitting". Sit back and enjoy Royals fans!
Language:
English
Episodes
Royals Executive VP and General Manager, JJ Picollo Joins Kauffman Corner!
2/1/2026
With just 10 days remaining until Spring Training we chat with Royals General Manger, JJ Picollo.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Kansas City Royals to discuss the job of a General Manager and the season ahead.
- What plans did Picollo have going into the job?
- What has been more difficult than expected?
- Hiring Matt Quatraro.
- Getting more On Base Percentage.
- Building the Farm System.
- Signing young Stars.
- Getting bad offers from other GM’s.
⁃ What can still get done before the season?
Duration:01:00:31
Which Pitchers have the Best Chance to Make or Break the Royals '26 Season?
1/29/2026
A week ago we looked at the Hitters with the biggest potential variance in their 2026 season and how they would affect the success of the Royals. This week we look at the Pitchers. Which of the 2026 arms have the biggest potential distance between their ceiling and floor and thereby will have the biggest impact on the season?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are selecting the pitchers that can have the biggest impact on the Royals success or failure in 2026.
- What did we learn from putting our list together?
- Which Pitcher has the biggest distance between ceiling and floor?
- How to handle all the pitchers returning from injury?
- Where to put Cole Ragans on the list?
- Does a reliever make a big enough difference to make the list?
- Which pitchers just missed making the list?
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Duration:00:58:42
Royals Pitching Coach Brian Sweeney Joins The KC to Discuss Moving the Fences In and More!
1/25/2026
The Royals have become one of the savviest organizations in baseball when it comes to pitching. The man behind that is Pitching Coach, Brian Sweeney.
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), pinch hitting for Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli), and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome Sweeney to discuss…
- Creating a Pitching Legacy in KC.
- What went into trading Freddy Fermin.
- Dealing with injuries in ’25.
- The importance of the Strikeout.
- Chase Rates.
- Changing the fences at Kauffman Stadium.
⁃ Working cohesively with all parts of the organization.
Duration:00:58:42
Which Hitters have the Best Chance to Make or Break the Royals '26 Season?
1/22/2026
Major League Baseball teams love consistency in a player. At the same time they are always happy to discuss a player’s “ceiling”. So which of the 2026 Royals have the biggest distance between their ceiling and floor and thereby will have the biggest effect on the Royals chances?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are selecting the players that can have the biggest impact on the Royals success or failure in 2026.
- Which Hitter has the biggest distance between ceiling and floor?
- Does moving the fences in change the list?
- Where does Jac Caglianone fit into the equation?
- Is there still upside with Salvy?
- Can the Royals expect the same number from Carter Jensen?
- Is Bobby Witt Jr. too good to make this list?
- What Hitter is the most consistent and reliable?
- What did we learn from making the lists?
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Duration:00:57:15
ESPN’s Jeff Passan Talks Royals and Baseball Economics!
1/18/2026
ESPN’S Senior Major League Baseball Insider joins the Kauffman Corner Podcast to talk Royals and all things Baseball.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) welcome Jeff Passan to discuss the Royals offseason and more.
- Have the Dodgers ruined the sport?
- Are we headed to a labor stoppage in ’27?
- Evaluating the Royals Offseason.
- Is trading Cole Ragans a good idea?
- Where Matt Quatraro ranks among Managers?
⁃ What will bringing the fences in means for the Royals?
Duration:01:03:17
Moving the Fences In... Good Idea or Bad Idea?
1/15/2026
The Royals are moving the fences in. What this means for the ’26 Royals and beyond.
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down what the effect of a smaller ballpark will be for the hitters, pitchers and the and the fans…
- Biggest winners and losers?
- Will this attract more free agents?
- Does it change the type of players the Royals look for?
- Will it affect the Outfielders defensively?
- Why not move Center Field in as well?
- How many Homers will the Royals hit in ’26?
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Duration:00:58:08
Is there Help on The Farm in 2026?
1/12/2026
It there any help on the Farm? Did the Royals get it right in arbitration? How many players on the Royals Hall of Fame ballot should get the call?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss where the Royals can expect help form their Minor Leagues and more.
- The Royals avoid arbitration with 6 players.
- Pasquantino and Bubic head to arbitration.
- Is there an arm or two in the minors that can help?
- Will any bat from Omaha even make the bigs?
- The Royals Hall of Fame ballots are in.
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Duration:01:01:30
Matt Quatraro Isn’t Going Anywhere!
1/8/2026
The Royals continue to get in-house business done by extending the contract of Matt Quatraro through the 2029 season, but they remain in a holding pattern when it comes to acquiring another bat.
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the Quatraro extension and what moves might still be possible for the Royals.
- Quatraro locked up through at least 2029.
- Is the Bubic market heating up?
- Could Bo Bichette be a Royal?
- AL Central Win Totals.
- The Jensen/Caglianone effect.
- In other news…
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Duration:00:57:59
Better or Worse, Breaking Down the 2026 Royals Pitcher by Pitcher!
1/5/2026
Last week (Episode 241) we projected where the Royals would be better/worse among the Position Players and this week we’re taking a look at the Pitching Staff.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the pitching staff by how many wins they think the Royals have improved or regressed this offseason.
- Royals extend Matt Quatraro through '29/Option for '30.
- Health is the key at the top of the Rotation.
- Back of the rotation may not be what it looks like now.
- Is middle relief one of the biggest improvements?
- Did the back of the bullpen improve with the Strahm addition?
- Should the Royals fear the age of the back of the pen?
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Duration:01:04:25
Are the Royals Topped Out on Payroll?
1/1/2026
The Royals have quietly increased payroll again this offseason. Have they gone as far as they can go?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the Royals payroll and more…
- Are the Royals at their Payroll limit?
- Do they need to trade payroll?
- Will Kris Bubic be moved?
- Was not signing Hunter Harvey a mistake?
- Have the Royals added enough OBP?
- Does their bullpen have enough K’s?
⁃ Where are the position battles looming?
Duration:00:55:18
Position by Position, Breaking Down the Royals Offense!
12/28/2025
Position by position, where are the Royals better and/or worse on offense?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down each of the Royals positions around the diamond and discuss where they will be better or worse…
- KC still in, on Austin Hayes.
- What to learn from Ryan O’Hearn’s deal w/Pittsburgh.
- How much Carter Jensen improves Catcher?
- Can the Royals be better on the infield?
- Can’t be worse in the Outfield, right?
- Expectations for Jac Caglianone?
- How the DH looks in ’26.
Duration:00:59:35
Ranking the Royals Top 10 Pitchers of All-Time!
12/25/2025
Who are the 10 best pitchers in Royals history?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) each lay out their Top 10 Royals Pitchers….
- Do they agree on the top spot? (Spoiler… No!)
- How much do the Cy Young awards matter?
- Who was the most surprising addition?
- Which arm was the toughest cut?
- Did No-Hitters carry any weight?
⁃ How many Relievers made the list?
Duration:01:01:56
Looking to the Past for a Lefty!
12/22/2025
The Royals look to their past to fill their need for a lefty in the bullpen.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the latest trade by the Royals and take their first shot at what the roster will look like in 2026.
- Breaking down the Matt Strahm trade.
- Why the Phillies would part with Strahm?
- What’s the Home Run move that’s left for the Royals?
- Do the Royals have any money left?
- Not moving a Starter a bad sign?
- Projecting the Opening Day Roster!
- When will the Royals decide where to put their Stadium?
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Duration:01:06:34
Have the Royals Done Enough?
12/18/2025
The Royals have finally announced their flurry of moves. Isaac Collins, Nick Mears, Lane Thomas and an extension for Maikel Garcia… is that enough for this offseason?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss what the Royals have gotten done and look ahead to what might still be to come.
If this is it, is it enough?
- What to expect from the Maikel Garcia extension.
- Will Garcia improve on his ’25 season?
- Where Lane Thomas fits best?
- Why did the Brewers make this trade?
- Can Isaac Collins play every day?
⁃ What more can the Royals do?
Duration:00:54:07
Kauffman Corner - Podcast - E237 12-14-25
12/15/2025
A signing, a trade and an extension… It took a little while but the Royals finally got things moving with their offseason.
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) react to the Royals flurry of moves…
- Royals sign outfielder, Lane Thomas.
- Royals trade for outfielder Isaac Collins.
- Are the Royals done adding outfielders?
- What did the Royals gain/lose in swapping Zerpa for Mears?
- Do the Royals need a left handed Reliever now?
- Locking up Maikel Garcia.
⁃ What’s left for the Royals to do this offseason?
Duration:00:58:22
Winter Meetings Let Down!
12/11/2025
It’s all quiet at the Winter Meetings for the Royals. What should we make of that?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) break down the latest rumors and more…
- Royals have offers out to Free Agents.
- Did the Royals blow it on Mike Yastrzemski?
- Who should be the Royals target?
- What the Schwarber/Alonso deals mean for Pasquantino.
- The Royals gain 7 spots in the draft lottery.
- One OP business doesn’t want the Royals in their backyard!
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Duration:01:02:52
What to Make of the Rumors Around the Royals at the Winter Meetings?
12/8/2025
The Winter Meetings are underway and the Royals have been rumored to be interested in a number of different Outfielders. When will rumors turn into action?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the names the Royals are said to be interested in.
- Still just rumors at the Winter Meetings.
- Is Harrison Bader the best the Royals can do?
- A reunion with Mike Yastrzemski inevitable?
- Should the Royals be willing to deal Cole Ragans?
- Is there really a market for Kris Bubic?
- Will ownership green light spending what it takes?
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Duration:00:55:32
Is Cole Ragans Really Being Shopped?
12/4/2025
Are the Royals really shopping Cole Ragans? What would it take for KC to move their ace?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) discuss the latest trade rumors and the free agent market for the Royals.
- Is Cole Ragans really being shopped?
- What it would take to move Ragans?
- Reaction to early Free Agent signings.
- Who KC should be targeting now.
- What is Alex Lange?
- What Mike McFerran brings to the coaching staff?
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Duration:00:48:25
Drafting Free Agents for the Royals!
11/30/2025
Who are the Free Agents that much up best with the Royals? Is there a way it makes sense for the Royals to go after the top free agent, Kyle Tucker?
Rany Jazayerli (Co-Founder Baseball Prospectus/@Jazayerli) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are drafting Free Agents for the Royals and discussing what’s the smartest way for the Royals to approach free agency.
- Does Kyle Tucker make sense?
- What other top Free Agents could fit the Royals?
- Where are the value targets?
- Is there a pitcher that makes sense?
- Who are the sleeper Free agents?
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Duration:01:08:02
Royals Top 10 Position Players All-Time!
11/27/2025
After George Brett, how do the Royals top 10 position players stack up?
David Lesky (Publisher - Inside the Crown/@DBLesky), Les Norman (Former Royals OF/Author - Teaching the Tools of Hitting) and Soren Petro (Sports Radio 810-WHB, 810whb.com/@SorenPetro) are ranking their top 10 position players in Royals History?
- Who gets #2 after Brett?- Where does Bobby Witt Jr. land?
⁃ Where does Bobby Witt Jr. land?
- Is Salvy the second best Royal all time?
- Who is the most under-rated Royals position player?
⁃ How to rank the old school players?
Duration:01:03:59