In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy “Hokius” Greco tackle a wide-ranging slate of MLB topics with a sharp focus on how league-wide decisions ripple down to the Kansas City Royals.

The conversation begins with a deep dive into Tarik Skubal’s arbitration case, examining why the gap between player and team is so unusual and what it reveals about the current arbitration system. From there, Jacob and Jeremy analyze Alex Bregman’s contract, discussing what the deal says about shifting spending philosophies and how similar market dynamics could affect the Royals. The hosts also weigh in on Rob Manfred’s latest proposals, debating how structural changes at the league level may prioritize revenue over competitive balance.

The second half of the episode zeroes in on the Royals themselves, with a comprehensive first base review across the major and minor league levels. From Vinnie Pasquantino’s importance to the franchise to the thin depth behind him, the hosts evaluate internal options such as Abraham Toro, Sam Ruta, Derlin Figueroa, Chris Brito, and others. They break down performance metrics, developmental timelines, and roster realities, ultimately asking whether the Royals can solve first base internally or if trades will be necessary.

Blending labor economics, roster construction, and player development analysis, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where the Royals stand, where they’re vulnerable, and what smart decision-making will be required heading into the season.

Email Jacob directly at: jm17971047@gmail.com

Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online:

BlueSky
– Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com
– Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social

Twitter / X
– Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod

Kansas City Royals, Royals Rundown Podcast, Major League Baseball, MLB arbitration, Tarik Skubal, Alex Bregman contract, Rob Manfred, baseball contracts, first base prospects, Vinnie Pasquantino, Abraham Toro, Sam Ruta, Royals first base depth, minor league baseball, player evaluation, MLB prospects, baseball analysis, Royals Review, player development, MLB news

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break down a busy stretch of Royals-related news with long-term implications for the organization. The conversation opens with a detailed look at the MLB arbitration deadline, exploring how contract negotiations shape roster decisions, player relationships, and payroll flexibility for the Kansas City Royals.

From there, the hosts dive into the evolving FanDuel Sports Network situation, discussing how recent contract terminations affect local broadcasts, revenue streams, and fan access across Major League Baseball—including the Royals. They also provide updates and context on the Royals’ stadium situation, weighing what’s known, what’s speculation, and why Kansas City remains central to the team’s future.

The back half of the episode delivers an in-depth catcher rankings review, evaluating the present and future of the position within the Royals organization. With thoughtful analysis of Salvador Perez, emerging talent Carter Jensen, and the broader catching pipeline, Jacob and Jeremy examine how player development, health, and offensive skill sets factor into long-term planning.

Blending front-office analysis with player evaluation and a touch of personality, this episode offers Royals fans a clear-eyed look at where the organization stands—and where it may be headed next.

Email Jacob directly at: jm17971047@gmail.com

Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online:

BlueSky
– Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com
– Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social

Twitter / X
– Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod

Royals Rundown podcast, Kansas City Royals, MLB arbitration, player contracts, FanDuel Sports Network, Royals stadium situation, catcher rankings, Salvador Perez, Carter Jensen, player development, MLB media rights, baseball business, Royals prospects, roster construction, MLB news

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when private equity meets baseball—and who actually pays the price?

In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco are joined by Jen Ramos Eisen for an in-depth conversation about the growing influence of private equity in minor league baseball and what it means for players, fans, and communities. Together, they unpack how ownership models are changing the economics of the sport, from player development and quality of play to ticket pricing and long-term sustainability.

The discussion takes a hard look at labor negotiations, including why tensions are rising between players and ownership, what a future salary floor could mean for competitive balance, and why every MLB team has the financial ability—but not always the willingness—to invest more in their product. Jen also challenges the long-standing “small market” narrative, explaining why geography often masks deeper financial realities.

The episode also explores the role of public funding in sports, questioning whether stadium deals and taxpayer investments truly benefit local communities or primarily serve ownership interests. With minor league teams increasingly treated as assets rather than community institutions, the conversation highlights the broader societal implications of modern baseball ownership.

Find Jen and their work at: https://jenramose.online/, https://bsky.app/profile/jenramose.online, https://placeholders.beehiiv.com/, https://defector.com/author/jen-ramos-eisen, https://objectivejournalism.org/author/jen-ramos/

Email Jacob directly at: jm17971047@gmail.com

Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online:

BlueSky
– Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com
– Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social

Twitter / X
– Podcast: @RoyalRundownPod

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.