David Lesky
@dblesky.bsky.social
I write about the Royals on Inside the Crown and talk about them weekly on Kauffman Corner. And I do some radio too, so that's kind of cool.
insidethecrown.substack.com/subscribe
insidethecrown.substack.com/subscribe
Reposted by David Lesky
Kauffman Corner Podcast streaming tomorrow at 8:30A Central. @dblesky.bsky.social, Les Norman and I discuss the Royals payroll and more...
- Is KC at its Payroll limit?
- Does Bubic get moved?
- Letting Harvey leave a mistake?
- Has KC added enough OBP?
- Enough K's in the bullpen?
- Is KC at its Payroll limit?
- Does Bubic get moved?
- Letting Harvey leave a mistake?
- Has KC added enough OBP?
- Enough K's in the bullpen?
December 31, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Kauffman Corner Podcast streaming tomorrow at 8:30A Central. @dblesky.bsky.social, Les Norman and I discuss the Royals payroll and more...
- Is KC at its Payroll limit?
- Does Bubic get moved?
- Letting Harvey leave a mistake?
- Has KC added enough OBP?
- Enough K's in the bullpen?
- Is KC at its Payroll limit?
- Does Bubic get moved?
- Letting Harvey leave a mistake?
- Has KC added enough OBP?
- Enough K's in the bullpen?
The #Royals system is improving. Some like it more than others, but the top end talent is getting better and it continues to have some solid depth. Today I ranked the top 25 in the system. There are some very interesting names all the way through.
The ItC Top 25 Royals Prospects List
I am not a prospect hound by any stretch, but I do love ranking Royals prospects.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:30 PM
The #Royals system is improving. Some like it more than others, but the top end talent is getting better and it continues to have some solid depth. Today I ranked the top 25 in the system. There are some very interesting names all the way through.
As I often do, I’m going to put this out there to force myself to finish it. Tomorrow on Inside the Crown will be my annual top 25 #Royals prospects list. Make sure you’re a paid subscriber so you can read it all:
Subscribe to Inside the Crown
Taking a deeper dive into all things Kansas City Royals. Click to read Inside the Crown, by David Lesky, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 30, 2025 at 11:41 PM
As I often do, I’m going to put this out there to force myself to finish it. Tomorrow on Inside the Crown will be my annual top 25 #Royals prospects list. Make sure you’re a paid subscriber so you can read it all:
No joke, I had no idea what day it is. New ItC tomorrow, friends. Sorry for the lack of newsletters!
December 30, 2025 at 2:14 PM
No joke, I had no idea what day it is. New ItC tomorrow, friends. Sorry for the lack of newsletters!
Nothing stops Crown Jewels (except for six months during the season). Your free Friday article is here. It's a little shorter than usual, but I look at the Strahm trade that I somehow hadn't written about yet, the #Royals current payroll situation and give a big thank you.
Crown Jewels: The Strahm Trade, Payroll Today and an End of Year Thank You
It was a pretty quiet week for the Royals, but that doesn't mean we can't talk on a Friday.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 26, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Nothing stops Crown Jewels (except for six months during the season). Your free Friday article is here. It's a little shorter than usual, but I look at the Strahm trade that I somehow hadn't written about yet, the #Royals current payroll situation and give a big thank you.
The #Royals have somewhat talked the talk in the past, but this winter, they're walking the walk with regard to one statistic that has been largely ignored in recent years.
The Royals Are Chasing the Right Thing
The hitters chase too much and the pitchers don't get enough, but the offseason suggests the Royals are switching things up.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM
The #Royals have somewhat talked the talk in the past, but this winter, they're walking the walk with regard to one statistic that has been largely ignored in recent years.
So the #Royals have acquired Mears, Strahm and Lange, relievers who all get chase and swing and miss.
They’ve acquired Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, kept Jonathan India (controversially) and extended Maikel Garcia. All hitters who don’t chase.
Seems like a plan in place.
They’ve acquired Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, kept Jonathan India (controversially) and extended Maikel Garcia. All hitters who don’t chase.
Seems like a plan in place.
December 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM
So the #Royals have acquired Mears, Strahm and Lange, relievers who all get chase and swing and miss.
They’ve acquired Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, kept Jonathan India (controversially) and extended Maikel Garcia. All hitters who don’t chase.
Seems like a plan in place.
They’ve acquired Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, kept Jonathan India (controversially) and extended Maikel Garcia. All hitters who don’t chase.
Seems like a plan in place.
Fridays are free in the offseason on Inside the Crown. Today I wrote about the actual need remaining on offense for the #Royals, the team HOF vote and some stadium talk, which I honestly detest, but it's news, so here we are.
Crown Jewels: The Next Bat, the Royals HOF and Stadium Movement (Literally)
The Royals aren't done, but what's the right play for what they do next? Plus, there's stadium news and a team HOF ballot is out.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Fridays are free in the offseason on Inside the Crown. Today I wrote about the actual need remaining on offense for the #Royals, the team HOF vote and some stadium talk, which I honestly detest, but it's news, so here we are.
Wow, welcome back Matt Strahm! That's a heck of a move for the #Royals. I like Bowlan, but Strahm has been so good for the majority of his career. 27.3% strikeout rate, 7.8% walk rate, solid chase rate. This is big for the bullpen.
December 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Wow, welcome back Matt Strahm! That's a heck of a move for the #Royals. I like Bowlan, but Strahm has been so good for the majority of his career. 27.3% strikeout rate, 7.8% walk rate, solid chase rate. This is big for the bullpen.
Talking with Pat Strathman might be worse than going to the mall on December 18, but I’m doing it anyway. We’ll talk #Royals on ESPN Wichita in a couple minutes.
December 18, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Talking with Pat Strathman might be worse than going to the mall on December 18, but I’m doing it anyway. We’ll talk #Royals on ESPN Wichita in a couple minutes.
It may be December, but the #Royals have been busy, so I'll talk about them for a few minutes with @sorenpetro.bsky.social, @kseaboldt.bsky.social and @kylecollier810.bsky.social on Sports Radio 810. It's coming up in a minute.
December 17, 2025 at 8:22 PM
It may be December, but the #Royals have been busy, so I'll talk about them for a few minutes with @sorenpetro.bsky.social, @kseaboldt.bsky.social and @kylecollier810.bsky.social on Sports Radio 810. It's coming up in a minute.
Friends, I am 17 paid subscribers away from a milestone number. The #Royals are doing fun things. They're playoff contenders. If you're not already a paid subscriber, you know this is the best time join the bandwagon, right?
Subscribe to Inside the Crown
Taking a deeper dive into all things Kansas City Royals. Click to read Inside the Crown, by David Lesky, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Friends, I am 17 paid subscribers away from a milestone number. The #Royals are doing fun things. They're playoff contenders. If you're not already a paid subscriber, you know this is the best time join the bandwagon, right?
After some moves to spruce up the #Royals roster, I wanted to dig in and see what it looks like today with still plenty of time to add.
A Mid-Winter Look at the Current Royals Roster
I'll get to the big ones when we get closer to spring, but after some additions, let's see where the Royals are still lacking.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
After some moves to spruce up the #Royals roster, I wanted to dig in and see what it looks like today with still plenty of time to add.
The #Royals made a fun trade on Saturday. Today, I wrote about what they're getting in Isaac Collins and Nick Mears and what that means for their plans the rest of the offseason.
Isaac Collins, Nick Mears and What's Next For the Royals
It wasn't a blockbuster deal, but the Royals added two solid contributors for one up-and-down reliever.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:41 PM
The #Royals made a fun trade on Saturday. Today, I wrote about what they're getting in Isaac Collins and Nick Mears and what that means for their plans the rest of the offseason.
Five-year extension with a club option for a sixth year for Maikel Garcia. Love it.
December 12, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Five-year extension with a club option for a sixth year for Maikel Garcia. Love it.
Inside the Crown is always free for everyone on Fridays for Crown Jewels. In today's edition, I wrote about the Lane Thomas signing, their pursuit of relievers and a new outfield target for the #Royals (that likely isn't impacted by signing Thomas). Read it all here:
Crown Jewels: A New Royals Outfielder, Relief Help and A New Outfield Target
The Winter Meetings are over and the Royals haven't made their move. Yet.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Inside the Crown is always free for everyone on Fridays for Crown Jewels. In today's edition, I wrote about the Lane Thomas signing, their pursuit of relievers and a new outfield target for the #Royals (that likely isn't impacted by signing Thomas). Read it all here:
Hey the #Royals are signing Lane Thomas. Good bounceback candidate. He has some speed. He’s hit for power. He can play center. It’s a nice fit.
December 11, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Hey the #Royals are signing Lane Thomas. Good bounceback candidate. He has some speed. He’s hit for power. He can play center. It’s a nice fit.
The #Royals haven't exactly been blessed with luck in the lottery since it began, but that all changed this season. Today I wrote about that, some potential picks (super early) and an outside-the-box thought that comes from the extra money.
The Lottery Finally Giveth
The Royals finally scratched off a winner in the draft lottery.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The #Royals haven't exactly been blessed with luck in the lottery since it began, but that all changed this season. Today I wrote about that, some potential picks (super early) and an outside-the-box thought that comes from the extra money.
Reposted by David Lesky
Kauffman Corner Pod streaming at 8:30A Central. @dblesky.bsky.social, Les Norman and I discuss the lack of activity at the Winter Meetings.
- Royals miss on Yastrzemski!
- Who to target now?
- Royals move up to Pick #6.
- "The J" says no to stadium!
Click below...
tinyurl.com/vfyafnc4
- Royals miss on Yastrzemski!
- Who to target now?
- Royals move up to Pick #6.
- "The J" says no to stadium!
Click below...
tinyurl.com/vfyafnc4
December 11, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Kauffman Corner Pod streaming at 8:30A Central. @dblesky.bsky.social, Les Norman and I discuss the lack of activity at the Winter Meetings.
- Royals miss on Yastrzemski!
- Who to target now?
- Royals move up to Pick #6.
- "The J" says no to stadium!
Click below...
tinyurl.com/vfyafnc4
- Royals miss on Yastrzemski!
- Who to target now?
- Royals move up to Pick #6.
- "The J" says no to stadium!
Click below...
tinyurl.com/vfyafnc4
The slot money difference between pick six and pick 16 was more than $2.5 million last year. That’s not as big as picking 10 spots earlier in the first round but it’s close for the #Royals.
December 9, 2025 at 10:55 PM
The slot money difference between pick six and pick 16 was more than $2.5 million last year. That’s not as big as picking 10 spots earlier in the first round but it’s close for the #Royals.
The Winter Meetings are all about the rumors and the #Royals were mentioned A LOT yesterday. So I broke down all I could find. I probably missed one, but there'll be more today anyway.
Royals in the Rumors: Winter Meetings Edition
The first day of the meetings is all about setting the rumors, and the Royals were named. A lot.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:55 PM
The Winter Meetings are all about the rumors and the #Royals were mentioned A LOT yesterday. So I broke down all I could find. I probably missed one, but there'll be more today anyway.
Today is the last day to get 25% off a year of an annual Inside the Crown subscription. Get it for yourself, get it for a friend, get it for an enemy. Whatever you do, just get it.
Subscribe to Inside the Crown
Taking a deeper dive into all things Kansas City Royals. Click to read Inside the Crown, by David Lesky, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Today is the last day to get 25% off a year of an annual Inside the Crown subscription. Get it for yourself, get it for a friend, get it for an enemy. Whatever you do, just get it.
Fridays are free on ItC. It's the rhyme you'll never stop repeating. This week, I wrote about the upcoming Winter Meetings, some trade candidates from the #Royals we haven't talked much about and a look at some Rule 5 picks I'd be interested in next week.
Crown Jewels: Winter Meetings, Royals Trade Candidates, Rule 5 Thoughts
The Royals haven't done anything. Yet. But I think it's coming.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Fridays are free on ItC. It's the rhyme you'll never stop repeating. This week, I wrote about the upcoming Winter Meetings, some trade candidates from the #Royals we haven't talked much about and a look at some Rule 5 picks I'd be interested in next week.
Reposted by David Lesky
Click below for the latest Kauffman Corner. @dblesky.bsky.social, Les Norman and I discuss the Cole Ragans rumors and...
- Is Ragans really on the block?
- What should the return be?
- Alex Lange is...
- Mike McFerran added.
Apple
tinyurl.com/z4axzfbc
YouTube
tinyurl.com/2e945n67
- Is Ragans really on the block?
- What should the return be?
- Alex Lange is...
- Mike McFerran added.
Apple
tinyurl.com/z4axzfbc
YouTube
tinyurl.com/2e945n67
December 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Click below for the latest Kauffman Corner. @dblesky.bsky.social, Les Norman and I discuss the Cole Ragans rumors and...
- Is Ragans really on the block?
- What should the return be?
- Alex Lange is...
- Mike McFerran added.
Apple
tinyurl.com/z4axzfbc
YouTube
tinyurl.com/2e945n67
- Is Ragans really on the block?
- What should the return be?
- Alex Lange is...
- Mike McFerran added.
Apple
tinyurl.com/z4axzfbc
YouTube
tinyurl.com/2e945n67
The #Royals needs are blatantly obvious, which leads them to be named for a lot of players. Recently, they were tied to nine trade candidates and I wrote about all of them.
The Royals Are Named as a Fit For a Lot of Guys
When you have the pitching to make the playoffs, but don't score enough runs, people start to talk.
insidethecrown.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
The #Royals needs are blatantly obvious, which leads them to be named for a lot of players. Recently, they were tied to nine trade candidates and I wrote about all of them.