The City Council approved a $600 million funding commitment for a downtown ballpark on Thursday.
More information about the financing will be published tomorrow ahead of the TIF Commission’s meeting, officials said. The City Council would be expected to vote on creating a TIF district and on formally issuing bonds for the stadium.
The council is also expected to vote on a related rezoning plan in September that would set flexible standards for future redevelopment in Crown Center.
The Royals are pursuing a $1.9 billion new stadium that would anchor a $3 billion entertainment district in the city’s urban core.
The Royals have committed to privately pay for $760 million of the project’s cost. The city and the team also plan to apply for state funding that could total roughly $540 million.
City staff said construction work could begin early next year and the completed stadium could open in time for the 2030 baseball season.
Kansas City Star columnist David Hudnall thinks the deal is being rushed through.
Consider these other giant red flags:
If the projections are wrong, that’s the city’s problem. The Royals aren’t guaranteeing the bonds. Kansas City is. If the taxes dedicated to the stadium fall short, the city still owes the money.
That’s what happened with the Power & Light District, where Kansas City has spent roughly $10 million a year on average since 2006 covering debt payments that district revenues couldn’t. If the same thing happens here, that money will have to come from somewhere else in the city budget. That means less funding for roads, parks, trash pickup, public safety or other basic services.
Maikel Garcia injured his hamstring in Thursday’s win.
Preston Farr updates his Royals prospect list.
Behind the top of the farm, the depth of the system has taken a slight hit. Sure, there are fringe prospects who could reach another tier, such as Ramon Ramirez (questions on position), Yandel Ricardo (inconsistent), and Justin Lamkin (injury).
For the most part, however, it’s a bunch of 40 FV prospects with a handful more who could blossom into better as they age. The largest upswing further down the farm has without question been the international influx. Since the arrival of Johnny DiPuglia in 2024, the Royals have done tremendously well. Gomez and Chourio headline that crop, but Ricardo and others such as Freddy Contreras, Jaider Suarez, and Warren Calcaño round out what’s becoming a solid international pipeline for the Royals.
Matt Snyder at CBS Sports looks at which bad teams can turn things around next year.
I was burned by this Royals team in 2026, but there are plenty of good players here. Bobby Witt Jr. is capable of an MVP season, and we’ve seen enough from Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone to believe they could be All-Stars next year if things break right. Vinnie Pasquantino is capable of a better season, too. On the pitching end, they’ll have Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha back, while Noah Cameron looks like a star right now. A midseason return of Cole Ragans will help bolster the rotation, and maybe they find outside-organization help or someone like Justin Lamkin hustles on his way to the majors. The AL Central isn’t exactly a juggernaut division, either.
Awful Announcing has their broadcaster rankings, with the Royals’ team at #25.
Additionally, some viewers feel there are “too many cooks in the kitchen” due to a large, rotating cast of secondary analysts. Sideline reporter Howard is noted as a “promising” addition who is still finding her own voice. Overall, one’s tolerance for Hudler appears to be the deciding factor in how one appreciates these broadcasts.
“Eric Hosmer has been an incredible addition to the team, adding new stories while also diving much deeper into the strategy and player mindset of the game than what’s been the norm for years,” wrote one grader. “Rex Hudler is still a lovable Kansas City treasure, but the Hosmer/Hudler contrast has been a welcome change of pace for KC.”
Yirsandy Rodriguez at Royals Keep thinks Steven Cruz has a fastball problem.
Craig Brown writes about the wins over the A’s and their bad bullpen.
The Phillies claim former Royals pitcher Andrew Hoffmann off waivers.
The Royals officially released Starling Marte.
Braves pitcher Grant Holmes loses his no-hit bid in the seventh inning against the White Sox.
Sal Stewart could soon become just the seventh rookie since 2000 with 100 RBI.
Dane Myers drops the final out, leading the Reds to blow a wild game against the Cardinals.
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson is likely done for the year with a shoulder injury.
The Orioles are frustrated about replay involving home runs and the foul pole.
The Phillies sign former All-Star pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr.
Diamondbacks brass calls Ketel Marte’s absence “bizarre” and want an apology from him.
The AL Wild Card race is a competitive balance mess.
The players with high expectations that are running out of time to meet them.
What to know about the investigation into Dodgers owner Mark Walter.
MLS may be planning a drastic playoffs overhaul.
Walmart promises price cuts after a $2.9 billion tariff refund.
The Odyssey is now the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever.
South Korea wants to go to the moon.
Your song of the day is Ol’ Dirty Bastard with Shimmy Shimmy Ya.
