Royals Roundup, Nov 5: Massey's 2026 Impact, Witt Jr. Gold Glove Snub, Rasmussen Trade

[Royals Keep]

Here is some of the latest Royals analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Michael Massey's 2026 breakout, Bobby Witt Jr.'s missed Gold Glove, the potential impact of Drew Rasmussen, Danny Jackson's 1985 World Series feat, and the case for keeping Michael Wacha.

• Breakthrough 2026 proved Massey's value to Royals (MLB.com). Argues that Michael Massey's 2026 season, marked by a .274/.305/.430 batting line, 13 home runs, and a 2.3 WAR, along with his Gold Glove finalist selection, proved his value to the Royals after a difficult 2025 campaign.
• Bobby Witt Jr. was robbed of another Gold Glove (Royals Review). Argues that Bobby Witt Jr. was robbed of the 2025 Gold Glove Award at shortstop, citing his superior defensive metrics—leading in AVGDEF and AVGDEF/1000 with +8 in both DRS and FRV—compared to Taylor Walls, who had lower FRV and played fewer innings.
• Rays' decision on Drew Rasmussen gives the Royals the perfect rotation upgrade for 2027 (Kings of Kauffman). Notes that the Rays' decision to trade Drew Rasmussen could provide the Royals with a top-tier rotation upgrade for 2027, citing his 2.20 playoff ERA, 2.67 regular-season ERA, and elite peripherals like a 0.913 WHIP and 5.44 K/BB ratio.
• Remembering Danny Jackson’s World Series immaculate inning (Royals Review). Looks back at Danny Jackson's 1985 World Series immaculate inning, noting he struck out three Cardinals batters on nine pitches in the seventh game, becoming the only Royals pitcher to achieve the feat in World Series history.
• Bleacher Report's top Royals trade asset should be almost untouchable this offseason (Kings of Kauffman). Argues the Kansas City Royals should not trade Michael Wacha this offseason despite his trade value, noting his 3.32 ERA over 200 innings, one-year contract with a 2028 option, and the team's lack of viable starting pitching alternatives.