When Baseball Becomes an Asset: Royals Rundown on Money and Control

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: [email protected] 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.

What can history tell us about the Kansas City Royals’ next move and when should fans expect it? In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco take a big-picture look at the Royals’ offseason, identifying clear transaction patterns from recent years and what they could signal about the club’s next move. From late winter-meeting signings to surprise trades, the duo explains why patience may be key for Kansas City this offseason. The conversation turns to Vinnie Pasquantino, examining how he views his own performance through the lens of modern analytics and what that means for his development moving forward. Jacob and Jeremy also unpack major stadium news, including the Chiefs’ move to Kansas, and what it could mean financially and politically for the Royals’ long-term future in Kansas City. The episode closes with a broader discussion on analytics and the state of baseball, questioning whether data-driven decision-making has improved the sport or stripped away some of its excitement. With doubles disappearing, triples becoming rare, and risk-taking minimized, the hosts debate how teams and fans should feel about where the game is headed. As always, the show wraps with predictions on what the Royals could still do before Opening Day, and why an unexpected move may still be on the table. Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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, MLB offseason, Vinnie Pasquantino, baseball analytics, Royals transactions, stadium news Kansas City, MLB predictions, Royals roster moves, baseball strategy, sports analytics debate, Royals offseason patterns, MLB free agency, Kansas City sports, baseball podcast, Royals analysis Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does baseball look like when you step behind the lens? In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, Jeremy “Hokius” Greco sits down with Minda Haas Kuhlmann, independent sports photographer for the Omaha Storm Chasers, to explore the art, access, and storytelling that define modern sports photography. Minda traces her path into photography through journalism, explains how candid moments create authentic connections between players and fans, and shares what it’s like to document minor league baseball up close. From unexpected player interactions to historically significant moments caught on camera, she reveals how trust, timing, and respect are just as important as technical skill. The conversation dives into the technical side of photography—gear choices, framing, and learning to anticipate moments—while also highlighting the human side of the game. Minda discusses how players respond to photographers, why minor league baseball is essential to the sport’s future, and how fans can help preserve baseball culture by showing up and supporting their local teams. This episode blends craft, culture, and storytelling, offering valuable insight for baseball fans, creatives, and anyone interested in how sports are documented beyond the box score. Follow Minda on BlueSky here: @minda33.bsky.social Find her work on Flickr! Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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 sports photography, baseball photography, candid sports moments, minor league baseball, Omaha Storm Chasers, Royals Rundown Podcast, Royals Review, baseball culture, player interactions, photography techniques, sports storytelling, behind the scenes baseball, sports journalism, photography tips, baseball media, athlete stories, minor leagues, baseball fandom, creative sports content Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do the numbers actually say about the Kansas City Royals? In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco welcome Dan Szymborski, creator of ZiPS, for a deep dive into the Royals’ latest projections and what they reveal about the team’s short- and long-term outlook. The conversation begins with how ZiPS works, why projections are inherently volatile, and how historical context shapes modern baseball analytics. From there, the group digs into Kansas City’s roster—starting with recent acquisitions and a candid evaluation of the Royals’ outfield, a position group that has quietly limited the team in recent seasons. They examine projected performances for players like Jonathan India, Isaac Collins, and Adam Frazier, discuss why catcher development often lags offensively, and analyze the Royals’ pitching depth and rotation stability. Dan also offers insight into reliever volatility, bounce-back candidates like Tanner Scott, and how strategic trades could meaningfully shift Kansas City’s projected outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for fans who want to understand where the Royals stand and where the data says they could be headed. Find the projections here: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-zips-projections-kansas-city-royals/ In Dan's words, "You can, however, still get mad at me on Twitter or on Bluesky. This last is, however, not an actual requirement." Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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, ZiPS projections, baseball analytics, MLB projections, player performance analysis, Royals outfield, Royals pitching rotation, Tanner Scott, Jonathan India, Isaac Collins, Adam Frazier, player development, roster construction, baseball history, MLB analytics podcast, baseball projections, Royals roster outlook, MLB data analysis, baseball podcast, sports analytics, Royals future outlook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Royals are making moves—and this episode breaks down what they really mean. Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco are joined by Thomas Nestico (TJ Stats) to analyze one of the most surprising trades of the offseason, as the Kansas City Royals strike a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers that could quietly pay dividends. The trio discusses why Isaac Collins fits the Royals’ outfield plans, how Maikel Garcia’s contract extension signals long-term stability, and why Carter Jensen is quickly becoming one of the organization’s most intriguing prospects. They also take an honest look at Jack Caglianone’s uneven rookie season, what needs to change for him to take the next step, and how the Royals’ evolving hitting philosophy, particularly their focus on chase rate, could shape future roster decisions. Along the way, the conversation dives into bullpen volatility, pitching depth in the farm system, and why player development remains the backbone of Kansas City’s path forward. It’s a data-driven, big-picture discussion about where the Royals are headed—and why there’s real reason for optimism. Subscribe to Thomas' Substack here: https://substack.com/@tjstats/notes?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Follow him on Twitter: https://x.com/TJStats Find his brand-new website here: https://tjstats.ca/ Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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, Kansas City Royals, MLB, baseball, trade analysis, Milwaukee Brewers trade, Maikel Garcia extension, Carter Jensen, Jack Caglianone, Royals prospects, farm system, player development, Royals Review, TJStats, bullpen volatility, hitting philosophy, chase rate, outfield depth, MLB analytics, baseball podcast 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 "Hokius" Greco dig into a pivotal week for the Kansas City Royals and Major League Baseball. First up: No Rule 5 Draft pick. Was this a missed opportunity or a calculated decision? The hosts explain the logic behind passing and how it ties into the club's roster philosophy. Then, the Royals land the sixth overall pick in the MLB Draft Lottery—a welcome result that could be a turning point. Jacob and Jeremy break down what this means for the farm system and whether the team should draft for need or upside. With key outfield targets off the board, the pressure is on. Are the Royals falling behind in free agency, or do they have something brewing behind the scenes? The episode dives into trade rumors, potential multi-team deals, and why player development and scouting remain more crucial than ever. Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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 Draft, Rule 5 Draft, Winter Meetings, Free Agency, Outfield Trade Rumors, Player Development, Scouting, Baseball Podcast, Royals rebuild, Royals prospects, Royals trade rumors, baseball offseason, MLB winter meetings recap, Royals analysis, baseball draft strategy, Royals outfield needs, Royals front office strategy 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 Royals Rundown, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy "Hokius" Greco take a deep dive into a crucial stretch of the Kansas City Royals’ offseason. With the MLB Winter Meetings heating up, the pair explores what’s real and what’s just rumor, breaking down how previous winter meetings laid the groundwork for future blockbuster trades — and what fans can realistically expect this time around. They also discuss the Royals’ historically bad luck in the MLB Draft Lottery and how this year’s lottery could affect their rebuild strategy. Is this the year the Royals land a top pick, or will the ping pong balls bounce the wrong way again? Then it’s on to the Rule 5 Draft — a part of the offseason that flies under the radar for many fans but could yield hidden gems. Jacob and Jeremy explain how the draft works, what types of players the Royals should be targeting (low-leverage relievers, anyone?), and why $25K is a small price for a potential impact piece. Plus, they debate the risk and reward of rolling the dice on minor league arms and highlight how strategic roster planning is essential to making it all work. As always, the hosts mix deep baseball analysis with fan-driven insight and humor to keep Royals fans informed and entertained. Don’t miss this one — especially if you want to sound smarter than your friends this offseason. Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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, MLB, winter meetings, draft lottery, player trades, baseball prospects, Rule 5 draft, trade rumors, player development, baseball analysis, minor league prospects, roster management, Royals podcast, offseason strategy, pitching development, low leverage relievers, baseball offseason, Royals rebuild, Royals farm system, Cole Ragans, Royals bullpen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy “Hokius” Greco bring listeners up to speed on the latest around the Kansas City Royals. The duo begins with an explainer on the MLB pre-arbitration bonus pool, including how it benefits rising talent and where Royals players fit into the picture. Next, they preview the upcoming Royals Rally, an offseason fan-favorite event that builds excitement ahead of Spring Training. But the heart of the episode focuses on free agency history and how the Royals have fared with major contracts, from Jose Guillen and Ian Kennedy to Omar Infante and Scott Elarton. With the Winter Meetings fast approaching, attention turns to trade rumors involving star Cole Ragans. Could he be on the move, and what kind of return would justify such a deal? The conversation digs into player performance, contract value, and what it all means for the Royals’ evolving team-building strategy. They close the episode with game reviews, pop culture talk, and reflections on how Royals fans can stay informed and engaged through platforms like Royals Review and this very podcast. Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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, Kansas City Royals, MLB, MLB offseason, Winter Meetings, pre-arbitration bonus pool, Cole Ragans, trade rumors, Royals Rally, baseball contracts, player evaluation, free agent history, Royals Review, team building, baseball analytics, pitching staff, fan engagement, bad contracts, podcast, sports media 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 "Hokius" Greco provide timely analysis of the Kansas City Royals’ offseason path in light of recent moves across the American League. The duo discusses how Dylan Cease's major signing with the Toronto Blue Jays and Ryan Helsley's move to the Orioles reset the pitching market and what it means for the Royals' staff, particularly Kris Bubic. They explore mock trades involving Duran and the Boston Red Sox, assess Boston's pitching dilemma, and evaluate potential trade targets from the New York Mets. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, including who the Royals might lose and why catching depth is a critical area for the club moving forward. Whether you’re a lifelong Royals fan or a baseball die-hard, this episode blends smart baseball talk with honest opinions, a few laughs, and strategic insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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.

In this episode of the Royals Rundown podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy “Hokius” Greco welcome Royals insider David Lesky to dive deep into the Kansas City Royals' ongoing offseason. They unpack a wide range of topics: Recent trade chatter involving names like Jonathan India and Ketel Marte The Royals' decision-making process and how fan sentiment should (or shouldn’t) factor in Coaching hires and their impact on player development The Royals’ ongoing search for a reliable outfield and bullpen setup The dilemma of high-risk, high-reward signings like Adolis Garcia Hypothetical blockbusters, including Mike Trout to KC (yes, really!) Why Bobby Witt Jr. needs a legit co-star—and soon Plus, they discuss how health, team chemistry, and smart roster construction could make or break the 2025 season. Find Lesky at https://insidethecrown.substack.com/ Email Jacob directly at: [email protected] 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, Kansas City Royals, Royals podcast, MLB trades, baseball analysis, Royals offseason, Jonathan India, Katel Marte, Adolis Garcia, MLB rumors, player evaluation, Royals roster, trade proposals, Royals outfield, Bobby Witt Jr., MLB coaching hires, Royals prospects, center field dilemma, Royals bullpen, baseball offseason, free agent targets, baseball podcast, Mike Trout trade, Royals development, clubhouse chemistry Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.