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Joel Wagler

Joel is a lifelong Kansas resident and have covered the NFL, MLB, college football, and college basketball for thirteen years. He has served as a writer and an editor for various sports and entertainment sites, plus was the Senior Director of Sports for a digital media outlet for a decade.

Don't expect Chiefs to fill this glaring need early during 2025 NFL Draft

The Chiefs are coming off their third straight Super Bowl appearance and must find ways to improve their offense, which was often sluggish throughout 2024.

Royals' unaddressed offseason issue is still a major concern

The Royals failed to make one particular upgrade this offseason and are paying the price for that failure early in the 2025 season.

Five bold Royals predictions not involving Bobby Witt Jr.

In 2024, the Kansas City Royals made a historic turnaround, improving by 30 wins over their dismal 2023 campaign. Here are five bold predictions for the 2025 season.

This potential Royals-Orioles trade would make sense for both teams

As spring training marches on, the Kansas City Royals could still use another outfielder, and the Baltimore Orioles need a versatile pitcher as injuries stack up. Here's a swap they should consider.

Bobby Witt Jr. can record another historic season for Royals

In 2024, the Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. turned in one of the best seasons in franchise history. And he can do it again this year.

Can Royals star Salvador Perez stave off Father Time for another year?

Perez not only maintained in 2024, he thrived. Can he keep in going in 2025?

Royals failed to improve their roster around Bobby Witt Jr. this offseason

Come October, the Royals might regret their passive complacency. 

Royals should be interested if Anthony Santander is willing to sign short-term deal

It seemed apparent that the outfield was the most significant need for the Royals this offseason. Yet, they've done nothing. Santander could help.

Chiefs' accomplishments over the past year are historically impressive

Whether the Chiefs' victories have been pretty or ugly, they all count, and their achievements cannot be overlooked.

Chiefs may be underdogs in final three games despite best record in NFL

These last three games might give everyone a better idea of whether the Chiefs are as good as their current record suggests. 

Could the Royals swing a trade for Cody Bellinger?

The Royals are looking to upgrade their outfield while improving the middle of their batting order. Cody Bellinger might be what the team is looking for. Could they make a trade work?

Can Bills end Chiefs' 15-game winning streak?

Their Week 11 matchup will significantly impact the AFC playoff race and might decide who will have home-field advantage this postseason. 

Royals must build around Bobby Witt Jr. by pursuing offensive upgrades

Bobby Witt Jr. needs some offensive help in Kansas City.

What Juan Soto's contract will look like and who can afford it

New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto will hit free agency after the World Series, and it will be interesting to see what kind of contract he will sign. 

How can the Royals improve in 2025?

After losing 106 games in 2023, the Royals shocked the baseball world in 2024. How can they improve on that performance next season?

Royals escape New York tied despite nothing offensively from their young stars

The Royals have stayed competitive with the mighty Yankees even though their second and third hitters are a combined 0-for-19 with nine strikeouts in New York. 

Orioles are young, talented and will return to postseason soon

The Baltimore Orioles need their youth movement to turn into a mid-20s movement.

Royals set franchise pitching record during team's offensive slump

The Royals' pitching staff has nearly single-handedly kept their postseason dreams alive.

Royals continue to struggle mightily without Vinnie Pasquantino

The team's struggles since losing Pasquantino to injury are remarkable.

Seth Lugo still a long shot to win Cy Young after masterful win vs. Yankees

The Royals wouldn't be anywhere near the playoffs without Lugo's on-field performances and off-field leadership.

Is this a down year for Orioles catcher or has two-time All-Star reached his ceiling?

When catcher Adley Rutdchman was selected first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2019 June Amateur Draft, some people thought he might be the best catching prospect since MLB went to the current draft format in 1987. 

Is Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. closing in on the best season in franchise history?

Bobby Witt Jr. recently was anointed the AL Player of the Month after hitting .489, with an OPS of 1.353, seven home runs, 22 batted in and 26 runs scored.

Chiefs don't need outside motivation in drive to win third straight Super Bowl

Many things could prevent the Chiefs from winning another Super Bowl, but lacking motivation isn't one of them.