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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.

How the Rangers' top rookie prospects have fared

Heralded Texas Rangers outfielder prospects Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford aren't lighting it up in the big leagues, but there's no need for the team to panic about either.

AL Central excelling like no other division in baseball

The AL Central might be the best division in baseball and that's even with a horrible Chicago White Sox team stinking up the basement.

Royals' skid: Just a blip or a sign of things to come?

The Kansas City Royals were one of the feel-good stories of the early 2024 baseball season, but have hit a rough patch recently. Is the downturn just a normal blip in a long season or sign the team is regressing towards preseason expectations?

Jose Altuve passes two Hall of Famers on all-time hits list

Houston Astros superstar Jose Altuve has been a hitting machine since he entered the majors in 2011 and is moving his way up the all-time hits list.

Seth Lugo paying early dividends for upstart Royals 

Lugo has been all the Royals could have hoped for and more through the first few weeks of the season.

Where the last-place White Sox must turn for help

The Chicago White Sox are already in trouble. Could a youth movement spark a little life into the proceedings?

Surprising Pirates have the best record in baseball after 10 games

It has been a well-rounded effort that has led to the Pirates' terrific start.

Four positives for White Sox despite being swept by Tigers

The season did not start in a very positive way for the Chicago White Sox as they were swept by the Detroit Tigers over the opening weekend. Despite that outcome, there were some bright spots fans should grab onto as this is only the beginning of what could be a very long season.

Why Rangers' chances of repeating as champs hinge on this key factor

No team has won back-to-back World Series since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees, who won three in a row. Can the Texas Rangers — who won their opener 4-3 over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday — be the first team to do it since?

How NL West could shake out after big additions by Padres, Giants

With the additions of starters Dylan Cease and Blake Snell, the NL West became more competitive late in spring training. No division team, however, closed the gap on the Dodgers.

White Sox rotation looks bleak following Dylan Cease trade

The White Sox finally parted ways with starting pitcher Dylan Cease, trading him to the Padres on Wednesday. So, who will fill out their rotation?

Yankees face age-old issue that could derail their chances

The Yankees are picked by many to win the division in 2024, but they'll have to beat Father Time to do it.

Yankees offense looks more potent with healthy Anthony Rizzo

While the Yankees made some notable additions this offseason, it could be the health of one returning player that puts the offense over the top.

What are realistic expectations for Royals after busy offseason?

The Kansas City Royals made waves this offseason by committing more future dollars to players than any team other than the Los Angeles Dodgers. How much improvement can be expected on the field in 2024?

Skip Bayless condones AFC HC's strategy for slowing Patrick Mahomes

The coach wants to see his defense handle the Chiefs quarterback like the Detroit Pistons handled Michael Jordon three and a half decades ago — by being very physical. 

Three American League hitters due for regression in 2024

Three players in the American League who might be due to take a statistical step back this summer.

4 American League rookies who could make big impact in 2024

There are a few prospects who should have the opportunity to contribute right away, barring injuries or bad springs. Here are four players who could have a big impact in 2024.

Why Michael Massey will be better for Royals in 2024

After an encouraging start to his MLB career, Massey struggled in his first full season. Is he set for a bouce-back?

Could signing of Adam Frazier mean another Royals move is imminent?

In a bit of a surprise over the weekend, the Royals signed second baseman Adam Frazier, per veteran baseball reporter Jon Heyman. 

Why fans shouldn't fret over this stat from Royals' Bobby Witt Jr.

Before 2023, only two players had hit at least 30 home runs and stolen 50 or more bases in a season — Cincinnati's Eric Davis in 1987 and Pittsburgh's Barry Bonds in 1990.