We had a busy day yesterday at Royals Farm Report, but maybe nothing was as important as our Founding Father, Patrick Brennan, announcing his farewell from the site. 

This post comes with a bittersweet feeling. Jumping straight into things, this will in all likelihood be my last post at Royals Farm Report. A new opportunity has arisen for me in the world of baseball. Starting soon, I will be diving deep into an analytics position with the baseball team at Kansas State University. Due to time and commitment being factors, I will no longer be able to put work into this site.

In case you live under a rock, Brady Singer was promoted to AA Northwest Arkansas. He figures to make his AA debut this weekend in Springfield, MO.

Here’s his season stat line with the Blue Rocks:

57.2 IP, 53 K, 13 BB, 1.87 ERA, .248 BAA, 1.11 WHIP

Singer is far too advanced to remain in A-ball. Credit where it’s due to the Royals front office for not waiting to long to get Singer to AA. Singer’s stuff isn’t necessarily dominant, but his combination of control and mound presence have proven too much for Carolina League hitters.

One of the newest editions to our writing staff, Tucker Franklin, writes that the trade deadline could be huge for the future of Bubba Starling.

Because Hamilton is having a bad year at the plate, his trade value might not be as high as expected when he was signed. If the 28-year-old continues his pace, I would expect no more than a middle of the road prospect or cash in return for his services. Along with the prospect or cash in the trade, the Royals will get something bigger in playing time for Starling.

The trade would open up a roster spot in the outfield. Whether it is CF or RF, Starling will get the opportunity to log some valuable innings for the rebuild. Even if Jorge Soler gets playing time in RF, you can put Starling at DH so he still sees big-league pitching.

Also in his first post for Royals Farm Report, Doc Riddle writes about Kris Bubic joining the Wilmington Blue Rocks rotation.

In 2018, much of the talk concerning Royals pitching prospects was focused on Kowar, then the Lynch and Singer chatter picked up dramatically. Bubic belongs in the same conversation when discussing the future rotation in KC. While the numbers thus far are somewhat telling (4-1, 2.08 ERA in 9 starts, 47 2/3 IP, 11 ER, 3 HRA, 15 BB, 75 K), what adds to his intrigue is his high-floor profile; even if he didn’t remain a starter as he advances, he would still be a three-pitch lefty with above-average velocity and two plus secondary pitches. Who wouldn’t want to have that sort of weapon stashed away?

Don’t forget to buy our draft guide! $3 and you can learn all about the top 80 MLB draft prospects, and you’ll also get an updated top 75 Royals prospects from our staff.

2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Colleyville Heritage High School (TX)

Make sure you’re checking out Minda Haas Kuhlmann’s “This Week in the Minors” every Tuesday at 9 am over at Royals Review.

We’re hiring! We’d love to bring on a writer or two to write a weekly column of some sort for us.

Lexington also made some roster moves over the last couple of days:

Juan Carlos Negret was really struggling with Lexington. His power is legit, but he was striking out over 36% of the time and was batting .172 in 39 games.

Brhet Bewely was killing it, on the other hand. The 2018 draftee out of San Diego was hitting .389 in 22 PA since being called to duty. I wouldn’t rule out a promotion here, even if it seems unlikely.

Kasser is another 2018 draftee out of the University of Oregon. He reminds me a bit of Nicky Lopez without the tools. Similar style of play, probably has a much longer road to the big leagues than Lopez did. Kasser hit .357 in 171 PA with IDF last year in his professional debut.

Photo Credits: Ryan Griffith (@ryanrgriffith)