Kansas
Kansas City Royals Face Key Offseason Choice On 12-Year Veteran
The Kansas City Royals are entering a crucial offseason after finishing third in the American League Central and missing the postseason. Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, the team’s biggest concern remains the offense, which produced just 651 runs—the third-lowest total in the American League.
Even after adding Mike Yastrzemski and Randal Grichuk during the season, run production didn’t improve much. Now, both outfielders are free agents, and the Royals must decide whether to bring Grichuk back or move in another direction. His mutual option was declined, but a return isn’t out of the question. Here’s one reason to keep him—and one reason to let him walk.
Keeping the veteran outfielder around as a platoon bat for at least one more season could make sense for Kansas City. He wouldn’t need to be an everyday player, and when paired with someone like Yastrzemski, he could provide value against left-handed pitching.
Grichuk’s power from the right side and his ability to play all three outfield spots make him a useful depth piece. In the right role, he can help stretch the lineup and offer veteran leadership to a young Royals roster.
Financially, he’s also a low-risk option. The small-market Royals aren’t expected to pursue expensive free agents such as Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, or Kyle Schwarber, so retaining Grichuk on an affordable deal could make sense while the front office explores other upgrades.
That said, there are strong arguments for letting Grichuk go. The 33-year-old outfielder struggled in 2025, hitting just .228/.273/.401 with nine home runs, 27 RBI, and a .674 OPS. Kansas City can likely find more productive options on the market.
A player like Harrison Bader, for example, brings elite defense, speed, and everyday value at a reasonable cost. Adding a consistent bat or glove-first outfielder could give the Royals the spark they need to retool their lineup heading into 2026.
The Royals can’t afford to run it back with the same group that fell short in 2025. Whether they keep Grichuk as a platoon option or move on entirely, this offseason will be about surrounding Bobby Witt Jr. and the young core with the right pieces to return to contention in 2026.
More MLB: Royals Expected To Bring Back Nine-Time All-Star As 2026 Plans Take Shape
Nebraska volleyball entered the second round of the NCAA tournament after sweeping Long Island on Friday. The Huskers faced the Kansas State Wildcats, who defeated San Diego in five sets yesterday.
Nebraska swept the Wildcats (25-17, 25-21, 25-16) despite offensively struggling at times against the Kansas State defense, posting 14 blocks and 32 digs. The Huskers finished with 43 kills off 99 attacks for a .253 hitting percentage. The Huskers also earned 48 digs and eight blocks to help hold Kansas State to .118 and 27 kills on 102 attacks.
Harper Murray and Andi Jackson co-led Nebraska in the sweep, both tallying 10 kills. Murray also earned six digs while Jackson posted a team-high three blocks. Taylor Landfair finished 8-of-18 on the night, while Virginia Adriano hit 7-of-12 with a service ace.
Rebekah Allick delivered six kills off 13 attacks, while Allie Sczech earned 2-of-4. Bergen Reilly tallied 34 set assists and a service ace. Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch combined for 25 digs and four service aces.
Nebraska now advances to the Sweet 16, where it’ll host Kansas. Start time is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
Match point
Nebraska punches its ticket to the Sweet Sixteen following another sweep.
Refusing to quit
Huskers dominating with the sweep in sight.
Nebraska is on a 7-1 run to expand its lead.
Huskers get the lead following multiple Kansas State errors.
Kansas State once again opens up the set by taking the lead.
Set point
Though Kansas State brought it within one, Huskers take set two.
Nebraska gets back in the redzone with a four-point lead.
The Huskers take the lead, but Kansas State remains close behind.
Huskers and Wildcats continue trading blows.
Kansas State takes the early lead in set two, but Nebraska is on a 4-1 run.
Nebraska gets the set win after holding Kansas State to a .088 attack percentage.
After Kansas State responded with a 6-1 run of its own, Huskers get four straight points.
Nebraska is currently on a 6-1 run to go up by seven.
Despite the Wildcats staying close behind, the Huskers remain out in front.
Nebraska takes the lead in set one off four kills and a service ace.
Here’s how to watch Nebraska-Kansas State volleyball on Friday, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
What channel is Nebraska volleyball vs. Kansas State on?
TV Channel: N/A
Livestream:ESPN+ (subscriber only)
Nebraska-Kansas State volleyball in the second round of the NCAA tournament can be seen on ESPN+. Huskers Radio Network will have audio coverage of all Nebraska matches on Huskers Radio Network affiliates, Huskers.com and the Huskers app. John Baylor and Lauren Cook West will be on the call. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+.
Nebraska volleyball vs. Kansas State time today
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 6
- Start time: 7 p.m. CT
The second-round NCAA volleyball tournament contest between Nebraska and Kansas State starts at 7 p.m. CT from the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Nebraska volleyball 2025 schedule (30-0, 20-0)
Aug. 22 – vs. Pittsburgh – WIN 3-1 (25-22, 25-11, 20-25, 25-23)
Aug. 24 – vs. Stanford – WIN 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-14)
Aug. 29 – at Lipscomb – WIN 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)
Aug. 31 – vs Kentucky – WIN 3-2 (24-26, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-8)
Sept. 5 – vs. Wright State – WIN 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-20)
Sept. 7 – vs. California – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-12)
Sept. 12 – vs. Utah – WIN 3-1 (21-25, 25-8, 25-18, 25-13)
Sept. 13 – vs. Grand Canyon – WIN 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-18)
Sept. 16 – at Creighton – WIN 3-2 (25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 24-26, 15-9)
Sept. 20 – vs. Arizona – WIN 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-18)
Sept. 24 – vs. Michigan – WIN 3-0 (25-6, 25-15, 25-13)
Sept. 27 – vs. Maryland – WIN 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-14)
Oct. 3 – at Penn State – WIN 3-0 (25-6, 25-15, 25-13)
Oct. 4 – at Rutgers – WIN 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-16)
Oct. 10 – vs. Washington – WIN 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-16)
Oct. 12 – at Purdue – WIN 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15)
Oct. 17 – at Michigan State – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-20)
Oct. 19 – at Michigan – WIN 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-18)
Oct. 24 – vs. Northwestern – WIN 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-17)
Oct. 25 – vs. Michigan State – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-18)
Oct. 31 – at Wisconsin – WIN 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-13)
Nov. 2 – vs. Oregon – WIN 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-12)
Nov. 6 – vs. Illinois – WIN 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-14)
Nov. 8 – at Minnesota – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-20)
Nov. 14 – at UCLA – WIN 3-1 (25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 25-15)
Nov. 16 – at USC – WIN 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-20)
Nov. 20 – vs. Iowa – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-18)
Nov. 22 – at Indiana – WIN 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-22)
Nov. 28 – vs. Penn State – WIN 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-14)
Nov. 29 – vs. Ohio State – WIN 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-20)
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TOPEKA (KSNT) – The man accused of killing a Kansas priest outside a northeast Kansas church is headed to the state’s largest psychiatric facility for evaluation, prosecutors said Friday.
Gary Hermesch is accused of shooting Father Arul Carasala on April 3 outside Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Carasala died at a nearby hospital.
Authorities said Hermesch went to the sheriff’s office immediately after the shooting and confessed.
A judge is determining whether Hermesch, of Tulsa, Okla., is competent to stand trial. An evaluation at Larned State Hospital in southwest Kansas will help make that determination, Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said.
A status conference in the case is set for Dec. 18.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Today’s the day we learn which countries might play FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage matches in Kansas City.
Kansas City set to learn which countries it might see play in FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA is set to announce during a special ceremony on Friday in Washington D.C. which countries will be in which groups for FIFA World Cup 2026.
It’s called the Final Draw, and it’s something KC2026, the committee that’s in charge of organizing Kansas City’s hosting of six matches next June and July, will be following closely.
RELATED | More FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage from KSHB 41
There’s a watch party starting at 9 a.m. at the Power & Light District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
The draw, hosted by Conductor Rio Ferdinand, Samantha Johnson, with Red Carpet reporting from Eli Manning, starts at 11 a.m. from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
Live coverage will be provided on FIFA’s website.
The draw will assign 48 countries to 12 different groups. The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off with group stage matches starting Thursday, June 11, with a Group A match featuring co-host nation Mexico hosting a Group A opponent in Mexico City.
LINK | FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
Canada, which is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, gets underway with a Friday, June 12, match against a Group B opponent in Toronto.
Co-host United States, assigned to Group D, will kick off their World Cup campaign on Friday, June 12, against a Group D opponent in Los Angeles.
Kansas City is set to host four group stage matches at Kansas City Stadium (that’s what FIFA is calling GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium):
- Tuesday, June 16, will feature a group stage match between two countries assigned to Group J;
- Saturday, June 20, will feature a group stage match between two countries assigned to Group E;
- Thursday, June 25, will feature a group stage match between two countries assigned to Group F;
- Saturday, June 27, will feature a group stage match between two countries assigned to Group J.
To recap, Kansas City World Cup fans will want to pay close attention to which countries are assigned to Groups J, E and F.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, FIFA will announce the World Cup 2026 schedule, when we’ll learn which specific countries will play when and where.
Kansas City is also set to host a Round of 32 match on Friday, July 3, and a quarterfinal match on Tuesday, July 7. We don’t know which countries will play in these matches until after the completion of the Group Stage.
The Kansas City region is also in a position to serve as a “base camp” for as many as three national teams during the World Cup. The countries could base their World Cup operations at one of three locations in Kansas City throughout the tournament. Countries are expected to be announced in early 2026.
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