Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a household name in football, but before becoming the NFL’s golden arm, he had a strong baseball pedigree. As the son of former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes Sr., and a 2014 draft pick by the Detroit Tigers, Mahomes once considered baseball as a legitimate career path. Today, he remains connected to the sport as a minority owner of the Kansas City Royals.
So when Royals pitcher Cole Ragans was asked if Mahomes could get a hit off him in 10 at-bats, the response was ice cold: “Zero.” Ragans didn’t flinch in his interview with Up & Adams, bluntly reminding everyone that Mahomes hasn’t swung a bat in years.
A playful crossover… with limits
Ragans did lighten the mood, saying he’s eager to see Mahomes and Travis Kelce take a few cuts during batting practice. Still, the tone was clear, being a legend in one sport doesn’t guarantee success in another. “He hasn’t swung a bat in a long time,” Ragans repeated, making it obvious he wasn’t buying into the fantasy.
It’s not the first time fans have imagined Mahomes back on the diamond. The idea of the NFL MVP returning to baseball-even just for fun, makes for great barbershop talk. But Ragans‘ confidence in shutting him down adds a dose of reality to the hype.
Royals’ real challenge: consistency at the plate
While the Mahomes fantasy makes headlines, the Royals face a bigger concern, offensive inconsistency. Despite a promising 25-21 record, their bats have struggled. The team ranks among the bottom in runs scored and OPS, and they’re near the cellar in clutch hitting.
Their pitching, however, has kept them in the race. With a 3.16 ERA, they’re second-best in the league. Ragans himself is becoming a standout, with 72 strikeouts already and a stellar outing against the White Sox where he struck out 11 in five scoreless innings.
Bottom line
As fun as it is to imagine Mahomes back in cleats and batting gloves, the Royals have more pressing issues, like getting their hitters to deliver when it counts. And if Cole Ragans’ fastball is any measure, Mahomes should probably stick to slinging touchdowns.
Read the full article here
