Two of Kansas City’s most beloved teams have moved on from some of the fans’ favorite players. While many are sad to say goodbye to Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith and Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain, others are looking forward to the future of the sports organizations with a hopeful outlook on the new members of the team.

Many Royals fans are excited that shortstop Alcides Escobar will remain a player for the Kansas City organization for at least another year – he has signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract. While he has been inconsistent on the plate the last few seasons, he was crucial to the Royals’ success during the World Series run in 2014 and the Championship win in 2015.

“I am happy that we kept Escobar,” said long-time Royals fan and communication studies major junior Kate Dujakovich. “I think signing him was a good move because it shows we still want to win games with our players instead of completely blowing up the team to rebuild, which will hopefully help us sign either Eric Hosmer or Mike Moustakas.”

While the future is unknown for these key players, many fans remain optimistic they will decide to stay in Kansas City and hopefully lead the team to another World Series Championship win.

However, the future is clear for Lorenzo Cain, who recently signed with the team where he started his career: the Milwaukee Brewers. Cain signed a five-year contract for $80 million, making it the biggest deal for the Brewers this off season. Many fans are sad to see him go but feel it was a good trade nonetheless, especially because of the money it freed up and the opportunity it gives younger players to develop into playmakers for the organization.

“I really don’t think it will affect the Royals much without Cain,” said business management major sophomore Austin Johnson. “There [are] a lot of young outfielders, especially in the farm system, [who] can come through and take his place, and maybe end up developing into a better player. I think the Royals’ main focus should be on keeping Eric Hosmer, because he is by far the best player on the team.”

The Royals aren’t the only team focusing on developing their younger athletes into the valuable assets they believe can help win championships. The Kansas City Chiefs announced a trade of veteran quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins for third-year cornerback Kendall Fuller and in order to free up money for other potential players.

The Chiefs Kingdom is also anticipating “The Mahomes Era” which is, hopefully, the years Patrick Mahomes will be the Chiefs quarterback. Mahomes was a first-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2017.

“I think it was a good move by the Chiefs,” said senior communication major Bryan Lucas. “We needed a new cornerback, and I think he will be good for our secondary. I believe Mahomes will have a really good career. He is the ideal size and has the arm to back it up.”

While fans like Lucas are excited to see what the new starting quarterback will bring to the team, other said they have mixed emotions. They are sad to see Smith leave, despite feeling like he did not perform to the level he should have.

“I think Alex Smith is a great guy all around,” said Dujakovich. “He’s a great leader on and off the field. He came to Kansas City and worked hard. He was consistent, but he wasn’t able to take us all the way. That being said, I think it’s time for a change. I am excited to watch the Chiefs develop a quarterback from the start and see where Mahomes can take us.”

Some fans will miss Smith more than others, but the overall consensus is the future is looking bright for the Kansas City sports organizations.

“I won’t necessarily miss Smith, but I am thankful for what he’s done for the Chiefs,” said Lucas. “I wish him well, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.”