Spring Training is officially underway in Florida and Arizona, as the rest of Major League Baseball gears up to face off against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. With Opening Day on March 27 looming, the anticipation continues to build, and baseball fans across the league are treated to team-specific previews on a daily basis.
Today, we turn our attention to the Kansas City Royals, who are coming off a strong 2024 season that saw them not only clinch a playoff spot but also win a playoff series—a big highlight for the franchise. A bright future seems to be on the horizon for this team as they look to build on that success in 2025.
Losses and Gains
This offseason brought both challenges and opportunities for Kansas City. The most significant change was the trade that sent starting pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds, a move that has a lot of implications for the Royals moving forward. In exchange, the team brought back infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer.
Singer’s contributions—sporting a 3.71 ERA and logging 179.1 innings—will be tough to replace. However, India, who seems to have needed a fresh start after his time in Cincinnati, could thrive in Kansas City. Coming off a year where he batted .248 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs, India’s ability to impact the game matches nicely with the Royals’ current offensive vision. Wiemer, though limited to just 21 games last year, has shown flashes of potential and could emerge as a key bench piece if he can tap back into his rookie-year form.
While the Royals did lose some players in the form of infielders Paul DeJong, Yuli Gurriel, and Garrett Hampson, along with outfielder Tommy Pham and utility player Adam Frazier, their absence should be manageable given the organization’s depth. Additionally, veteran arm Will Smith won’t return, further underscoring the need for fresh talent in the bullpen.
On the positive side, Kansas City added a significant piece to their roster by signing Carlos Estevez to a two-year, $22 million deal after he enjoyed a breakout season with the Angels and Phillies, collecting 25 saves and posting a tidy 2.45 ERA. Estevez figures to step right into closing duties, bolstering a bullpen that needed some reinforcements.
The Royals also secured two arms in their rotation with Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen re-signing after successful stints in 2024. Wacha stood out with a 3.35 ERA and 166.2 innings, while Lorenzen posted a solid 3.31 ERA over 130.1 innings. This trio, along with the reliable Cole Ragans, gives Kansas City a rotation that has the potential to dominate.
Hitting Outlook
Bobby Witt Jr. has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the game. Fresh off a remarkable breakout year that saw him hit 32 home runs and drive in 109 runs, he looks poised to continue his ascent as a bona fide star. With a .223 batting average paired with a .389 on-base percentage, he proved his ability to impact games in various ways, including stealing 31 bases.
Witt will be complemented by the formidable presence of Salvador Pérez as he enters his 14th MLB season. Last year, Pérez showcased his enduring skills with a strong offensive output, belting 27 homers and driving in 104 runs, solidifying his status as a reliable middle-of-the-order hitter.
Vinnie Pasquantino, another key contributor, played in 131 games last season, displaying his power with 19 home runs and 97 RBIs. His ability to stay healthy and produce will be critical for the Royals as they navigate an increasingly competitive AL Central.
Michael Massey also showed promise during his time last year, and a leap forward in his third full season could add additional depth to the lineup. The Royals will lean on him, alongside contributions from players like Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, Maikel Garcia, and Kyle Isbel, all of whom will be critical in rounding out the batting order.
The bench looks solid too, featuring former first-round pick Nick Loftin and catcher Freddy Fermin, both of whom proved valuable in 2024. Loftin’s speed and Fermin’s consistent production should provide a robust mix of offensive and defensive options.
Pitching Outlook
At the forefront of the Royals’ pitching staff is Cole Ragans, a rising star and the most inexperienced pitcher in terms of service time among the rotation. He turned in a stellar season with a 3.14 ERA and 223 strikeouts over 186.1 innings, leading a group that prides itself on minimizing walks—a crucial element for any successful rotation.
Seth Lugo has emerged as a strong number two starter. With a 3.00 ERA over an impressive 206.2 innings pitched last year, he brings veteran savvy that complements Ragans nicely. With Wacha and Lorenzen providing solid depth, Kansas City’s rotation appears well-equipped to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.
Carlos Estevez will provide much-needed stability in the bullpen, taking over closing responsibilities and offering a sense of security that was often lacking previously. Lucs Erceg is expected to step into the eighth inning role, having performed admirably in 2024 with a 3.36 ERA and 72 strikeouts.
The remainder of the bullpen will refine itself as the season progresses. The likes of Hunter Harvey, John Schreiber, and Angel Zerpa, all of whom logged over 50 innings last year, will be counted on to deliver in key situations.
Down on the Farm
The Royals have a promising crop of prospects waiting in the wings, with three players making MLB’s Top 100 list. Leading the charge is Jac Caglianone, the sixth overall pick from the most recent draft, who is touted for his two-way capabilities. His debut season showcased promise, and if he builds momentum early in 2025, he could rise through the ranks quickly.
Blake Mitchell and Carter Jensen also represent the organization’s bright future, each coming off productive seasons that indicated they’re ready to contribute at higher levels.
Season Prediction
As the Royals prepare for the new season, it becomes clear that this team is designed to be competitive. With a rotation filled with talent and potential, there’s little doubt that the Royals should finish above .500. The combination of Ragans and Lugo at the top creates a formidable one-two punch that can match up well against any opponent.
Furthermore, the offense, highlighted by the presence of high-caliber talent like Witt and Pérez, looks poised for success if the supporting cast also steps up. The Royals have a legitimate shot at being contenders in the AL Central, especially if players like Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia find their rhythm.
With a solid mix of veterans and up-and-coming stars, Kansas City is on the cusp of making waves in the league once again. Fans have much to be excited about as they gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating season of baseball. October baseball could very well be in their sights once more.
