The Kansas City Royals got exactly what they hoped for during Cole Ragans’ final three starts of the 2025 season.
A determined All-Star ace.
Ragans, who missed much of the season with a left-rotator cuff strain, was out to prove he could return to top form. The injury zapped his effectiveness and left him scrambling to maintain his optimal level of production.
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As his shoulder healed, though, Ragans began to feel healthy again. The zip on his fastball returned — touching 98 mph at times — and the strikeouts followed. Since returning from injury, he allowed four earned runs and registered 22 strikeouts.
The Royals continued to monitor his workload. Ragans maxed out at 72 pitches in his previous two outings — each offering various degrees of success.
On Sunday, Ragans looked sharp in the Royals’ regular-season finale against the Athletics. He tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings while recording eight strikeouts. Per Baseball Savant, he generated 41 swings and 17 whiffs.
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“The biggest thing is health,” Ragans said. “That’s all we are focusing on, you know. This year hasn’t gone the way we wanted to, in terms of that. (It’s important) going into this offseason healthy and on a good note.”
The Royals beat the Athletics 9-2 in Ragans’ start on Sunday. The victory secured a second consecutive winning season at 82-80 overall. KC last finished with a winning record in multiple years from 2013-15.
“It’s bittersweet, right,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It’s good to win the last game, but this isn’t the last game we’re trying to win. So proud of the guys. I mean, there were a lot of great things out there. Ragans being one of them. We are really happy that happened these last three starts.”
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Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen, right, is congratulated by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. after scoring a run on a sacrifice fly against the Athletics on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California.
Ragans is a big part of the Royals’ future. He is signed long-term and will likely be their opening-day starter in 2026. His ability to anchor the rotation — which also includes Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron and others — will be paramount in helping KC return to the postseason.
“He wants to be out there no matter what,” Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. said. “No matter what the situation is, he wants to go out there and compete and pitch well. That’s what he does every time he’s out there. So, it’s great to see him back out there and kind of set us up for a win today.”
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There shouldn’t be many lingering concerns about Ragans. In his final starts of 2025, he showed elevated velocity and the ability to pitch without any discomfort. He will have a normal offseason and be penciled in to make at least 25-30 starts next season.
“He’s amazing,” Royals catcher Carter Jensen said. “I think everybody knows that he’s one of the best pitchers in this league. So credit to him. I’m just pressing buttons and giving suggestions back there. So, it was super fun to catch. You know, someone with that much confidence on the mound and good stuff to back it up — it’s always good fun to watch.”
Sunday’s effort gave the Royals additional reassurance. Ragans has returned to his ace status and cleared every benchmark in his re-ascension atop the rotation.
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Royals’ offense finishes strong
The Royals were plagued with an inconsistent offense this season.
At times they could score double-digit runs with ease. There were also tough spells during which the KC bats just couldn’t get anything going.
On Sunday, the Royals took care of business early against the Athletics’ bullpen. But KC was also gifted a run in the second inning. Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday misplayed a ball that rolled past him to the right-field wall.
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That led to Maikel Garcia recording a sacrifice fly for an early Royals lead. Garcia also hit an RBI single in the fourth inning. He and second baseman Michael Massey each had two RBIs in the game.
Later, the Royals relied on a power barrage.
Mike Yastrzemski and Jensen hit consecutive homers in the seventh inning. Witt capped the frame with a two-run double.
Jensen’s blast traveled 482 feet over the right-field wall. It’s the longest Royals home run in the Statcast Era.
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“I know what my zone is and I know what pitches I can do damage on,” Jensen said. “So that one was in the zone and didn’t try to do too much.”
Yastrzemski finished with two homers Sunday afternoon. It was his first two-homer game since June 19, 2023, when he played for the San Francisco Giants.
The Royals logged 15 hits in the regular-season finale. And Witt finished the 2025 campaign with the most hits (184) in the majors.
“It’s special anytime you lead the league and just because of all the great players out there,” Witt said.