The Kansas City Royals have gone under the radar this offseason, as they have made a lot of strong moves. Even though their acquisitions haven’t sent shockwaves through the league, they are still solid additions nonetheless.
Kansas City have added the likes of Lane Thomas, Nick Mears, Isaac Collins and Matt Strahmn.
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However, Kansas City have been in the mix all offseason long for an impact bat, preferably in the outfield, however, that possibility is less likely now than it was a month ago.
It does seem like Kansas City is close to done for this offseason period, but do they have enough to win?
I believe that Kansas City has a starting pitcher than could either make or break this team in 2026 — the pitcher being none other than Cole Ragans.
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Ragans (28) was part of a trade package that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for himself and outfielder Roni Cabrera.
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This trade proved to be pivotal for Kansas City, as Ragans has blossomed into a top of the rotation All-Star pitcher, while Chapman left Texas in free agency following the 2023 season.
Ragans in 2023 had a 5.92 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched with Texas, but immediately looked like a different pitcher for Kansas City, posting a 2.64 ERA and 2.6 WAR in 71.2 innings.
Ragans would continue to build off his hot start in 2023, as his 2024 season was another step towards stardom. The southpaw had a 3.14 ERA and 4.9 WAR in 186.1 innings pitched in 2024, earning All-Star honors for the first time in his career, and fished 4th in American League Cy Young voting.
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Ragans’ 2025 campaign was cut short as he suffered a left groin strain that sidelined him early into the season. However, Ragans’ groin injury was followed by a more serious left rotator cuff strain, sidelining him for all of summer and into early September.
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Ragans finished his 2025 season with a 4.67 ERA in 61.2 innings pitched, however his ridiculous 14.3 K/9 would have been first if he hit the innings pitched threshold.
The expectation for Ragans in 2026 is that he can mirror his 2024 campaign, as Kansas City desperately needs ace production from him alongside Kris Bubic, Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo.
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However, Kansas City has to decide whether or not they believe Ragans can lead the rotation in 2026. If not, Kansas City has to invest in more starting pitching depth, especially with Bubic floating around trade rumors.
There’s no doubt Ragans is one of the most talented pitchers in the American League, but Kansas City will have to rely on his health and performance to take them far, especially if they don’t acquire anyone else.