With the Twins looking to return to being competitive in the AL Central, we wanted to take a look around at the other teams in the division and what moves they made this offseason. This is a look at what to expect from the Kansas City Royals this season. 

The Royals’ offseason was defined by extensions, highlighted by a five-year deal for third baseman Maikel Garcia. Along with Bobby Witt Jr. Garcia will bring star power at the top of the lineup as he looks to build on his stellar 2025, where he was worth 5.8 bWAR.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez signed a two-year extension through 2027. Perez has long been the core of the Royals lineup, justifiably earning the captain’s “C” and cementing his place as a franchise icon.

The last extension was with manager Matt Quatraro, whose new three-year deal runs through 2029 with a club option for 2030. Quatraro has a 224-262 record over his first three Kansas City years, including a 106-loss 2023. In the past two years, he led the Royals to seasons of 82 and 86 wins. The organization has shown confidence in his leadership moving forward.

The Royals saw several subtractions this winter, as well as some impactful additions. Here are notable offseason moves in Kansas City, as the Royals look to return to contention in the AL Central.

Notable Subtractions:
Traded LHP Angel Zerpa to Brewers
SP Michael Lorenzen
OF Mike Yastrzemski
OF MJ Melendez
OF Randal Grichuk
RP Hunter Harvey
RP Taylor Clarke
RP Jonathan Bowlan
2B Adam Frazier

Notable Additions
OF Kameron Misner – acquired from Tampa Bay 
RP Alex Lange – 1 year, $900,000
OF Lane Thomas – 1 year, $5.25 million
OF Isaac Collins and RHP Nick Mears from the Brewers
LHP Matt Strahm
SP John Means (minor league deal)
RP Eli Morgan (minor league deal)

Several additions stand out, especially Isaac Collins, who could be an option leading off ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia. Other possible impact players include OF Kameron Misner, OF Lane Thomas, and North Dakota native LHP Matt Strahm. The Royals also signed former Orioles pitcher John Means to a two-year minor league deal as he rehabs from a torn Achilles. Reliever Eli Morgan could provide useful bullpen depth with his MLB experience.

Among the departures, some names stand out, but many were replaced by additions. For example, Angel Zerpa was traded for Collins, while Strahm provides a left-handed relief option going forward. Yastrzemski, a 2025 deadline addition, leaves an outfield spot that Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins will now cover.

The Royals appeared to make some savvy moves and will look to make a push at either the AL Central or, at a minimum, an AL Wild Card spot this coming year.

Noteworthy injuries include John Means, who will miss significant time recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, and right-hander Alec Marsh, who is likely out for the season with a right shoulder injury. The absence of Means removes a potential left-handed starting option, while the loss of Marsh impacts the team’s pitching depth for the year.

Here is a look at the key players who will be a big part of the Royals winning the division, if they are to do so.

Key Players
Bobby Witt Jr.- 7.1 bWAR
Maikel Garcia – 5.8 bWAR
Noah Cameron – 3.8 bWAR
Kris Bubic – 3.1 bwAR
Michael Wacha – 2.8 bWAR
Vinnie Pasquantino – 2.1 bWAR
Carlos Estevez – 2.1 bWAR

Other contributors include: Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, Kyle Isbel, Salvador Perez, and Jac Caglianone. 

There is a ton of upside in this group, as well as plenty of depth. Bobby Witt Jr.is a bona fide superstar and face of the franchise. There is plenty of pitching depth, both in the rotation and in the bullpen, as well as some very intriguing young hitters that could take a step forward this season.

The top prospects for the Royals include a couple of young catchers, as well as a couple pitchers and a 2025 first round pick. 

Top Prospects

Spring Storylines (and beyond): 

The youth movement with Jensen, and OF/DH Jac Caglianone headlining the young new core of a Royals team looking to return to the top of the AL Central. Jensen will likely split catching duties with Perez and get some time at the DH spot as well, while Caglianone should see time in the outfield and as the designated hitter. 

Who is hitting leadoff will be another thing to keep an eye out for. The newly acquired Isaac Collins is the favorite to be at the top of the lineup, especially against righties. Other players who may see time in leadoff spot are Bobby Witt Jr and Maikel Garcia, depending on the matchup on any given day.

The health of the pitching staff will be something many Royals fans and the rest of the AL Central will keep tabs of this year. Cole Ragans started just 19 games this past year due to injury and will look to throw a full starter’s workload closer to 30 starts this year. Kris Bubic also started 20 games while working back from an injury, so he will also look to have a healthy campaign in 2026 as well. Both Ragans and Bubic being healthy will be key in stabilizing the rotation and helping the pitching staff be more effective.

The Royals will be looking to win the division and stay competitive in the AL Central throughout the 2026 season.

Projected Lineup
Maikel Garcia – 3B
Bobby Witt Jr.- SS
Vinnie Pasquantino – 1B
Salvador Perez – C
Isaac Collins – LF
Jonathan India – 2B
Carter Jensen – DH
Lane Thomas – RF
Kyle Isbel – CF

Projected Rotation
Cole Ragans – LHP
Seth Lugo – RHP
Michael Wacha – RHP
Kris Kubic – LHP
Noah Cameron – LHP

Projected Record
PECOTA: 1st place, 86-76
Fangraphs: 2nd place, 81-81

While PECOTA projects the Royals as division winners, Fangraphs is less optimistic, placing them second. Examining the roster and depth reveals a high ceiling but also the potential for a record similar to 2025. In an AL Central up for grabs, the Royals should remain competitive this season.Â