KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – For the third year in a row, Kansas City Royals lefty Cole Ragans will be the team’s Opening Day starting pitcher.
The Royals announced the decision Tuesday night during a Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Everything,” Ragans said of what the start means to him when asked by Royals.TV‘s Joel Goldberg. “It’s always an honor and it’s never taken lightly. Super excited to get us going.”
Last year, Ragans pitched 5 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 earned runs in Kansas City’s Opening Day loss to the Cleveland Guardians.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans throws to the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)(Sara Nevis | AP)
This year, his Opening Day start will come in Atlanta against the Braves on March 27.
Ragans will be the sixth pitcher in franchise history to make three or more consecutive starts to begin a season.
Kansas City’s home-opener on Monday, March 30, is one of several Royals games that will air locally on KCTV.
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