The Kansas City Royals capped off their 2026 season with their worst record since 2023, finishing at 69-93 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
Kansas City stood at 7-15 in mid-April following an eight-game losing streak that saw the Royals score an average of just 2.75 runs per game during that stretch.
Starting pitcher Noah Cameron steadied the pitching staff, putting up an ERA of 2.58 from July 24 and onward. He allowed just one run over a 23-inning stint, winning American League Pitcher of the Month honors in August with a 1.87 ERA.
The biggest weakness for the Royals this year was the relief pitchers. The bullpen finished the year with a 5.07 ERA, the second-worst in the league, while blowing 26 saves and putting up an ERA of 6.65 in the 9th inning. The pitching staff also suffered from injuries, as starter Cole Ragans and reliever Carlos Estévez underwent season-ending surgery, among others.
First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who produced under 60% of the RBIs that he had the previous year, knocked in just 63 during the 2026 season. Young prospects such as outfielder Jac Caglianone and catcher Carter Jensen helped to pick up the slack by combining for 50 home runs during the season and both having overall very good years at the plate.
Caglianone had a standout August, hitting .411/.429/.684 and winning American League Player of the Month honors. He finished fourth in the American League in batting average, sixth in slugging percentage, and ninth in OPS. He was the first Royals outfielder to hit 20+ home runs in a season since Alex Gordon back in 2013.
Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. remained a top performer for the Royals. Witt finished the year hitting .289/.340/.494 with all categories down slightly from the previous season.
Offseason items for the Royals include Estevez and second baseman Jonathan India, who suffered a season-ending labrum injury.