KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – After finishing with a winning record each of the past two seasons, the Kansas City Royals fell short of a playoff push in 2026. But despite a disappointing season, one of their cornerstone players had an impressive rookie year.
Major League Baseball named catcher Carter Jensen as the American League Player and Rookie of the Month for September.
Jensen went on a tear in September, slugging 10 doubles and eight home runs, all while driving in 20 runs. The Royals rookie led all of baseball in the month for doubles, extra-base hits (19) and OPS (1.194).
Kansas City Royals’ Carter Jensen watches his solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)(Charlie Riedel | AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
It marked the second consecutive time a Royal had won the monthly honors. Right fielder Jac Caglianone was named American League Player of the Month in August.
The 23-year-old Jensen, a product of Park Hill High School and a third-round draft pick in 2021, finished his season with 41 doubles (most among rookies), 30 home runs (4th), 144 hits (5th), 94 runs batted in (2nd), 92 runs (3rd) and 74 walks (3rd).
According to the club, Jensen is the first catcher in Royals history to earn American League Player of the Month honors and the fifth Royal to earn American League Rookie of the Month honors.
Kansas City Royals’ Carter Jensen celebrates after his solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Boston, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)(Charles Krupa | AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Jensen is also the 12th player to win both the Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month Awards in the same calendar month.
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