The Kansas City Royals got exactly what they hoped for during Cole Ragans’ final three starts during the 2025 campaign.
A determined All-Star ace.
Ragans, who missed most of the season with a left rotator cuff strain, was out to prove he could return to top form. The injury zapped his effectiveness and left him scrambling to maintain his optimal level of production.
As his shoulder healed, Ragans began to feel healthy once again. The zip on his fastball returned — touching 98 mph at times — and the strikeouts followed. Since returning from injury, Ragans allowed four earned runs and registered 22 strikeouts.
Meanwhile, the Royals continued to monitor his workload. Ragans maxed out at 72 pitches in his previous two outings — each offering various degrees of success.
On Sunday, Ragans looked sharp in the regular-season finale against the Athletics. He tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings while recording eight strikeouts. Per Baseball Savant, Ragans generated 41 swings and 17 whiffs.
The Royals picked up a 9-2 win over the Athletics. The victory secured a second consecutive winning season at 82-80 overall. KC last finished with a winning record in multiple years from 2013-15.
Ragans is a big part of the Royals’ future. He is signed long-term and will likely be the opening-day starter in 2026. His ability to anchor the starting rotation — that also includes Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron and others — will be paramount in helping the Royals return to the postseason.
There shouldn’t be many lingering concerns as well. Ragans has shown elevated velocity and the ability to pitch without any discomfort. He will have a normal offseason and be penciled in to make at least 25-30 starts next season.
Sunday’s effort gave the Royals additional reassurance. Ragans returned to his ace status and cleared every benchmark in his ascension back atop the rotation.
Royals offense finishes strong
The Royals were plagued with an inconsistent offense this season.
At times, the club could score 20 runs with ease. There would also be tough spells where the offense couldn’t get anything going. On Sunday, the Royals took care of business early against the Athletics bullpen.
KC was gifted a run in the second inning. Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday misplayed a ball that rolled past him to the right-field wall.
It led to Maikel Garcia recording a sacrifice fly and an early lead. Garcia later added an RBI single in the fourth inning. Garcia and second baseman Michael Massey each had two RBIs in the game.
Later, the Royals relied on a power barrage.
Mike Yastrzemski and Carter Jensen hit consecutive homers in the seventh inning. Bobby Witt Jr. capped the frame with a two-run double.
Jensen’s blast traveled 482 feet over the right-field wall. It registered as the longest Royals home run in the Statcast Era.
Yastrzemski finished with two homers on the afternoon. It was his first two-homer game since June 19, 2023 as a member of the San Francisco Giants.
The Royals logged 15 hits in the regular-season finale. Meanwhile, Witt finished the 2025 campaign with the most hits (184) in the majors.