Carter Jensen lived out his biggest dreams with the Kansas City Royals this season.
And the spotlight wasn’t too bright.
Jensen, 22, was granted a massive opportunity. The KCMO native — a former Park Hill High School standout — was one of two September call-ups as the Royals’ active roster expanded.
In many ways, Jensen’s arrival served a dual purpose: It gave him some major-league experience while also offering a tantalizing look toward the future.
The Royals knew what Jensen would bring to the table. He has a keen understanding of the strike zone and showed encouraging signs that, as a catcher, he could handle a pitching staff. He’d been an offensive force, too, with a .290 batting average, 20 home runs and 76 RBIs across two different levels of the minor leagues.
That sort of production merited a spot on the big-league roster. However, Jensen knew his opportunity would come with a whole new set of challenges.
“Yeah, it’s been a crazy year, but you know, I’m just grateful,” he said after the Royals’ regular-season finale against the Athletics. “That’s probably the best word to describe everything. Grateful for every opportunity. Grateful for the front office believing in me and knowing that I can come here and succeed and help win games.”
One of the biggest challenges for Jensen was learning an entirely new pitching staff. At times he could be seen bouncing around the clubhouse, meeting his veteran teammates. He spent time communicating with starters and relievers in the bullpen.
The conversations were wide-ranging. Jensen wanted to know each pitcher on a personal level and learn about their pitching arsenals and tendencies.
Jensen would also discuss strategy with veteran catchers Salvador Perez and Luke Maile. And when he found some spare time, he’d be in the batting cage, fine-tuning his swing while receiving a crash-course on that night’s pitching matchup.
“You know, the work is just starting,” Jensen said. “Everything is cool and all that, but you know, I think being out of the playoffs leaves a little sour taste in your mouth. I’m getting that first-hand experience. So next year, I’m gonna be ready to go and I’m excited.”
By all accounts, Jensen looks the part of a promising big-leaguer. He posted a .300 batting average in his first 20 games with the Royals.
The Royals were impressed with multiple highlight efforts. He hit three doubles — all from the leadoff spot — against the Toronto Blue Jays. He later belted a 482-foot home run against the Athletics, the Royals’ longest homer in the Statcast era.
“I think our fans and our coaches, who weren’t as familiar with him, got a chance to see what he is all about,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “It’s about good plate appearances, making good decisions on what pitches to swing at or not swing at and not trying to do too much.
“You saw him hit the ball the other way a lot, which is a sign of a complete hitter. And when he did, he got good experience at the end of the year catching some of our guys. That’s always a challenge for a young catcher.”
Jensen was among multiple rookies to debut for KC this season. He joined fellow top prospect Jac Caglianone in Kansas City and the duo became fast friends.
Now, Caglianone and Jensen will be expected to lead the Royals into the future. The team will give both the chance to make the opening day roster in spring training 2026. How each develops this offseason is critical: With the right progression, they could be the bats the Royals need to contend in the American League Central.
Jensen made a strong impression in a short period of time this season. The Royals know he can hit at the highest level and now his goal is to show consistency moving forward.
“Everything is kind of hitting and catching,” he said. “I’m going to be talking to everybody in the offseason and just kind of getting ready for next year. Just trying to perfect some things.
“I’m a perfectionist and I always try to be perfect in everything. Obviously, that’s not the case, but as close as I can get, that’ll be good.”