The Kansas City Royals are an interesting team. The idea that they could contend this season is certainly not out of the question. While the offense should make a big impact, the starting rotation will need to step up. Royals manager Matt Quatraro is a believer in the starters, something he said Wednesday, via Sports Radio 810 WHB.

“Pitching wins, and we feel really good about the depth and quality of our starters,” Quatraro said.

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Starting pitching is obviously crucial for every team in baseball. The Royals feature a number of question marks, though.

Some teams around the league are almost guaranteed to have good starting pitching if enough guys stay healthy. For other ball clubs, the chances of their rotations performing well are slim. For the Royals, it truly could go either way.

Cole Ragans is the ace. The 28-year-old was an All-Star who finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting in 2024. In 2025, Ragans was limited to 13 starts and he struggled while on the mound.

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Kansas City will need Ragans to find his 2024 form once again.

Michael Wacha is a veteran starter who has recorded ERAs in the 3’s in each of the past four years. In 2025, he turned in a 3.86 ERA across 31 outings. Wacha does not have the same ceiling as Ragans, but the veteran may be the most reliable starter in this rotation.

Bubic has quietly been one of the more productive pitchers in baseball in recent years. After an up and down start to his career, Bubic has finished each of the past two seasons with ERAs in the 2’s. In 2024, his 2.67 ERA came in 27 games out of the bullpen. He was a starter in 2025 but pitched in only 20 contests — recording a 2.55 ERA.

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Seth Lugo is a veteran who finished second in AL Cy Young voting in 2024. Similarly to Ragans, his 2025 did not go according to plan. The difference was that Ragans was limited to 13 starts, while Lugo made 26 outings.

Lugo struggled and is hoping to get back on track.

Noah Cameron impressed in his rookie season, recording a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. He ultimately finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

The potential is unquestionably present. The uncertainty is also undeniable. If guys like Ragans and Lugo can bounce back, the Royals’ rotation could be quite good. The starting pitching staff’s performance will go a long way toward determining Kansas City’s final 2026 record.