KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cole Ragans will be on the mound once again as the Kansas City Royals begin their 2026 campaign.
Ragans was named the Royals opening day starter for the third consecutive season when they take on the Atlanta Braves on March 27.
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He is the sixth Royals pitcher in franchise history to have three or more consecutive opening day starts.
Since being traded from the Texas Rangers in 2022, Ragans has been one of the best pitchers in the American League.
In 2024, he was named an all-star for the first time in his career. His play earned him a three-year, $13.25 million contract extension with the Royals in 2025.
In three seasons with the Royals, Ragans is 19-14 in 57 starts and a 3.32 ERA.
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He dealt with an injury-plagued 2025 season that included a rotator cuff strain that placed him on the 60-day injured list.
The Royals come into the 2026 season with high expectations. The 28-year-old will headline what is expected to be one of the best starting rotations in baseball that includes Seth Lugo, Noah Cameron and Kris Bubic.
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