Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had a breakout year in 2025. He recorded a .798 OPS across 160 games played. Pasquantino added 32 home runs and 113 RBI. It was a big season, but Pasquantino fell short of earning an All-Star selection. If Pasquantino wants to take the next step from reliable slugger to true All-Star, he will need to answer one specific question in 2026: Can he get on base at a consistent rate?
Pasquantino made his MLB debut in 2022. He appeared in only 72 games, but the left-handed slugger displayed serious signs of promise. Not only did he hit .295 with 10 home runs, but Pasquantino recorded a stellar .383 on-base percentage. It seemed as if the first baseman was on the verge of becoming a reliable power hitter who could get on base at a high level.
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However, Pasquantino has failed to record an OBP of more than .324 in each of the past three years. In 2025, he turned in a .323 OBP. While he did walk a career-high 49 times, the Royals would benefit from more consistent at-bats from the slugger.
Whether he becomes a more reliable OBP guy or not, Pasquantino is going to crush the baseball. He features legitimate power that will help the Royals’ lineup. If he never finds his 2022 form in reference to getting on base, though, Pasquantino will never reach his full potential.
Sure, he could sneak into an All-Star game or two. After all, players who hit 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI still hold value despite what all of the underlying statistics say. He did only have a 2.4 WAR last year, and that was the best mark of his career.
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The good news is that Kansas City’s best player is Bobby Witt Jr. Pasquantino does not have to lead the offensive charge. As long as he protects Witt in the lineup, the Royals will find ways to score runs.
Nevertheless, Pasquantino can become a superstar by simply getting on base at a more consistent rate. It would benefit his status in the league as well as the Royals’ performance.
Of course, accomplishing the feat is much easier said than done. Pasquantino proved he could record a strong on-base percentage in the past and he has only continued to develop as a hitter. There is reason to believe he can do it again.