The Kansas City Royals needed steady production from the bottom of their lineup in 2026.
They’re getting a lot of that from Kyle Isbel.
Isbel, 29, is having his best start to a season in his sixth year as a pro. He’s one of the hottest hitters in MLB, slashing .444/.444/.704 from with 12 hits through eight games. The center fielder has also flashed some power, with two home runs and five RBIs.
That prowess was on full display in last week’s series against the Minnesota Twins. Isbel hit his two home runs on March 30 and April 1, the first evening of April being the night he went a perfect 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs in rainy conditions.
He has a hit in each game so far, all from the nine spot in the order, and in record-breaking fashion.
Isbel collected 10 hits in seven games, becoming the first player to hit safely from the nine spot in each of his team’s first seven games since New York Yankees third baseman Scott Brosius in 2001, according to statistician Ryan Spaeder.
Against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, Isbel went 1-for-4, helping the Royals (5-5) to a 4-2 win.
He’s been consistent and reliable as an outfielder. Now, that consistency is showing up at the plate.
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PJ Green is a breaking news reporter for The Star. He previously was a sports reporter for Fox’s Kansas City affiliate and a news reporter for NBC’s Wichita Falls, Texas affiliate. He studied English with a concentration in journalism and played football at Tusculum University. You can reach him at pgreen@kcstar.com or follow him on Twitter and Bluesky – @ByPJGreen