Catcher Carter Jensen took arguably one of the biggest steps forward among prospects in 2025.
Heading into the 2025 season, Jensen did not rate as a Top 100 Prospect and ranked third on the Royals’ list. He cracked that Top 100 barrier at midseason and now enters 2026 as the No. 11 prospect in the game.
Jensen excelled at both Double-A and Triple-A last season before receiving a September callup to his hometown team. He slashed .290/.377/.501 with 20 home runs in 111 minor league games, then went 18-for-60 (.300) with three homers in 20 big league games.
Jensen improved at the plate by better using all fields and increasing his hard-hit launch angle, building on his elite feel for the barrel and advanced swing decisions.
“I stopped worrying so much about the mechanics,” Jensen said, “and now that it’s all muscle memory . . . I can just worry about hitting the ball, just putting the bat on the ball, trusting my mechanics, trusting that I’m going to be in the right position.”
Having been a lifelong Royals fan, especially of longtime catcher Salvador Perez, Jensen valued his month in Kansas City.
“Being around him and watching the way that he works and prepares for games,” Jensen said, “not just physically but mentally also, it’s special, and it’s something that I’m trying to mimic. I’m trying to do the same as he does.”
With the 35-year-old Perez heading into the twilight of his career, Jensen has the opportunity to get a significant amount of playing time in 2026, especially when the veteran catcher spends time at DH or fills in at first base.
Jensen realizes that he still has much to learn before he’s a finished product, especially as a defender.
“Catching is always going to come first when you play that position,” Jensen said. “[(’m) continuing to work on all aspects of defense, whether it’s blocking, throwing, receiving, pitch-calling and game management.”
ROYALTIES
— The Royals have invited 25 non-roster players to their 2026 spring training camp. Among the ranked prospects are Blake Mitchell, Ramon Ramirez, Carson Roccaforte, Dennis Colleran, Hunter Patteson, Shane Panzini, Frank Mozzicato and Gavin Cross.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.baseballamerica.com ’
