\n\tWith the Twins looking to return to being competitive in the AL Central, we wanted to take a look around at the other teams in the division and what moves they made this offseason. This is a look at what to expect from the Kansas City Royals this season.\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Royals’ offseason was defined by extensions, highlighted by a five-year deal for third baseman Maikel Garcia<\/a>. Along with Bobby Witt Jr.<\/a> Garcia will bring star power at the top of the lineup as he looks to build on his stellar 2025, where he was worth 5.8 bWAR.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tRoyals catcher Salvador Perez<\/a> signed a two-year extension through 2027. Perez has long been the core of the Royals lineup, justifiably earning the captain’s “C” and cementing his place as a franchise icon.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe last extension was with manager Matt Quatraro<\/a>, whose new three-year deal runs through 2029 with a club option for 2030. Quatraro has a 224-262 record over his first three Kansas City years, including a 106-loss 2023. In the past two years, he led the Royals to seasons of 82 and 86 wins. The organization has shown confidence in his leadership moving forward.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Royals saw several subtractions this winter, as well as some impactful additions. Here are notable offseason moves in Kansas City, as the Royals look to return to contention in the AL Central.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tNotable Subtractions:<\/strong> \n\tNotable Additions<\/strong> \n\tSeveral additions stand out, especially Isaac Collins, who could be an option leading off ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia. Other possible impact players include OF Kameron Misner, OF Lane Thomas, and North Dakota native LHP Matt Strahm. The Royals also signed former Orioles pitcher John Means to a two-year minor league deal as he rehabs from a torn Achilles. Reliever Eli Morgan could provide useful bullpen depth with his MLB experience.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tAmong the departures, some names stand out, but many were replaced by additions. For example, Angel Zerpa was traded for Collins, while Strahm provides a left-handed relief option going forward. Yastrzemski, a 2025 deadline addition, leaves an outfield spot that Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins will now cover.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Royals appeared to make some savvy moves and will look to make a push at either the AL Central or, at a minimum, an AL Wild Card spot this coming year.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tNoteworthy injuries include John Means, who will miss significant time recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, and right-hander Alec Marsh<\/a>, who is likely out for the season with a right shoulder injury. The absence of Means removes a potential left-handed starting option, while the loss of Marsh impacts the team’s pitching depth for the year.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tHere is a look at the key players who will be a big part of the Royals winning the division, if they are to do so.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tKey Players<\/strong> \n\tOther contributors include:\u00a0Seth Lugo<\/a>, Cole Ragans<\/a>, Kyle Isbel<\/a>, Salvador Perez, and Jac Caglianone<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThere is a ton of upside in this group, as well as plenty of depth. Bobby Witt Jr.is a bona fide superstar and face of the franchise. There is plenty of pitching depth, both in the rotation and in the bullpen, as well as some very intriguing young hitters that could take a step forward this season.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe top prospects for the Royals include a couple of young catchers, as well as a couple pitchers and a 2025 first round pick.\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tTop Prosp<\/strong><\/span>ects<\/strong><\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tSpring Storylines (and beyond):\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe youth movement with Jensen, and OF\/DH Jac Caglianone headlining the young new core of a Royals team looking to return to the top of the AL Central. Jensen will likely split catching duties with Perez and get some time at the DH spot as well, while Caglianone should see time in the outfield and as the designated hitter.\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n \n\tWho is hitting leadoff will be another thing to keep an eye out for. The newly acquired Isaac Collins is the favorite to be at the top of the lineup, especially against righties. Other players who may see time in leadoff spot are Bobby Witt Jr and Maikel Garcia, depending on the matchup on any given day.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe health of the pitching staff will be something many Royals fans and the rest of the AL Central will keep tabs of this year. Cole Ragans started just 19 games this past year due to injury and will look to throw a full starter’s workload closer to 30 starts this year. Kris Bubic also started 20 games while working back from an injury, so he will also look to have a healthy campaign in 2026 as well. Both Ragans and Bubic being healthy will be key in stabilizing the rotation and helping the pitching staff be more effective.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe Royals will be looking to win the division and stay competitive in the AL Central throughout the 2026 season.\n<\/p>\n
Traded LHP Angel Zerpa<\/a> to Brewers
SP Michael Lorenzen<\/a>
OF Mike Yastrzemski<\/a>
OF MJ Melendez<\/a>
OF Randal Grichuk<\/a>
RP Hunter Harvey<\/a>
RP Taylor Clarke<\/a>
RP Jonathan Bowlan<\/a>
2B Adam Frazier<\/a><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
OF Kameron Misner<\/a> – acquired from Tampa Bay\u00a0
RP Alex Lange<\/a> – 1 year, $900,000
OF Lane Thomas<\/a> – 1 year, $5.25 million
OF Isaac Collins<\/a> and RHP Nick Mears<\/a> from the Brewers
LHP Matt Strahm<\/a>
SP John Means<\/a> (minor league deal)
RP Eli Morgan<\/a> (minor league deal)<\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Bobby Witt Jr.- 7.1 bWAR
Maikel Garcia – 5.8 bWAR
Noah Cameron<\/a> – 3.8 bWAR
Kris Bubic<\/a> – 3.1 bwAR
Michael Wacha<\/a> – 2.8 bWAR
Vinnie Pasquantino<\/a> – 2.1 bWAR
Carlos Estevez<\/a> – 2.1 bWAR<\/span>\n<\/p>\n