Overview
- The Royals finished 82-80 in 2025 and fielded MLB’s lowest-producing outfield by both 70 wRC+ and -1.4 fWAR.
- Rotation depth with Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic and Noah Cameron reduces pressure to promote starting pitchers early.
- Utility man Javi Vaz, 25, brings elite contact and on-base skills with defensive versatility, and despite a spring finger injury in 2025 is identified as the safest early call-up fit.
- Right-handers Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac are on the 40-man roster, with Kudrna finishing strong at Double-A before struggling in a brief Triple-A look and Zobac battling a knee injury during a 7.25 ERA season but retaining mid-rotation upside.
- Outfielder Gavin Cross, a 2022 first-rounder, hit .219/.269/.358 at Double-A with plus power yet ongoing issues versus breaking balls, making an immediate promotion unlikely.