Spring Temperature Check: Who's How and Who's Cold in Royals camp? (Mar 9-Mar 12)

[Michael Coyle]

Image courtesy of © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The clock continues to tick on Spring training as Major League Baseball’s open day sits two weeks away. The players are in their routines, teams are making decisions, and it’s just about time for the games to start counting. 

While statistics in the spring don’t mean a lot, it is still nice to see players finding their groove as the season fast approaches. 

Who’s Hot? 🔥

Jonathan India

Having India be a key piece in the Royals’ lineup could help push this team back to playoff baseball. Through 17 at-bats, India has posted an average of .294, with one home run and three RBI’s. The former Rookie of the Year’s offensive production has really heated up as of late, going 5-for-11 over his last five games. The utility player has also posted four walks and zero strikeouts, showcasing an ability to put the ball in play. 

Last season, India underwhelmed, batting .233, with nine home runs and 45 RBI’s after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds. Signed to a one-year, $8 million contract to avoid arbitration in the offseason, India looks for better results in year two with the Royals. 

Mason Black

Acquired in November in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, Black has impressed in Royals camp so far. In six appearances, the right-hander has yet to allow a run, throwing eight shutout innings, recording eight strikeouts and three walks. 

Black has pitched in 10 games across two seasons with the Giants, posting a record of 1-5, a 6.47 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.64. The 28-year-old has worked in the rotation and out of the bullpen, giving the Royals an option for length or spot starts should injuries arise.

Helcris Olivárez

The 25-year-old has looked good in spring training, making six appearances, totalling a record of 2-0, an ERA of 1.50, and a WHIP of 1.17. Olivárez’s last three outings have all been scoreless, striking out four batters over the three innings. 

Invited to Royals’ camp as a non-roster invitee, Olivárez is looking to make his MLB debut after spring training stops in Colorado, Boston, and San Francisco. Olivárez has absolutely put his name on the map with this stellar spring. 

Who’s Not? 🧊

Brandon Drury

Drury was signed to a minor league contract in February, but has slumped through large parts of the spring. Through 22 at-bats, Drury has batted .182, totalling only four singles and two RBI’s. The 33-year-old has struck out eight times, failing to make consistent contact. 

After spending all of the 2025 season in the minor leagues, split between the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels organizations, Drury appears poised to return there in 2026. In 53 AAA games last year, Drury batted .214, with three home runs and 17 RBI’s. 

Kyle Isbel

One of the Royals’ outfielders vying for playing time in 2026, Isbel has slumped through the majority of the spring. In 21 at-bats, Isbel has batted .143, with no home runs and only two RBI’s. All three hits this spring have been singles for the 29-year-old. 

Last season, Isbel appeared in 135 games, batting .255 with four home runs and 33 RBI’s, while also chipping in four stolen bases. With the additions of Lane Thomas, Isaac Collins, and Starling Marte, the Royals’ outfield picture is getting crowded, and Isbel’s struggles are not helping his case. 

John Rave

Rave, like Isbel, is a struggling outfielder in a crowded Royals outfield picture. Through 26 spring training at-bats, Rave has batted .154, with only one RBI. With an OBP of .241, Rave appears destined to begin the season in Omaha. 

Last season, Rave made his big league debut, appearing in 72 games with the Royals, batting .196, with four home runs, 14 RBIs, and recording seven stolen bases. A left-handed bat, Rave figures to see playing time if a few of the other lefties go down throughout the season. 

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