Royals Roundup, Oct 1: 2026 Season Analysis, 2027 Outlook, Jensen's Rookie Impact

[Royals Keep]

Here is some of the latest Royals analysis from around the internet. The pieces cover the 2026 season's struggles, coaching changes, bullpen issues, and highlight Carter Jensen's rookie success and Vinnie Pasquantino's late-season performance.

• Picollo talks coaching staff change, rotation outlook for '27 (MLB.com). Argues that the Royals' 2026 season was disappointing due to a 69-93 record and missing the playoffs, with key issues including injuries to players like Maikel Garcia and pitchers such as Cole Ragans, and a struggling offense that ranked 22nd in runs; notes the coaching staff changes, including Alec Zumwalt's reassignment, and the team's focus.
• Royals Review Roundtable: A crummy season concludes (Royals Review). Argues that the Royals' 93-loss season was primarily due to a weak bullpen and lack of organizational depth, citing a -3.2 fWAR from the bullpen compared to 4.1 the previous year, and roster mismanagement; notes bright spots including Carter Jensen's 27 home runs and Bobby Witt Jr.'s performance.
• Carter Jensen's double honor put an exclamation point on his Royals' rookie season (Kings of Kauffman). Notes that Carter Jensen had a standout rookie season with the Royals, hitting .239 with a .790 OPS, 27 home runs, 81 RBIs, and winning AL Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month in September with a .338 average, 1.198 OPS, and 221 WRC+.
• Carter Jensen wins September American League honors (Royals Review). Argues that Carter Jensen's September performance, including a .338/.407/.788 line, eight home runs, and a 1.
• Vinnie Pasquantino's strong finish gives the Royals a reason to dream big (Kings of Kauffman). Notes that Vinnie Pasquantino's strong finish to the 2026 season, including 11 home runs and nine doubles in his final 35 games, gives the Royals optimism for 2027 despite a disappointing season overall.