Jackson Huxel

Image courtesy of © David Dermer-Imagn Images For the Kansas City Royals, the path to a sustainable winning culture isn’t just built on superstar highlights; it’s anchored by high-floor, high-ceiling consistency. While Bobby Witt Jr. captures the headlines, Maikel Garcia has quietly emerged as the vital engine that keeps the machine running. Following a breakout 2025 campaign that earned him an All-Star nod and a Gold Glove Award, Garcia’s importance was solidified by a five-year, $57.5 million contract extension in December 2025. Here is why Garcia is the indispensable piece of the Royals' future. 1. Elite Defensive Stability Pitching success in Kansas City has always relied on elite infield defense. Garcia has transformed the "Hot Corner" into a vacuum. In 2025, he led all American League third basemen in fielding percentage and putouts, while ranking in the 99th percentile for range among all MLB fielders. "If you win a Gold Glove, you don't want one, you want two, three, four. That's the goal." — Maikel Garcia, Spring Training 2026 His +17 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2025 ranked second among all MLB third basemen, trailing only Ke'Bryan Hayes. By turning "sure hits" into outs, Garcia provides a safety net for a young pitching staff, directly lowering the team's ERA and extending the efficiency of its starters. 2. The Evolution of the Leadoff Profile Historically, Garcia was viewed as a slap-hitter with elite speed but limited power. However, 2025 saw a dramatic offensive evolution. He raised his slugging percentage by 117 points year-over-year, evolving from 7 home runs in 2024 to 16 in 2025. This surge wasn't a fluke; it was backed by Statcast data showing an average exit velocity of 91.9 MPH (84th percentile) and a significant decrease in his groundball rate. 3. All-Around Production & Versatility Garcia’s value lies in his ability to impact the game in every phase. He is one of the few players in the league who can credibly threaten a 20-homer, 20-steal season while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense. Despite focusing more on power in 2025, he still swiped 23 bases. His 12.5% strikeout rate ranks in the 89th percentile, making him one of the most difficult outs in the American League. He leads the team in walks (61) and situational hitting, providing the perfect bridge to the heart of the order. The Verdict The Royals’ front office has signaled its belief that Garcia is a "cornerstone talent." As of April 2026, he has picked up exactly where he left off, posting a .333/.425/.485 slash line line through the first week of the season. While others provide the flash, Maikel Garcia provides the foundation. His ability to elite-defend, reach base at a high clip, and provide newfound power makes him the ultimate "glue guy" for a franchise aiming to return to the postseason. View full article

Image courtesy of © Benny Sieu-Imagn Images The Kansas City Royals are set to open their 2026 campaign at Truist Park on Friday, after a one-day weather delay. While the Atlanta Braves are perennial powerhouses, the Royals enter this matchup with a unique window of opportunity. Here are the three keys for the Royals to secure an Opening Day victory and start the season 1-0. 1. Capitalize on the "Next Man Up" Rotation The Braves' rotation has been decimated by injuries early this spring. With Spencer Strider (oblique) and Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) both starting the year on the IL, the Royals have managed to avoid two of Atlanta’s most electric arms. While veteran Chris Sale remains a formidable Opening Day opponent, the Royals' lineup, led by Bobby Witt, Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino, must stay aggressive early. If the Royals can chase Sale before the fifth inning, they’ll force a Braves bullpen that is still settling into its 2026 roles to carry the load. 2. Let Cole Ragans Set the Tone The Royals have their own ace ready to go. Cole Ragans has evolved into one of the most dominant left-handers in the American League. To beat Atlanta, Ragans needs to utilize his high-velocity fastball to neutralize the power of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson. Atlanta’s lineup is notoriously aggressive. If Ragans can establish his changeup for strikes early, he can keep the Braves' hitters off-balance and prevent the "big inning" that Truist Park is known for. 3. Minimize Damage from the Bottom of the Order The top of the Braves' lineup is a gauntlet, but their depth has been tested by recent injuries and offseason departures. Projections suggest the bottom third of the Atlanta order could be a "wasteland" compared to their usual standards. The Royals' pitching staff must avoid "gift" baserunners to the 7-8-9 hitters. By forcing the bottom of the order to earn their way on, the Royals ensure that when the lineup flips back to Acuña and Riley, there are fewer runners on base for them to drive home. Game Info Matchup: Kansas City Royals vs. Atlanta Braves View full article

Image courtesy of © Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Royals have brought on some key free agents this offseason, with dominant setup man Matt Strahm from the Phillies alongside some additional veteran depth pieces in Kevin Newman and Abraham Toro, who will look to compete for a starting role in spring training. However, with the addition of Strahm has come the losses of Angel Zerpa and Hunter Harvey to the Cubs, Taylor Clarke, and Jonathan Bowlan to the Phillies. The losses of Zerpa, Bowlan, and Clarke combined for 164 1/3 innings with a combined 3.76 ERA and a 7-5 record. Reuniting With Scott Barlow Brings Leadership & Consistency The 32-year-old veteran righty signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with a club option for 2027. Barlow started his career in Kansas City, logging 302 innings with a 133 ERA+ and 440 games. His best seasons came in 2021 and 2022, when he logged 148 innings with a 188 ERA+, a 12-7 record, 40 saves, 46 RAR, and 2.30 ERA. He was a nightmare for hitters in this two-year span, generating a 33.6 hard hit rate, 21.7 line drive percentage, and 2.2 HR%. After struggling in 2023, the Royals sent him to the Padres for prospects Jesus Rios and Henry Williams at the deadline. After appearing in 63 games with the Royals with a 5.35 ERA, RA9 of 6.05, and -4 RAA. He dominated, finishing with his third-best ERA of 3.07 in 25 games and cutting his RA9 in half to 3.99. After one year with the Guardians in 2024,he ranked in the top 94th percentile in whiff rate (33.6), 84th percentile in K% (28.2), 82nd percentile in barrel% (5.8), and 92nd percentile in hard-hit% (32.6). Last season, the Reds brought him in on a one-year deal, where he ranked in the top 1% in hard hit percentage at 30.5 and top 4% in average exit velocity at 86.2. In 68 1/3 innings with the Reds, he finished with a WPA of 1.7 and a career-best 0.86 clutch. He made his first postseason appearance after the Reds made a miraculous NLDS appearance, where they were dominated by the Dodgers. One of the few bright spots for the Reds in this appearance was Barlow’s 1 2/3 innings pitched against the powerhouse Dodgers offense. With the Reds down 5-0 in game two, Barlow entered the game in the bottom of the fourth looking to limit damage. Not only did he do that, but the Dodgers couldn’t find an answer to his sweeper and curveball. He finished the fourth inning, striking out the side, putting away backup catcher Ben Rortvedt on five pitches, Ohtani on seven pitches with a swing and a miss on a low sweeper, and finishing off the inning with a dominant four-pitch strikeout on back-to-back whiffs with the sweeper on Betts. He’d face two batters in the fifth with a lineout by Freeman before another strikeout with his Sweeper against Max Muncy on five pitches. Why is his appearance important, you may ask? After being pulled for Connor Phillips with two outs, the Dodgers would extend their lead with a home run from Teoscar Hernandez. Before Phillips would be tagged with two more runs the next inning with a two-run homer by Ohtani. Barlow will bring a five pitch repertoire led by his +5 run value in his sweeper that generated a whiff rate of 39.4, K% of 33.3, and hard hit% of 19.1, following close behind is his 92 MPH fastball at +2, with a .235 xBA, .476 xSLG, and 21.3 usage right, his curveball is an even zero rating with a 47.6 K%, .149 xBA, and 22% putaway percentage, his worst pitch was his slider at -2 giving up four home runs and allowing a .255 average when used. Finally, his sinker was primarily used against right-handers, coming at a +1 run value, generating a xWOBA of .351. He’d be fairly cheap coming back to a team where he had the best seasons of his career and recent postseason success at a projected two-year, $2.6 million salary. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Last week, the Royals made a splashy move to shore up the bullpen, acquiring All-Star setup man Matt Strahm from the Phillies for Johnathon Bowlan. Kansas City's approach has centered on targeting specific needs, particularly in the outfield and bullpen, and leveraging its pitching depth in trades. The Strahm deal, which reunites him with the team that drafted him, is a cornerstone of this strategy. Matt Strahm Background Drafted by the Royals in the 21st round of the 2012 draft, Strahm came out of Neosho City Community College. He had dominated the minors with his best season coming in 2015, where he shared time in the Royals' Single-A and High-A affiliates, appearing in 29 games with a 2.59 ERA, five saves, 121 strikeouts, and .968 WHIP. He made his major league debut with Kansas City in 2016, appearing in 22 games with a 1.23 ERA, a 34 percent strikeout rate, and an xWOBA of .227. He struggled in his sophomore season, appearing in 24 games with a 14.3 walk percentage and a barrel percentage of 6.5, finishing with an inflated xERA of 4.09. Strahm would be sent packing in 2018, with Esteury Ruiz and Travis Wood going to the Padres in exchange for Trevor Cahill, Brandon Maurer, and Ryan Buchter; he appeared in 112 games with the Padres, posting a 107 ERA+. After one season with the Red Sox, he’d sign with the Phillies in 2023, where he’d be the anchor of the Phillies bullpen. Including a 2024 campaign where he received the only All-Star nod of his career, where he appeared in a career high 66 games with a 6-2 record, ranking in the 96th percentile in K% (33.3) and xBA (.187), 97th percentile in BB% (4.6), and 99th percentile in xERA 2.43. Matt Strahm Arsenal The 34-year-old lefty has a four-pitch repertoire that consists of a fastball, slider, sinker, and cutter. This season, he relied heavily on a fastball-slider combo, with his fastball being used at a 38 percent clip and slider at 32%. His fastball sits at 92.3, where it generated a putaway percentage of 23.4 and an xBA of .174. He uses his fastball heavily against righties, raising his usage to 44.8%. He struggled with the longball, giving up four home runs and a 45.8 hard-hit percentage that brought his run value down to -3. His slider comes in at his best pitch at a run value of +8 with a whiff rate of 30%, wOBA of 167, and a 28.8. His 87.7 mph cutter was his second-best pitch, which generated a usage rate of 14.6% but created soft contact with a 23.8 hard-hit percentage, and his second-best putaway pitch at 21.4, finishing with a run value of +4. Finally, at +2 run value, his sinker sits at 92.4 mph. Hitters were all over it last season, hitting at a .319 xBA, .506 xSLG, and xWOBA. Strahm will bring consistency and a veteran presence to an already strong bullpen with average velocity and nasty break pitches that generate weak contact. He is the perfect setup man for a hungry playoff team. View full article

The Royals will look to take a huge step forward this season after finishing 82-80, missing the wild card by five games. The team has made two trades early on, acquiring two depth pieces: center fielder Kameron Misner from the Rays and pitcher Mason Black from the Giants, in exchange for pitcher Logan Martin. The team will look to add an outfield power bat and a back-end starter after losing six players to free agency: reliever Hunter Harvey, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, utility Adam Frazier, and starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, catcher Luke Maile, and outfielder Randal Grichuk. With that being said, here are 10 players the Royals should trade/cut 10: Pitcher Alec Marsh The Royals drafted Alec Marsh in the second round of the 2019 amateur draft out of Arizona State. In his senior year with the Sun Devils, he put together a 9-4 record with a 3.46 ERA with 99 punchouts. In the minors, he struggled, registering a 5.41 ERA, but had an impressive 11.4 K/9. He made his MLB debut in 2023, registering 74 innings with a 5.92 ERA, .486 xSLG, and .381 WOBA. He’d have a solid season in 2024, appearing in 26 games with a 9-9 record and 4.53 ERA and increasing his run value from -18 to -9 while improving his walk percentage from the bottom 12% to the top 64%. The 27-year-old missed the 2025 season with labrum surgery and isn’t expected to return till the 2027 season. The team is currently $820k with the addition of Mason Black, and the rise of Noah Cameron could see Marsh moved to a team for cash considerations or a prospect to be named later. 9: Utility Nick Loftin Nick Loftin was drafted 32nd overall by the Royals in the 2020 draft out of Baylor. With a contact-oriented approach and solid speed, he quickly rose the ranks in the system, including a breakout 2023 season with the Storm Chasers, slashing .270 with 14 home runs, 56 RBIs, .788 OPS, and drawing 34 walks. He’d make his debut later that season, appearing in 19 games, hitting .323 with 10 RBIs and racking up an OPS+ of 119 and rBAT+ of 124. Since then, he’s struggled at the dish with a 5.3 barrel percentage and 4.7 solid contact percentage. In the last two seasons, he’s hit .199 with five home runs and 34 RBI. However, he’s shown great plate discipline with a 23% chase percentage (5.4% below league average) and an 18% whiff rate (7% below league average), according to BaseballSavant. wit Loftin is projected to make $3 million in arbitration. With a struggling bat and above-average speed, a change of scenery could wake his silent bat, given his great plate discipline. 8: Relief Pitcher Lucas Erceg Lucas Erceg has been a reliable arm in a strong Royals bullpen since being acquired from the Royals in 2024 for Mason Bennett and Will Klein. Erceg appeared in 23 games for the Royals, putting up an ERA+ of 144 and finishing in the 82nd percentile in xERA and xwOBA. This season, he appeared in 61 games with an 8-4 record, 2.64 ERA, and two saves. His heater dominated, ranking in the top 8% in fastball evo (97.5) and the top 12% in groundball percentage (52). The 30-year-old is projected to get a $1.25 million raise in arbitration. A cheap contract for a guy who was a consistent arm for the team and had the second-lowest ERA out of the pen behind all-star closer Carlos Estevez. 7: Catcher Blake Mitchell Blake Mitchell, currently the #2 prospect in the organization, may be the odd man out, as the Royals extended Salvador Perez to a 2-year, $25 million deal, and the recent call-up of the team’s #1 prospect, Carter Jensen, suggests he could be on the trading block. The 8th overall pick in 2023 has exhibited great plate discipline and power in the minors, sitting at a 55 overall scout rating with 60 power, 50 contact, 70 arm, and 55 fielding. He’s shown the ability to be a five-tool player, as in 486 plate appearances between high-A and Single-A, swiping 26 bases, crushing 18 home runs, and drawing 80 walks. This season, he struggled in high-A, hitting .207 in 169 at-bats with two home runs, 12 RBI, and nine stolen bases. However, he continued to show great plate discipline, drawing 45 walks. In the summer league, he tied for second in walks with 20 and seventh in runs with 20. With the catcher room full, and #9 prospect Ramon Ramirez nipping at his heels. The Royals could listen to offers from teams like the Padres, Rays, and Rangers, who are looking to add a future piece at the position. 6: Relief Pitcher Angel Zerpa Angel Zerpa joined the organization as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela in 2016, where he quickly rose through the ranks and eventually made his MLB debut on September 30, 2021, pitching five innings of two-run ball and allowing only three hits and one walk while fanning four. He didn’t break out until 2024, when he appeared in 60 games in the powder blue. Putting up a 2-0 record and 3.86 ERA. He had career highs in xBA (.249) and xSLG (.396). He placed 30th in groundball percentage at 59.2. This season, Zerpa continued to produce ground balls, posting a 63.7 ground ball rate, placing him sixth in MLB. He saw more success missing bats, setting career highs in K% (21.1), chase% (26.7), and whiff rate (16.4). The 26-year-old could draw strong interest from teams who are looking for young high upside pitching, as his asking price is projected to be around $1.25 million. View full article

With the offseason underway and the Royals looking to build off their 82-80 season, they look to upgrade the roster through internal and external options before the start of spring training, but prospect development is still happening in the Arizona Fall League. The Royals sent eight prospects to the Surprise Saguaros, headed by MLB Pipeline's #46 prospect, catcher Blake Mitchell. Vazquez And Roccafarte Continue To Take Big Steps Leading the way was shortstop Daniel Vazquez. Vazquez, a 2021 internal free signing out of Venezuela, had a productive season in 2025. The agile defensive shortstop has a 40 overall scout rating, headed by 60s in arm and fielding, and a 55 in run. He started this season in rookie ball before immediately being promoted to the single-A Quad Cities River Bandits. In 404 at-bats with the River Bandits, he slashed a .260 batting average, smacking 29 extra base hits, 42 RBIs, and swiping 26 bases. He’s continued that success in Arizona with a team-leading .329 batting average, 24 hits, and 18 RBIs. Additionally, slashing a .922 OPS and .466 Slugging percentage with 10 stolen bases, and six extra base hits in 73 at-bats. #20 prospect, Carson Roccaforte, has continued to impress for Kansas City. The 66th overall pick and highest-drafted player from Louisiana-Lafayette since 1995 is a defensive specialist; he has a 40 overall rating, topped by 55 arm and 60 fielding ratings. He started his career hot in single-A, with a .257 average, 12 RBIs, and eight extra base hits. In 2025, after hitting 13 home runs, 33 extra-base hits, and driving in 45 runs in High-A, he was promoted to Arkansas, where he continued to show flashes with a .290 average, five homers, 29 RBIs, 22 XBH, and a .410 BABIP. Roccaforte has dominated in Arizona, smacking eight extra-base hits and putting together a .459 BABIP, .293 slash line. The #8 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Blake Mitchell, will head into 2026 as the team’s #2 prospect. Mitchell’s scouting report rates him at a 55 rating with a 70 arm, 55 fielding, 50 hit, and 60 power. Mitchell flashed his power in 2024, crushing 18 bombs with 50 RBIs with 79 walks. This season, in 169 at-bats in High-A, he hit .207 with two homers and 12 RBIs. He continued to display great plate discipline, recording 45 walks. As a Saguaro, he's shown incredible plate discipline, with a .237 walk percentage and .900 BB/K with a home run and five RBIs in 56 at-bats. Pitching Struggles In Limited Appearances The Royals sent four pitchers to Arizona, including the team’s #26 prospect, Hunter Owen. The former Commodore was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft as a versatile starter and reliever. This season in Double-A in 94 2/3 innings, he went 5-5 with a 3.8 ERA, 10.17 K/9, a save, and a 1.33 WHIP. He’s struggled in Arizona, allowing 11 hits and six runs in 4 1/3 innings and four punchouts. Reliever Dennis Colleran continued to shine out of the pen. The 7th round pick in 2024 out of Northeastern started his minor league career with the Columbus Fireflies with a 4.06 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 39 whiffs. He continued his success with the River Bandits, going 5-0 with a 0.82 WHIP and a 1.83 ERA, and 33 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings. In 6 2/3 innings with Saguero, he has a 1.35 ERA, a hold, 4.5 K/BB, and 12.46 SO/9. And nine strikeouts. L.P. Langevin and A.J. Causey rounded out the group with a combined 15.1 innings pitched. Starting with Causey, registered a win and save in eight games with 12 strikeouts and a 7.27 ERA. In contrast, Langevin went 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in six games with 11 punchouts and a .130 BAA. The future looks bright for the Royals, with great plate discipline in the minors and great versatility on the mound, as the team will keep tabs on them heading into next season. View full article

With the offseason underway and the Royals looking to build off their 82-80 season, they look to upgrade the roster through internal and external options before the start of spring training. With the World Series concluding, it’s time for teams to turn their attention to prospect development in the annual Arizona Fall League. The team sent eight prospects to the Surprise Saguaros, headed by MLB Pipeline's #46 prospect, catcher Blake Mitchell. Vazquez and Roccafarte continue to take big steps in development Shorstop Daniel Vazquez has turned heads in Arizona. Vazquez, a 2021 internal free signing out of Venezuela, had a productive season in 2025. The agile defensive shortstop has a 40 overall scout rating, headed by 60s in arm and fielding, and a 55 in run. He started this season in rookie ball before immediately being promoted to the single-A Quad Cities River Bandits. In 404 at-bats with the River Bandits, he slashed a .260 batting average with 29 extra base hits, 42 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. He’s continued that success in Arizona with a team-leading .329 batting average, 24 hits, and 18 RBIs with a .922 OPS, .466 Slugging percentage, 10 stolen bases, and six extra base hits in 73 at-bats. As for the Royals’ #20 prospect, Carson Roccaforte, he has continued to impress for Kansas City. The 66th overall pick and the highest drafted player in Louisiana-Lafayette since 1995 in 2023. The defensive specialist, according to the scouting report, sits at a 40 overall with a 55 arm and 60 fielding. He started his career hot in single-A, with a .257 average with 12 RBIs, and eight extra base hits. This season, after hitting 13 home runs, 33 extra-base hits, and driving in 45 runs in high-A, he was promoted to double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals, continuing his offensive success with a .290 average with five homers, 29 RBIs, 22 XBH, and a .410 BABIP. Roccaforte continued being an extra-base machine, hitting eight extra-base hits and putting together a .459 BABIP, .293 average, and eight doubles. The #8 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Blake Mitchell, will head into 2026 as the team’s #2 prospect. Mitchell’s scouting report rates him at a 55 rating with a 70 arm, 55 fielding, 50 hit, and 60 power. Mitchell flashed his power in 2024, crushing 18 bombs with 50 RBIs with 79 walks. This season, in 169 at-bats in high-A, hit .207 with two homers and 12 RBIs. He continued to showcase great plate discipline with 45 walks. As a Saguaro, he hit .232 with a.237 walk percentage and .900 BB/K with a home run and five RBIs in 56 at-bats. Pitching struggles in limited appearances The Royals sent four pitchers to Arizona, including the team’s #26 prospect, Hunter Owen. The former Commodore was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft as a versatile starter and reliever. This season in Double-A in 94.2 innings, he went 5-5 with a 3.8 ERA, 10.17 K/9, a save, and a 1.33 WHIP. He’s struggled in Arizona, allowing 11 hits and six runs in 4.1 innings and four punchouts. Reliever Dennis Colleran continued to shine out of the pen. The 7th round pick in 2024 out of Northeastern, started his minor league career with the Columbus Fireflies with a 4.06 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 39 whiffs. He continued his success with the River Bandits, going 5-0 with a 0.82 WHIP and a 1.83 ERA, and 33 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. In 6.2 innings with Saguero, he has a 1.35 ERA, a hold, 4.5 K/BB, and 12.46 SO/9. and nine strikeouts. L.P. Langevin and A.J. Causey rounded out the group with a combined 15.1 innings pitched. Starting with Causey, registered a win and save in eight games with 12 strikeouts and a 7.27 ERA. While Langevin went 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in six games with 11 punchouts and a .130 BAA. The future looks bright for the Royals with great plate discipline in the minors and great versatility in pitching as the team will keep taps on them headed into next season.