The 2025 Kansas City Royals: A Team Built to Rise and Reign
The 2024 Royals came into the season with no expectations except to be better. And they were. Improving from an abysmal 56-106 to 86-76, making the playoffs, and beating the Orioles before losing to the Yankees in the AL Divisional Series. The Kansas City Royals are entering the 2025 season with renewed optimism after a surprising 2024 campaign that saw them win 86 games and secure a playoff berth. With a mix of young talent, key offseason acquisitions, and a solid core of veterans, the Royals are poised to make noise in the AL Central once again. This is the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 World Series winning team - the Royals are better than they have been since that team! Pitching
The Royals' pitching staff is headlined by Cole Ragans, who emerged as a reliable ace in 2024. Ragans is joined by Seth Lugo, who had a career year last season, finishing second in AL Cy Young voting. The rotation also features newcomers Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen, both of whom bring veteran experience and stability. Kris Bubic and Alec Marsh round out the rotation, with Daniel Lynch IV providing depth.
The bullpen is anchored by Carlos Estévez, a key offseason addition who will handle closing duties. Lucas Erceg and John Schreiber are expected to play significant roles in the late innings, while Hunter Harvey and Chris Stratton add depth to a solid relief corps.
Lineup
The Royals' lineup is built around their superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who is coming off back-to-back 30/30 seasons and is a legitimate MVP candidate. Jonathan India, acquired in a trade with the Reds, will serve as the leadoff hitter and designated hitter, setting the table for Witt and the rest of the lineup. Vinnie Pasquantino provides power at first base, while Salvador Perez remains a steady presence behind the plate.
The outfield features MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe, with Renfroe expected to contribute as a designated hitter as well. Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia round out the infield, providing a mix of power and speed.
Look for Witt to have another MVP-like season while Pasquantino comes into his own and hits 30+ HRs. MJ Melendez came into spring training with an improved approach at the plate, which will finally see him become the productive force in the lineup the Royals need.
Defensive Alignment
Defensively, the Royals are a strong unit. Witt anchors the infield at shortstop, with Massey at second base and Pasquantino at first. Garcia is expected to handle third base duties, while Perez continues to provide elite defense behind the plate. In the outfield, Isbel and Melendez bring speed and range, while Renfroe adds a strong arm in right field. India's versatility allows him to fill in at multiple positions, adding flexibility to the roster.
Look for another season of Salvy alternating between catching and DH, with the capable Fermin getting more reps behind the plate and finding his swing this season.
Projection
The 2025 Royals are a well-rounded team with a strong pitching staff, a dynamic lineup, and solid defense. While they may not have made flashy offseason moves, the additions of India, Estévez, Wacha, and Lorenzen address key needs and improve the team's depth.
Projection models suggest the Royals will be competitive in the AL Central, with a realistic chance of winning 90 games, contending for a playoff spot and the division crown. If their young stars continue to develop and their pitching staff performs as expected, Kansas City could surprise the baseball world once again.
The Royals are a team on the rise, and 2025 could be the year they take the next step toward sustained success. Keep an eye on this scrappy, talented squad as they aim to build on last season's momentum and make a deep postseason run.
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Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society. He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom. He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels. His baseball career spanned almost 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and experience in MLB. He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.
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