Kansas City Royals’ Jonathan India makes KC spring debut: ‘It’s going to be fun year’
The Kansas City Royals rolled out a few of their regulars in Friday’s Cactus League opener against the Texas Rangers.
Fans also got a glimpse of the Royals’ new-look lineup as Jonathan India led off against Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi.
India, who was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds this offseason, wasted no time in the box. He laced a single into left field in his first at-bat. He also drew a walk in the Royals’ 5-2 afternoon victory at Surprise Stadium.
“It was definitely awesome, and I’m glad to be here and be a part of it,” India said of his Royals debut. “That’s a really good team and I’m excited to see what we do this year. The lineup is long and the pitching staff is incredible. So it’s going to be a fun year for sure.”
India will split time at second base, third base and the outfield. On Friday, he started in left field and got a chance to adjust to the new position. He didn’t receive a fly ball, but he was able to field some grounders that were hit his way.
“I was watching every pitch really to see how he reacted, how his jumps were, those kinds of things,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s definitely the kind of thing we are going to be focused on.”
The Royals look to get India more time in the outfield this spring.
India will alternate with teammate Michael Massey in left field. He is ready for the challenge of learning defensive angles and establishing a quick first step.
“Just make sure you read the ball off the bat the right way because you are farther away from the hitter,” India said. “So for me, it’s making sure I make the right move with my first step ... because Kauffman (Stadium) is a big park. I’ve got to be ready to be running around out there.”
In camp, India has worked with Royals first-base coach Damon Hollins. The Royals have put him through different drills to get comfortable defensively.
These drills include long-toss and acceleration workouts.
“I definitely got to get my arm a little stronger,” India said. “They said for now, just hit the cutoff (man). “Make sure you make a good throw in and that’s all we care about.”
India is expected to balance infield and outfield work throughout camp. For now, he is prepared to learn as he goes in Cactus League games.
Here are a few other observations from Friday’s spring opener for the Royals:
Top prospects make Royals spring debut
The Royals have a host of minor-leaguers in camp this spring. And many saw action in KC’s Cactus League opener.
Top prospect Jac Caglianone got a couple of at-bats in the game. His dad was in attendance as Caglianone took the field for the first time.
“It was really cool,” Caglianone said. “Even on both sides, seeing guys like (Texas’) Corey Seager, you know, sharing the field and being able to share the field with guys in this locker room was really special. It was a cool day.”
The Royals’ No. 1 prospect, Caglianone is entering his first full professional season after being selected sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. This spring, he will get a chance to showcase his elite power.
“Just looking to drive balls,” Caglianone said of his approach. “Hit balls hard and whatever happens from there just make good swing decisions. Hit balls. Square them up and hit them hard.”
Royals left-hander Noah Cameron also saw some action. Cameron, a St. Joseph, Missouri, native, followed Royals starter Daniel Lynch IV on the mound. He pitched a scoreless inning.
“We know I’m not a super big fastball guy,” Cameron said. “(I’m) more kind of leaning on the off-speed stuff, especially early in the count. So that’s kind of what we did.”
Cameron threw 13 pitches. He looks to improve and hopefully make his MLB debut after being added to KC’s 40-man roster this offseason.
“We are trying to earn a spot,” Cameron said. “If that doesn’t happen, that’s totally okay. Whatever the team needs to earn that spot or earn a different spot. Obviously, they know that I am all for it.”
Another prospect who stood out Friday was outfielder Tyler Gentry, who hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth inning.
The Royals called up Gentry last season and he made his big-league debut. He hit .251 with 16 home runs and 59 RBIs in 121 games with Triple-A Omaha in 2024.
Now, he will look to earn a roster spot in Kansas City.
Royals, Rangers experiment with ABS Challenge System
The new Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS) was introduced in Cactus League Play on Thursday. The Royals and Rangers utilized it during key moments of Friday’s game.
Rangers infielder Alan Trejo challenged a strike call. An ABS replay was shown on the video board at Surprise Stadium. It showed a virtual “batter’s box” and where the pitch crossed the plate.
Trejo tapped his helmet to institute the challenge. Within seconds, the strike call was confirmed as called on the field.
Later, Rangers catcher Chad Wallach challenged a call. He alerted the home-plate umpire, and the review again was shown again in the stadium. The strike call was confirmed — the pitch had grazed the corner of the strike zone.
In both instances, the review took about five seconds. It’s very similar to the tracking technology seen in tennis or golf, wherein ball patterns are traced.
The Royals are back in action on Saturday afternoon against the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.
This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
