Key Kansas City Royals players to know for the 2025 season: Superstars, new faces & more
The Kansas City Royals begin their march toward the 2025 postseason Thursday. A new MLB season awaits for one of 2024’s best stories.
Bolstered by a strong starting rotation and rising star in Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals went 86-76 last season and reached the ALDS before falling to the New York Yankees.
Here is a quick guide to some players to know from the 2025 roster — both familiar names and new faces...
Who are the Royals superstars?
The Royals are led by Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez.
Witt finished second in 2024 MVP voting and led MLB with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. He became an All-Star for the first time and recorded a second straight season of 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases.
Perez enters his 14th MLB campaign with the organization. He hit .271 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs last season. He was named the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award winner.
Other KC stars include All-Star pitchers Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans; they finished second and fourth, respectively, in 2024 AL Cy Young Award voting.
Welcome to KC: New Royals
There are a few new faces in the Royals clubhouse.
This offseason, KC acquired leadoff hitter Jonathan India and outfield prospect Joey Wiemer from the Cincinnati Reds. India will play third base, second base and some left field this season. He hit .248 with a .357 on-base percentage last season.
Closer Carlos Estévez joined the Royals in free agency, which allows Lucas Erceg to maintain a high-leverage relief role.
Meanwhile, outfielder Mark Canha and utilityman Cavan Biggio made the team in spring training.
One Royals player to watch: LHP Kris Bubic
The Royals have a lot of starting pitching depth. Kris Bubic won a spot in the starting rotation after a spring competition with Daniel Lynch IV and others.
Bubic, 27, is nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery. He returned in a bullpen role last season and posted a 2.67 ERA in 27 appearances.
Now, Bubic gets a chance to be a full-time starter again. He is a sneaky breakout candidate among the Royals pitching staff.
One Royals player who could surprise: MJ Melendez
MJ Melendez knows he must perform better. The Royals need to see offensive production instead of inconsistent play.
This offseason, Melendez made significant changes to his swing. It’s now a simpler approach with quieter mechanics. KC believes Melendez has 40-home run potential and he showed it in the minor leagues.
Melendez must be the hitter the Royals have envisioned. If he can, the Royals will have the offensive bat they’ve coveted for nearly three seasons.
Quote to remember
“I always said that the first game of the season feels like the World Series. You know, like the seventh game of the World Series. Everybody is waiting for the first game. Baseball is back. Excited to be back in Kansas City.” — Royals catcher Salvador Perez
This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 10:09 AM.
