Royals

Nine stories to get to know the 2025 Kansas City Royals a little better

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

The 2025 Kansas City Royals showcase both established stars and rising talent, each bringing unique stories to the team. Bobby Witt Jr. stands out as a rare five-tool player, changing games with speedy base running and solid defense, and even drawing intentional walks this season.

Starter Cole Ragans and fireman reliever Lucas Erceg bolster the pitching staff, with Kris Bubic also turning heads for his play this year.

Salvador Perez inspires through not only his experience behind the plate, but also his life-changing trip to Kenya, which gave him a new perspective. The team also features gritty contributors like Freddy Fermin, a hard-working catcher who has become the Royals’ second-longest tenured player behind Perez.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on April 8, 2025. By William Purnell

NO. 1: WHAT MAKES BOBBY WITT JR. SPECIAL? A LOOK AT HOW KC ROYALS STAR CHANGES THE GAME

There aren’t many players like the Kansas City Royals’ star shortstop. | Published April 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals superstar Salvador Perez, left, and Royals team photographer Jason Hanna spent nearly two weeks in Kenya this past offseason.

NO. 2: ROYALS’ SALVADOR PEREZ TALKS ‘LIFE-CHANGING TRIP’ TO KENYA: ‘YOU HAVE TO SEE’ IT

Superstar Salvador Perez shares details of his game-changing overseas excursion. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg (60) reacts after the final out in Game 2 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 7, 2024. By Brad Penner

NO. 3: FOR ALL HIS TALENT, HERE’S REAL REASON THIS ROYALS RELIEVER IS ONE OF MLB’S BEST

Royals reliever Lucas Erceg has faced big challenges before. It’s why he keeps perspective even when receiving nasty messages and threats. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Royals catcher Freddy Fermin celebrates after driving in Kansas City’s first run of a 2024 game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. By Gary A. Vasquez

NO. 4: HE’S A ‘GRINDER’ & ‘RELENTLESS.’ AND AFTER SALVY, HE’S THE LONGEST TENURED ROYAL

When he came to the Royals — for less than $10,000 — he didn’t yet know English. “I just kept learning and kept working.” | Published April 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) celebrates with teammates after the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on March 25, 2025. By Jim Cowsert

NO. 5: AFTER TOMMY JOHN RECOVERY, KRIS BUBIC IS BACK IN THE ROYALS' ROTATION ... AND READY TO GO

Why the Kansas City Royals say having Kris Bubic back is “a big step forward for him and for us.” | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals outfielder MJ Melendez (1) hits a three-run home run in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Aug. 4, 2024. By Rick Osentoski

NO. 6: KC ROYALS’ MJ MELENDEZ ‘SIMPLIFIED’ HIS SWING. HE KNOWS HIS CHANCES WON’T LAST FOREVER

“I just want to prove them right,” MJ Melendez says of the Royals. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Illustration of Bobby Witt Jr. with his favorite superhero, Spider-Man. By Neil Nakahodo

NO. 7: WE ASKED KC ROYALS FOR THEIR FAVORITE SUPERHERO. ANSWERS WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE

Bobby Witt Jr. as Spider-Man? Who picked Batman? We asked the Kansas City Royals: Who is your favorite superhero? And why? | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans pitched five innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, striking out nine at Kauffman Stadium. By Denny Medley

NO. 8: WHY THIS ROYALS STARTER WILL BE GRUMPY ON OPENING DAY. IT’S JUST HOW HIS TEAM WANTS IT

Developing an edge has helped him become one of baseball’s best pitchers. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

Kansas City Royals outfielder MJ Melendez (1) signs autographs for fans before the MLB opening day game against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium. By Emily Curiel

NO. 9: KEY KANSAS CITY ROYALS PLAYERS TO KNOW FOR THE 2025 SEASON: SUPERSTARS, NEW FACES & MORE

Get to know the 2025 Kansas City Royals ahead of opening day. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jaylon Thompson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.