Royals hold players-only meeting after 5th straight loss: ‘Just tired of losing’
The Kansas City Royals held a players-only meeting after Saturday’s 4-0 loss to the Athletics at Kauffman Stadium.
It was a chance for everyone to share their concerns. The Royals, who have dropped five consecutive games and 21 of their last 31, huddled in the clubhouse to discuss ways to get back on track.
“I think we are just tired of losing,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said. “It’s as simple as that. Tired of losing and tired of not scoring runs. I’m sure the pitchers are tired of not giving up a lot of runs and us not scoring. So (I’m) happy we decided to do that today because I think it’s good for the team. And we’ll see where we are at tomorrow.”
The Royals entered the season looking to build off their 2024 playoff run. There were high expectations in spring training. Guys like Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr. were expected to take the next step and lead the team.
Additionally, the starting rotation was set to return. Last season, Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans made All-Star Game appearances. Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen signed new contracts and Kris Bubic was elevated to the rotation after returning from Tommy John surgery.
The Royals were considered American League Central contenders. KC was right there alongside the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins. Three of those four teams made the postseason in 2024.
Now, the Tigers are one of the best teams in baseball and the Guardians and Twins have remained consistent.
The Royals, however, are in a tailspin. That’s why the players felt a team meeting was needed.
“I think it was good,” Witt said. “We needed to have that. Things aren’t going the way we want it to be so we have to talk about it. Look at yourself in the mirror. You’ve got to talk as a team. We’re a family in here and families talk. That’s what we did.”
They have plenty to fix.
The Royals haven’t scored enough runs. The club ranks dead last with a .591 OPS (on-base plus slugging) with runners in scoring position. Additionally, KC has just 46 home runs which is the lowest number in the majors.
Saturday’s game was a microcosm of the season. The Royals logged four hits and failed to capitalize on two key scoring chances. Maikel Garcia doubled to lead off the game and was left stranded on second base.
Later, the Royals had two runners in scoring position and both failed to cross the plate. There was an eerie feeling inside Kauffman Stadium. It was a silent tone from the Royals fan base and a collective feeling of here we go again.
“It was something that you could feel needed to happen,” Witt said of the meeting. “And so me and Sal (Salvador Perez) talked about it a little bit yesterday. ... In life, you know when time’s right, and it was right.”
There were multiple Royals who addressed the team. For some guys, it gave a clear picture and perspective of what’s happening. The overarching theme was that the collective group needs to play better.
And just as important, that each player has each other’s back.
“Communication is key,” Lorenzen said. “That’s with any relationships that you have in life. If you have good communication, you are going to have a healthy relationship. And with us, we are good with communicating with one another. And through that, you hear different perspectives and you are kind of able to change your perspective if it’s not in a good spot.”
Several Royals affirmed they want to win. But those expectations have, at times, added pressure, which has turned into frustration. The Royals carried that elevated temperament home. It has lingered in the clubhouse during the losing skid: five games, all at home.
The hope is that the meeting will offer a clean slate.
“It’s been a little bit of everything,” Witt said. “Even when you are at home, you are thinking about it. You are at the field, you are thinking about it. So it’s just one of those things where it’s: ‘How do I get back to being myself?’”
Witt has struggled in recent games. In his last 30 games, Witt has hit .212 (25-for-118) with three home runs, 14 RBIs and nine runs scored. He owns a .250 on-base percentage in that time.
Last season, Witt never hit lower than .275 during a given month. He was readily on base and in position to score runs. He accounted for 125 runs scored in 2024. Through 71 games, he has just 35 runs.
“For me, it’s been not good,” Witt said. “I gotta look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘What do I need to do?’ And I just need to get better. It starts from me. And honestly, that’s something where when I’m going, things are going better.”
Royals hitters also felt guilty for letting down the pitching staff. Pasquantino noted that hearing from the pitchers helped ease some pressure.
KC has been shut out eight times this season.
“The main piece is that everybody’s got each other’s backs from the starting lineup to the starting rotation to the bullpen,” Pasquantino said. “They made that evidently clear and that was kind of cool to hear because from an offensive standpoint, you feel like you are letting the other half of the team down. That’s where the pressure comes from. We are letting the team down.”
Pasquantino hopes that can clear the air in the clubhouse.
“I don’t know about you guys, but it felt like nobody enjoyed today,” Pasquantino said. “Just kind of quiet, even in the first inning, it’s just quiet. So tomorrow, that won’t be the case. We will be ready to roll, smiles on our faces and ready to win a ball game.”
And it could start on Father’s Day, followed by a road trip where families are invited along.
“We’ve got the family trip coming,” Pasquantino said, “so starting out on a win will be great.”
This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 7:49 PM.
