Royals officially eliminated from MLB playoffs. So what’s left to play for?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals eliminated from 2025 playoffs despite still pursuing a winning record.
- Cole Ragans and top rookies aim to build momentum for the 2026 season.
- Veterans and prospects view final games as key development opportunities.
The Kansas City Royals have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
On Tuesday, the Royals were knocked out — by way of the Cleveland Guardians defeating the Detroit Tigers and reaching 85 wins — prior to their series-opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.
So what’s next for the Royals?
The Royals still have something to play for. One of the top remaining goals is to finish with a winning record for the 2025 campaign. If the Royals can win three additional times — after Tuesday’s victory — they will finish above .500 for the second consecutive season.
The last time that happened was during the 2013-2015 seasons. And before that, Royals fans will have to remember 1993 and the strike-shortened 1994 campaign.
“There’s a lot of things to be proud of,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, we were eliminated and that’s a blow. But you know, there’s a lot of guys in there that play this game the right way and have made big strides. As a team, wins and losses aren’t going to show that our record was better, but we did some good things as a team as well.”
The Royals have a good chance to reach their goal. After an 8-4 win on Tuesday, there are five games remaining — against the Angels and Athletics. Both teams are also out of playoff contention but offer the Royals a unique challenge.
The Angels took two of three games earlier this month at Kauffman Stadium. The Athletics swept the Royals from June 13-15.
“Every game is important,” Royals starter Michael Wacha said Sunday. “(We are) always playing for something out there. And so, guys in this clubhouse, we know what that is. And you know, we are going to keep showing up and going out there and competing our tails off.”
The Royals have built their foundation on competing at a high level. They say that will not change with the club eliminated from the playoffs. Now, the focus will shift toward ending the regular season with momentum.
Royals ace Cole Ragans made his second start since returning from the injured list on Tuesday night. It’s important for Ragans to return to form. He will be counted on to spearhead the 2026 starting rotation alongside Wacha and Seth Lugo.
“I mean, obviously, we want to be in the playoffs,” Ragans said Tuesday. “That’s our goal ... to be in the playoffs and win it all. Obviously, it hasn’t gone the way we want it to, but that doesn’t mean that these last five games we just go out there and lay down. We’re trying to go out there and win.”
Ragans touched 98 mph in his first start back — after missing time with a left rotator cuff strain — against the Seattle Mariners last week.
The Royals also hope to see further development from top rookies Jac Caglianone and Carter Jensen during the final week.
Caglianone has shown improvement with his plate discipline since returning from the 10-day injured list this month. He has hit two home runs and recorded nine walks in 17 games. The Royals hope that Caglianone can continue making better swing decisions and head into the offseason with more momentum at the plate.
Jensen continues to thrive at the big-league level. He entered Tuesday’s action hitting .300 with two home runs, 11 RBIs and a .966 OPS (on-base plus slugging).
It’s possible that Jensen will get more catching work down the stretch. The final week gives him a chance to continue getting comfortable behind the plate in preparation for an enhanced role in 2026.
“He looks like a good player, which we thought he was,” Quatraro said last weekend. “But to come up and do it right away, that’s not usually the way it goes. You know, for most guys, it takes a little time. So, it’s encouraging and really fun to watch. He is a great guy and he puts a ton of effort into his preparation. And he’s fit right in.”
As the Royals shift their focus, with the offseason nearing, it’s clear they need to address some offensive concerns and build a deeper roster.
For some players, the final games are an opportunity to finish strong on their own accord.
For example, how will Royals infielders Jonathan India and Michael Massey fare down the stretch? Both haven’t had their best campaigns and want to end on a high note.
Massey made swing changes in recent months. It’s led to better results that he hopes will carry into the 2026 campaign. In September, Massey is hitting .313 (10-for-32) with an .826 OPS in 12 games.
India has battled injuries of his own. A good week could help him jumpstart a resurgent campaign in 2026.
“Just keep the grind going and stay within your routine,” Massey said. “Don’t try to do anything different and don’t try to force a good finish. Do your routine that you did on day one and keep playing.”
The Royals know 2025 won’t end where they wanted — in the playoffs — but they understand how they finish the regular season is fully in their control.
“The goal is to make the playoffs and do damage in October,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said. “But obviously, you can’t get in October anymore. So, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to finish with a winning record. I think finishing on a high note will be a really good thing for this team.”
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 9:40 PM.
