KC Royals open spring training with high expectations — and the playoffs in view
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals added bullpen arms and outfield depth to bolster the roster.
- Royals also moved outfield fences in, expecting more extra-base hits.
- Spring preparation stresses fundamentals to help win one‑run games.
The Kansas City Royals had an early call time Tuesday morning. Multiple players arrived at the facility well before the sun nestled into place.
It led to some interesting banter. There were first introductions — accompanied by a customary handshake — in the clubhouse. Across the room, there were groups of players engaging in detailed offseason recaps.
Royals reliever Lucas Erceg became a new father. Bobby Witt Jr. was busy enjoying some temporary work at a Dallas Stars game.
The clubhouse felt like a fresh start. For the Royals, Tuesday’s official report date for pitchers and catchers held special meaning. It was the beginning of what the team hopes is a long-term run of playoff success.
“We feel like we’ve got the guys in here to be able to do that,” Wacha said. “You know, we were right there on the cusp of it last year, and we were able to learn some things about our squad and hopefully made some adjustments over the offseason to get back to where we want to be.”
The Royals will hold their first workout for pitchers and catchers Wednesday. The first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 16.
This offseason, the Royals focused on improving their outfield depth and bullpen. The club acquired outfielder Isaac Collins and reliever Nick Mears from the Milwaukee Brewers. Additionally, the Royals added veteran relief duo Matt Strahm and Alex Lange to bolster the late innings.
“You know, the more experience you have down there, the more opportunity for success,” Erceg said. “... It’s all gonna help us create success a little bit more consistently. As long as we are all on the same page and doing the right things, I don’t doubt that we’re gonna turn some heads this year.”
In a lot of ways, the Royals felt they elevated their roster. The club surrounded its top core — Witt, Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez — with supporting pieces to accelerate the current timeline.
The offense should make a significant leap in 2026. That is due to both the new additions and the club’s decision to move the outfield fences in at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals expect an influx of extra-base hits as the changes are tailored to their lineup.
In the same vein, the pitchers welcome the new challenge.
“I’m not even thinking about it really,” Wacha said. “As a pitcher, at least for me, you know, I’m going to stick to what’s worked for me. I tend to be more of a flyball pitcher, but I feel like I’m able to get weak contact at times as well. Hopefully, rely on that weak contact and get a bit more swing and miss than I did last year. I’m not too worried about it though.”
The Royals open Cactus League play on Feb. 20 against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. The spring training opener will give fans a first look at the new additions and some of the intriguing prospects in camp.
Each game will be important in varying ways. The Royals look to be fundamentally sound as they try to make a run in the American League Central. Those divisional games are close contests that can be decided by a few plays.
And in the Royals’ case, the one-run defeats must end in 2026. It’s why the preparation in February and March is key to the success of the team.
“I think we had a lot of games where we were right there — whether we were losing and coming back and one run down,” Royals starter Noah Cameron said. “I think it’s a lot of really good hitting coordinators and a hitting lineup. I think our lineup is awesome this year, so I’m super excited to watch them work. I think our pitching staff is unbelievable. The whole group I think is going to be really good.”
