Where Kansas City Royals roster sits heading into final week of spring training
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals will set 26-man roster after final spring games and evaluations.
- Rotation depth: Ragans, Lugo, Wacha, Bubic and Cameron.
- Bullpen and bench versatility will shape final spots.
The Kansas City Royals have a week left in spring training. And there are decisions to make.
The Royals have six games left in Surprise, Arizona. Cactus League play concludes Saturday and the club will head to Arlington, Texas, for a two-game exhibition series with the Texas Rangers.
Then, the club must set its 26-man active roster.
All signs point to a few remaining spots being in consideration. The Royals will use their final spring games to evaluate their options.
Here’s a look at where things stand:
Will Royals add sixth starter?
The Royals’ starting rotation is a strength. The club has depth behind incumbent starters Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Kris Bubic. All four are former All-Stars and expect to log multiple outings.
Noah Cameron is the frontrunner for the fifth spot. The St. Joseph, Missouri native was impressive in his rookie campaign. He posted 2.99 ERA in 24 starts while finishing fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
The Royals could decide to roll with their five traditional starters. However, there is an option to utilize a six-man rotation early in the season. KC will play 12 consecutive games without an off day to begin April.
There is also a nine-game stretch to conclude the month. As pitchers continue to build their innings, it could entice the Royals to use their starting depth early.
The Royals have Ryan Bergert, Bailey Falter and Stephen Kolek among starters with MLB experience. Bergert and Falter have seen extended opportunities this spring — due to the World Baseball Classic — and Kolek is dealing with a left oblique strain.
It’s possible the Royals carry an additional starter in the bullpen. There is a potential opening for a hybrid reliever that can be valuable early in the season. Since both Bergert and Kolek have minor-league options remaining, the hybrid role could be a way to keep Falter in the organization.
Falter is currently out of options. If he doesn’t make the 26-man roster, he will risk being designated for assignment and lost to another team.
The Royals currently project to have two left-handers in the bullpen. The southpaws are Daniel Lynch IV and Matt Strahm. In recent years, the Royals have found success with a third left-hander in the bullpen.
There is room for Falter if they decide to go that route.
The Royals expect to build out their bullpen with a veteran core. All-Star closer Carlos Estévez returns after leading the league in saves. He is joined by Strahm and Lucas Erceg in the late innings.
Meanwhile, Nick Mears and John Schreiber will have a key role. They will operate in high-leverage and in the middle relief. Lynch has a great chance to make the roster as a lefty specialist and there is competition for the last two spots.
The Royals have guys such as Steven Cruz, Alex Lange and Luinder Avila who all can make a strong case for roster inclusion.
Cruz has a 2.08 ERA in four spring games and Lange has nine strikeouts in seven innings. Avila is currently away with Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Of the trio, Lange is out of options as well. He is in a similar position as Falter and could be kept with a roster spot.
How the Royals decide on their bullpen will come down to roster needs and health ahead of their opening series against the Atlanta Braves.
Who will earn final bench spots?
The Royals are set around the diamond.
It’s pretty safe to pencil in Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Jonathan India in their customary spots. Jac Caglianone will be in right field alongside Kyle Isbel in center and Isaac Collins in left.
The bench does have a question mark. The Royals expect to have Lane Thomas, Starling Marte — who they acquired late in camp — Michael Massey and Carter Jensen available as reserves.
However, the Royals must decide on the final bench spot. Could they go with speedster Tyler Tolbert or more versatility in utilitymen Nick Loftin or Josh Rojas?
Loftin has a compelling case. He owns a .300 batting average with two homers and 11 RBIs in 30 at-bats. Additionally, Loftin is playing more first base and finding ways to contribute across the field.
Tolbert is a legitimate speed threat. He recorded 21 stolen bases last season and was an integral part of the club’s late-game strategy. The Royals operate with speed and defense and Tolbert gives the coaching staff a lot of flexibility.
Rojas has done well as a non-roster invitee. He owns a .909 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 31 at-bats this spring.
Other NRIs to consider include Abraham Toro, Kevin Newman and Brandon Drury.
There is an outside chance the Royals look outside the roster. It’s not unprecedented, as the club will typically scour the DFA (designated free agent) market.
For now, the Royals will use the last remaining games for evaluation. There are a few injuries to monitor regarding Collins, India and Massey. However, the Royals are confident those injuries are not long term.
Collins is dealing with back tightness. He is expected to be reevaluated Tuesday. India dealt with right groin tightness but is set to return to Tuesday’s lineup. Massey is also on the mend from a left calf strain. He is back appearing in minor-league spring games.
A final look
The Royals are back in action on Tuesday.
The club will face the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium. The remainder of the week includes games against the Rangers, Cleveland Guardians (split squad), Los Angeles Angels (split squad), San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies.
It’s possible the Royals will get their World Baseball Classic participants back before the end of Cactus League play. The WBC title game is also set for Tuesday night.
The Royals will reveal their official roster ahead of their regular-season opener on March 27 against the Braves.
