Kyle Isbel is off to a hot — and history-making — start with the Royals
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kyle Isbel is batting .444/.444/.704 with 12 hits through eight games.
- He had hits from the No. 9 spot in each of KC’s first seven games, first time since 2001.
- He has two homers and five RBIs total; he has helped KC reach 5-5 record.
The Kansas City Royals needed steady production from the bottom of their lineup in 2026.
They’re getting a lot of that from Kyle Isbel.
Isbel, 29, is having his best start to a season in his sixth year as a pro. He’s one of the hottest hitters in MLB, slashing .444/.444/.704 from with 12 hits through eight games. The center fielder has also flashed some power, with two home runs and five RBIs.
That prowess was on full display in last week’s series against the Minnesota Twins. Isbel hit his two home runs on March 30 and April 1, the first evening of April being the night he went a perfect 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs in rainy conditions.
He has a hit in each game so far, all from the nine spot in the order, and in record-breaking fashion.
Isbel collected 10 hits in seven games, becoming the first player to hit safely from the nine spot in each of his team’s first seven games since New York Yankees third baseman Scott Brosius in 2001, according to statistician Ryan Spaeder.
Against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, Isbel went 1-for-4, helping the Royals (5-5) to a 4-2 win.
He’s been consistent and reliable as an outfielder. Now, that consistency is showing up at the plate.
