By MATT PIKE
Spring Training is nearly here for the Kansas City Royals as pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona today, with the first workout tomorrow, and the first full squad workout coming next Monday.
The Royals will have a crowded outfield in camp this spring, with Isaac Collins expected to play left field and Kyle Isbel in center. Lane Thomas will also be on the team, rotating positions based on the day and Jac Caglianone is competing for the right field job, with other contenders including Kameron Misner, Drew Waters, Dairon Blanco, as well as John Rave.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City infield seems solid with a lineup that will feature core hitters like Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Maikel Garcia, with the rest of the lineup including players like Jonathan India, Carter Jensen, and various outfielders. Another question will come though with the Royals starting rotation and bullpen.
Kansas City seems pretty set with the top three guys in their rotation, still monitoring the health of Cole Ragans as he returns from numerous injuries last season, but still having Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha in place as well. The questions come near the bottom part of the rotation. The Royals will also monitor the health of Kris Bubic, who had a breakout year in 2025, and looks to keep his spot, though Kansas City could use him as trade bait. The Royals also have St. Joseph’s Noah Cameron, who erupted onto the scene and is competing for a spot again in the rotation.
As set as those five might look, Kansas City does still have the likes of Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, Bailey Falter and Luinder Avila who will compete for spots in the rotation or bullpen during Spring Training. For the bullpen, the Royals could see some good competition from several non roster invitees, including Jose Cuas, Hector Neris and Helcris Olivárez.
Additionally, the popular Dollar Dog Night promotion at Kauffman Stadium will only be available for the first Tuesday home game of each month in 2026, down from multiple nights per month in 2025.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
