The Kansas City Royals aim to build on their 82-80 record from 2024, finishing third in the American League Central. Under the guidance of manager Matt Quatraro, now in his fourth season with a 224-262 career record, the Royals enter 2025 with renewed optimism. The front office remains led by J.J. Picollo, who continues his fifth season as president of baseball operations and general manager, shaping the team’s promising future.
Key Players Returning and Overall Team Composition
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., coming off a difficult year following a runner-up finish in the 2024 AL MVP voting, remains the highest-paid player with a $26.3 million luxury tax hit. Witt posted 23 home runs, 88 RBIs, and a .852 OPS last season, and he leads a strong core that includes third baseman Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Garcia, who emerged significantly last season at age 25, hit 16 homers with 74 RBIs and an .800 OPS, securing a five-year, $57.5 million contract extension in December. Together, Witt and Garcia form one of the league’s most formidable left infields.
On the mound, the Royals will rely on right-handers Michael Wacha (3.6 fWAR) and Seth Lugo (4.15 ERA), and left-handers Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans, both hoping to rebound following injury struggles. Young arms like Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert bring added depth, suggesting a rotation with solid potential heading into the new season.
New Additions and Departures Affecting the Roster
Kansas City has bolstered its roster through trades and free agency by adding outfielders Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, along with several pitching options including Mitch Spence, Mason Black, Matt Strahm, Nick Mears, Alex Lange, and Hector Neris. The minors also offer promising support with catcher Jorge Alfaro and infielders Abraham Toro, Josh Rojas, Brandon Drury, and Kevin Newman among those contributing to future depth.
However, the team parted with integral players such as outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Mark Canha, and pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Hunter Harvey through free agency, alongside veteran losses including Adam Frazier and Taylor Clarke. Left-hander Angel Zerpa was traded away, and catcher Luke Mailey also departed in free agency, leaving opportunities for emerging talents.
Promising Prospects and Emerging Talents
Among the prospects, catcher Carter Jensen is poised to compete for the backup catcher position behind Salvador Pérez following Freddy Fermin’s trade to San Diego. Jensen showed potential with three home runs in 20 major league games last year and will likely see increased playing time while Pérez participates in the World Baseball Classic representing Venezuela.
The Royals also feature Carter Jensen and right-hander Kendry Chourio on Baseball America’s top-100 prospects list, ranking 11th and 82nd respectively. These young players embody Kansas City’s strategy of cultivating homegrown talent for sustained success.
Outlook for the Season and Expected Impact
Projections from Fangraphs estimate the Royals will win around 81 games in 2025, signaling a competitive but challenging season ahead in the AL Central. The combination of established stars like Witt and Garcia, dependable pitchers such as Wacha and Lugo, and emerging prospects like Jensen and Kolek offers hope for continued growth. Maintaining this blend of youth and experience will be crucial as Kansas City seeks to improve its standing and contend for playoff opportunities in coming years.
