Yahoo Sports Happy New Year! Here are 25 things to watch with the Kansas City Royals in 2025
It’s a new year, and the Kansas City Royals have their eyes on a return to the postseason.
Last season, the Royals finished 86-76 and fell to the New York Yankees in the American League Divisional Series. The club made strides with an infusion of starting pitching and the emergence of superstar Bobby Witt Jr.
The Royals will head to spring training on February 12 in Surprise, Arizona. Meanwhile, KC opens the 2025 season against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.
Here are 25 things to watch for with the Royals in 2025...
1. Bobby Witt Jr.’s quest for MVP season
Witt produced another historic campaign in 2024. He led Major League Baseball with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. He added 32 home runs, 31 steals and 109 RBIs in 161 games.
For that, Witt secured multiple awards. He won a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and was named the MLBPA Heart and Hustle Award winner. However, Witt finished second in AL MVP voting behind Aaron Judge.
Could Witt win MVP in 2025? He remains the Royals’ offensive engine and could have more run-scoring opportunities with the addition of new leadoff hitter Jonathan India.
Hall of Famer George Brett was the last Royal to win the AL MVP in 1980.
2. Jonathan India makes Royals debut
The Royals made an early splash this offseason by acquiring India from the Cincinnati Reds.
India is a terrific leadoff hitter. He has a career .352 on-base percentage and will provide consistency in front of Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. Last season, India hit .248 with 15 home runs, 48 RBIs and 28 doubles.
It’s unclear where India fits defensively with incumbent second baseman Michael Massey still on the roster. However, India’s bat will be featured heavily in 2025.
3. Starting pitching 2025 encore?
The Royals relied on their starting rotation to help snap an eight-year playoff drought. All-Star duo Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo emerged as front-line aces. Both finished in the top 5 of AL CY Young voting.
KC also got production from veteran right-hander Michael Wacha. In 29 starts, Wacha posted a 13-8 record with a 3.35 ERA. He returns on a new three-year deal to provide stability within the rotation.
Royals starters were remarkably healthy in 2024. The club has depth to fill two rotation spots (after Brady Singer’s departure) and will continue to lean on the starting unit to compete in the AL Central.
4. More playoff baseball?
The Royals snapped an eight-year playoff drought in 2024. KC then defeated the Baltimore Orioles and took the New York Yankees to four games in the ALDS.
Several players enjoyed the playoff experience. In 2025, the club is looking to advance further and make a statement in the AL.
5. Salvador Perez set for 14th MLB season
The Royals captain made his postseason return in 2024. It culminated a career year as Perez hit his 250th home run, was named an All-Star for the ninth time and won the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.
Perez also took home his fifth Silver Slugger Award after producing 27 home runs and 104 RBIs in 158 games. Look for Perez to add to his Hall of Fame candidacy and lead the Royals into another season.
6. Jac Caglianone surge through minors
The Royals selected Caglianone sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft and he has been impressive early in his professional career. Caglianone began to find his rhythm with High-A Quad Cities and he got additional reps in the Arizona Fall League.
Caglianone hit .236 with five home runs and 21 RBIs with the Surprise Saguaros. He appeared in the AFL Fall Stars Game and displayed his power throughout October. Expect Caglianone to make more noise in his first full minor-league campaign.
7. Royals venture for new stadium
The Royals spent 2024 looking to finalize plans for a new downtown stadium.
In April, Jackson County voters rejected a 40-year sales tax that would’ve helped pay for a new Royals venue in the East Crossroads district and provide renovations at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs.
KC is now considering different locations for a new stadium and 2025 could provide more clarity.
8. Royals to air on FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City
Royals telecasts will look a little different this season.
The club agreed to a deal with Diamond Sports Group to air games regionally on the rebranded FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City. Fans without cable can stream Royals games in-market with the FanDuel Sports Network App or Amazon Prime Video. Both require a paid “add-on” subscription.
KC also plans to simulcast a handful of games on a local TV station in the area.
9. Matt Quatraro’s third season as manager
The Royals took a significant leap under manager Matt Quatraro last season. The club won 30 more games after a disappointing 106 losses in 2023. Quatraro earned recognition with a second-place finish in AL Manager of the Year voting.
Now, Quatraro looks to take the Royals deeper in the postseason. The Royals have talented young players led by Witt, Ragans, Pasquantino and emerging closer Lucas Erceg. Quatraro instilled a “Today” mentality in the clubhouse and the Royals have a strong chance to be AL Central contenders in 2025.
10. Vinnie Pasquantino bids for first All-Star nomination
Pasquantino is a key component of the starting lineup. The Royals count on Pasquantino to drive in runs alongside Perez.
Last season, Pasquantino notched 19 home runs and 97 RBIs before injuring his right thumb against the Houston Astros. He finished 11th among AL RBI leaders despite missing 31 games.
Pasquantino played at an All-Star level when healthy. A similar output could grant him his first Midsummer Classic nod.
11. Hunter Renfroe looks to rebound after down 2024 season
Renfroe was inconsistent in his first campaign with the Royals. He didn’t showcase the power numbers that trademarked his MLB career. Renfroe posted a career-low .392 slugging percentage in 120 games.
This offseason, the Royals have searched for more firepower. Renfroe could help remedy those concerns with a resurgent 2025.
12. Will MJ Melendez, Maikel Garcia break out in 2025?
The Royals counted on Melendez and Garcia as starters last season. Both flashed their potential in spurts. Melendez hit .311 in August before slumping down the stretch. Garcia emerged as a speed threat finishing 37-of-39 in stolen base attempts.
However, the Royals need more consistency.
Melendez has the potential to hit 25 home runs. Garcia is strong defensively but prone to offensive slumps. If both can break out, the Royals could benefit.
13. Kyle Wright returns from Tommy John surgery
The Royals acquired Wright from the Atlanta Braves last offseason with the hopes to use him in the 2025 campaign. Wright is a former 21-game winner and has a World Series title on his résumé.
Now, Wright will be needed for starting pitching depth. The Royals will bring him along slowly, so Wright has the skill set to be a potential weapon later in the season.
14. Kris Bubic reclaims starting role
The Royals will also monitor left-hander Kris Bubic as he transitions back into a starter role. Last season, Bubic returned from Tommy John surgery and found a late-inning role in the bullpen.
Bubic produced a 2.67 ERA in 30 ⅓ relief innings. The Royals expect to hold a competition for the final two spots in the rotation. Bubic is an early front-runner given his experience and improved command.
15. Who wins No. 4 and No. 5 starting spots?
The Royals have several options to fill the final rotation spots. Wright and Bubic will compete in spring training. Others to watch include Daniel Lynch IV, Alec Marsh and Noah Cameron.
Lynch and Marsh both have a handful of MLB starts. Cameron shined in Triple-A last season and was protected from the Rule 5 Draft. He was placed on the Royals’ 40-man roster.
KC could also look outside the organization for more depth. For now, the club is set to rely on its young starters behind Lugo, Ragans and Wacha.
16. Michael Massey: Second base or outfielder?
The Royals have a big decision to make in spring training. The club must figure out a way to include second basemen Jonathan India and Michael Massey in the starting lineup.
Both players are open to playing a different position if needed. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo mentioned Massey is willing to play left field on occasion. India could be asked to spend time at either second or designated hitter.
KC needs Massey’s bat in the lineup. He posted an .743 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and added 33 extra-base hits in 100 games. But, Massey was limited by two IL stints due to back tightness. The Royals could find ways to help him manage a full 162-game campaign in 2025.
17. Bobby Witt Jr. eyes third 30-30 season
Witt already made history becoming the first shortstop to have consecutive 30-30 seasons in his career. Now, there is a chance he adds his third such campaign.
Witt will benefit from India’s inclusion atop the Royals lineup. There will be more opportunities to see better pitches with a runner on base. Since arriving in 2022, Witt has hit at least 20 home runs and registered at least 30 stolen bases each season.
18. Can Royals bullpen build on late-season success?
The Royals revamped their bullpen at the 2024 trade deadline. The club acquired Erceg and Hunter Harvey to solidify the late innings.
Erceg claimed the closer role with 12 saves in 23 appearances. Meanwhile, Harvey dealt with a back injury that forced him to miss the postseason. The Royals are hopeful both players can finish games in 2025. The duo will be joined by Sam Long, John Schreiber, Chris Stratton, Angel Zerpa and James McArthur as go-to members in the bullpen.
Royals relievers had a 4.13 combined ERA in 2024.
19. Spring Training: Bench spots available
The Royals enter January looking to build out their bench. It’s possible the KC front office adds a few players in free agency to improve on the margins. The depth may, however, come from inside the organization.
Every spring, there are a few players who impress in camp. The Royals relied on Long — a non-roster invitee — to eat innings in the bullpen. In 2025, the Royals have a few minor-league players who could find a spot.
Guys like Nick Loftin, Nick Pratto, Tyler Gentry and Nelson Velázquez all have MLB experience. They will compete with Joey Wiemer and Dairon Blanco for the final spots on the roster as currently constructed.
20. Royals welcome new inductees to Hall of Fame
It’s a stacked list of nominees for the Royals’ 2025 Hall of Fame class. The group includes Carlos Beltran, Billy Butler, Wade Davis, Alex Gordon, Kelvin Herrera and Yordano Ventura.
The Royals will announce the winners early next season. Last year, the club inducted Bo Jackson, John Schuerholz and Cedric Tallis.
21. Royals celebrate 2015 World Series anniversary
It’s been 10 years since the Royals won the World Series.
In 2025, the club will celebrate the championship squad at Kauffman Stadium. There will be a list of special giveaways throughout the season including a replica 2015 championship ring.
22. Opening Day starts early
It will be an early start to the 2025 season. The Royals begin their 2025 quest on March 27 against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.
The three-game series will be important in the AL Central standings. Last season, KC faced the Minnesota Twins on opening day.
23. Royals welcome MLB stars to KC
The Royals will play host to some of baseball’s biggest stars. In 2025, the Royals welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers (June 27-29) and New York Mets (July 11-13) to Kauffman Stadium.
It will be a chance for Royals fans to see the world champion Dodgers and superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in action. Fans can also watch new Mets outfielder Juan Soto in his debut campaign with the squad.
24. Special giveaways at The K
The Royals are known to have special giveaway nights at Kauffman Stadium.
Next season, the club’s promotional guide includes a replica Pasquatch necklace, collector card giveaways and a 2015 championship bobblehead throughout the year.
25. New food at The K
Kauffman Stadium is known for its unique ballpark foods. Last season, the Royals introduced the “Taste of the K” taco and the “Pasquatch” sandwich.
It’s likely a few more surprises will be announced at a later date.
