The Kansas City Royals quietly put together one of the most effective pitching staffs in baseball last season, and if you weren't paying attention in 2025, now’s the time to start. With a team ERA of 3.73-good for sixth-best in the majors-they weren’t just solid; they were legitimately dangerous on the mound. Only the Red Sox edged them out for a top-five spot, and the Royals did it with a rotation that didn’t always grab headlines but consistently delivered results.
The backbone of that success? A group of veteran arms and emerging talent that just kept showing up.
Michael Lorenzen, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and Kris Bubic each played key roles, giving the Royals a rotation that was both reliable and resilient. And the best part for Kansas City fans?
Most of that core is back for 2026, ready to run it back-and maybe even take it up a notch.
Now, when you think of dominant rotations, your mind might immediately jump to the star-studded staffs in places like Los Angeles or Boston. But don’t sleep on Kansas City. This group may not have the same marquee names, but they're not far behind in terms of production-and they might just be getting started.
One name that deserves your full attention heading into this season: Kris Bubic. The lefty was lights out in the first half of 2025, posting a 2.48 ERA with 113 strikeouts over 108.2 innings.
That performance earned him his first All-Star nod and had him firmly in the Cy Young conversation before a rotator cuff strain cut his season short. He made just two starts in the second half, but the flashes he showed were undeniable.
If Bubic can return to that pre-injury form, the Royals’ rotation ceiling rises dramatically. That’s not just optimism-it’s a real possibility.
And it’s why some analysts are already putting pressure on this group to be one of the best in baseball. It’s a challenge, sure, but it’s one this staff looks ready to embrace.
This isn’t a rotation built on hype. It’s built on execution.
While they might not have the household names of other contenders, they’ve got guys who know how to pitch, how to compete, and how to win. If the offense can do its part, this staff has the potential to carry Kansas City deep into the AL Central race-and maybe beyond.
So, as the 2026 season gets underway, keep an eye on this rotation. They're not just looking to repeat last year’s success-they’re aiming to raise the bar.