Royals Spring Training and Trade Updates: What Fans Need to Know
As spring training heats up and the World Baseball Classic enters the quarterfinals, Kansas City Royals fans have plenty to keep an eye on. With Opening Day just two weeks away, let's dive into the latest news surrounding the team.
Royals Complete Trade with Rays
Back in November, the Royals made a strategic move to bolster their outfield by acquiring Kameron Misner from the Tampa Bay Rays. In exchange, the Royals agreed to send either cash or a player to be named later. The suspense ended on Friday when it was announced that right-handed pitcher Matthew Hoskins will head to Tampa.
Hoskins, a 2025 12th-round pick from the University of Georgia, has yet to make his professional debut. Despite a challenging 5.93 ERA in his final college season, his impressive strikeout rate of 12.89 K/9 in 27.1 innings shows his potential as a bullpen asset.
Misner, meanwhile, is expected to start the season in Triple-A, especially with the Royals adding seasoned outfielders like Starling Marte and Lane Thomas. Misner's spring performance, however, has been promising, boasting a .286/.400/.571 slash line and a 154 wRC+ over 25 plate appearances.
Nick Loftin Shines in Spring Training Return
Royals fans had a brief scare when Nick Loftin was scratched from the lineup due to a jammed thumb. Thankfully, the utility player bounced back quickly, returning to action with flair against the Padres. Batting third, Loftin made his presence felt with a two-RBI double in the first inning.
Loftin is making a strong case to break camp with the team, leading the Royals with 11 RBIs and posting a .308/.400/.654 slash line and a 171 wRC+. His performance is one to watch as the season approaches.
Royals Announce 2026 TV Broadcast Schedule
As the Royals gear up for their season opener in Atlanta, they've unveiled their 2026 television broadcast schedule. Most games will air on the new Royals.TV network, with exceptions for nationally televised matchups on ESPN, FOX, Peacock, or Apple TV.
The first nationally televised game will be against the Braves on March 28 on FOX. Fans can also catch the Royals on Apple TV starting April 3 against the Brewers, with their Peacock debut on April 26 against the Angels. The Royals’ lone ESPN appearance is scheduled for May 25 in a showdown with the Yankees.
With these updates, Royals fans have plenty to look forward to as the team gears up for an exciting season. Keep an eye on these developments as Opening Day approaches!