Kansas City Royals outfielder Issac Collins made his spring debut with a sense of relief and excitement. "First game of the spring, so expectations aren’t super high -- I didn’t really have many, to be honest," Collins shared. "I was just glad to get back in there and get the adrenaline going again."
The Royals took a cautious approach with Collins, who had platelet-rich plasma injections in both knees to address patella tendinitis. This issue surfaced late last year, and the team wisely chose not to rush him, given the long stretch of Spring Training ahead.
In other Royals news, Bobby Witt Jr. has been honored with the 2025 Lou Gehrig Award for his remarkable contributions both on and off the field. The award celebrates a player who embodies the spirit of Lou Gehrig, and Witt Jr.'s advocacy for ALS awareness has earned him this prestigious recognition.
Royals President of Baseball Operations/General Manager J.J. Picollo praised Witt Jr., saying, “Bobby’s talent and impact on the field are obvious, but all of us here are so proud of the positive light he’s become off the field and in our community.”
Adding to the excitement, outfielder Jac Caglianone showcased his power with a massive 460-foot home run against the Cincinnati Reds.
As the Royals gear up for Opening Day, MLB.com’s Anne Rogers shared her optimistic playoff prediction, noting the team’s potential to make a run in the American League Central. "I think they have a great chance of making the playoffs. They’re certainly after the division," Rogers said, highlighting the division's openness and the Royals' ambitions.
Pitcher List’s Nick Pollack provided an analysis of the Royals' starting rotation, focusing on Cole Ragans. Ragans, known for his exceptional fastball, has potential if he can stay healthy. His late-season return last year showed promise, and he’s eager to continue building on that momentum.
Ragans himself expressed confidence about his health and readiness for the new season. “I feel great. I feel as good as I ever have, ready to roll,” he stated, emphasizing the lessons learned from last year’s challenges.
The Royals are also exploring potential trades to bolster their lineup. With some gaps in the outfield and at second base, acquiring a versatile player could be key. One such target is a sophomore Cubs player who could bring much-needed flexibility to the roster.
Kyle Isbel, another Royals outfielder, is determined to elevate his game. "I feel like I’m a critic and I feel like I can always be better," Isbel said, with hitting coach Alec Zumwalt encouraging him to focus on being a line-drive hitter to maximize his on-base value.
Optimism is also high for first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who is expected to make a significant impact in 2026.
Beyond the Royals, the Atlanta Braves are making waves with plans to create a multi-team, multi-sport regional sports network. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays announced progress on their new ballpark, and baseball’s top prospect Konnor Griffin had an impressive performance against the Red Sox.
In injury news, Texas Rangers prospect Sebastian Walcott will miss most of the season following elbow surgery, and the Braves have given Chris Sale a salary increase for 2027. Additionally, viewership numbers are soaring for the Olympics, reflecting a growing interest in the games.