The Kansas City Royals are setting the stage for a thrilling 2026 season, with a genuine MVP contender in their ranks, positioning them as potential World Series dark horses. But staying healthy is key. Here's why the Royals might just surprise everyone and clinch the 2026 World Series title.
Reflecting on 2025, the Royals hovered in the middle, finishing 82-80 and missing the playoffs. However, 2026 is shaping up to be a different story.
Bobby Witt Jr. is at the heart of this transformation. While snagging the MVP from Aaron Judge might be a tall order if Judge repeats his 50-plus homer feat, Witt’s performance is crucial.
He needs to boost his power, having dropped from 32 homers in 2024 to 23 in 2025. To elevate the Royals into serious contention, Witt should aim for 35 or more homers, with his OPS climbing back to the .900 range.
The Royals have given Witt a boost by moving the outfield walls 10 feet closer and lowering their height, setting the stage for improved power stats. Witt’s confidence is palpable as he shared with MLB.com, emphasizing the team’s high expectations and determination to prove themselves.
On the mound, Cole Ragans is another key player. Despite a rocky 2026 debut, his 2024 strikeout tally of 223 in 186.1 innings shows his potential. Ragans is focused on staying healthy and honing his craft, echoing Witt’s optimism about the team’s goals.
The Royals need more from their outfielders this year. Isaac Collins, Jac Caglianone, and Kyle Isbel may not intimidate opponents yet, but contributions like a potential 40-homer season from Caglianone could change that narrative.
Consistency in the starting rotation is also crucial. Last season, the Royals cycled through 13 different starters, with only Michael Wacha surpassing 26 starts. A stable rotation could be a game-changer.
Maikel Garcia's performance is another cornerstone, with his 5.8 bWAR from last year being essential for a contending team. Additionally, rookie catcher-DH Carter Jensen could make a significant impact if he delivers a rookie-of-the-year caliber performance.
The Royals understand the grind of a 162-game season. As Witt told MLB.com, the focus is on preparation and finding comfort in the daily battles. This mindset is what fuels their journey.
While the Royals might be long shots for the World Series, they're precisely the kind of team that could surprise with the right synergy. A strong first half could even lead to a pivotal trade, pushing them over the edge. Keep an eye on Kansas City-they might just have the perfect mix to make a deep postseason run.