Royals' Rotation Dilemma: Navigating Depth with Strategic Decisions
As Spring Training unfolds in Mesa, Arizona, the Kansas City Royals find themselves in an intriguing position with their starting rotation. With Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic back from injury, alongside seasoned arms like Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, and the promising Noah Cameron coming off a stellar rookie year, the rotation seemed set. Yet, as Opening Day looms, the Royals are still pondering how best to utilize their abundance of pitching talent.
Pitching coach Brian Sweeney is at the helm of these discussions. "With the depth we have, we have to make some really exciting decisions," he shared, hinting at the possibility of employing a six-man rotation to start the season.
It's a strategy they've been hesitant to adopt in the past due to the increased burden it places on the bullpen and the disruption of the starters' rhythm. However, with Ragans and Bubic having logged 61 2/3 and 116 1/3 innings last year, respectively, the Royals are keenly aware of managing workloads to keep their arms fresh and healthy.
The Royals’ schedule adds another layer to this decision. After their first four games, they face a grueling stretch of 12 consecutive games, followed by another 13-game streak later in the month. These stretches could be prime opportunities to introduce a sixth starter, helping to mitigate injury risks and manage fatigue.
Cameron is poised to break camp as the fifth starter, despite a challenging spring where he allowed seven runs over 11 2/3 innings. Yet, his 2.99 ERA across 138 1/3 innings in 2025 speaks volumes about his potential and the trust the Royals have in his abilities.
With Stephen Kolek sidelined by an oblique strain, Ryan Bergert and Bailey Falter emerge as key depth options. Bergert, despite a tough outing against the A’s, has shown promise this spring and is expected to contribute at some point this season. "Just the opportunity to go out there every five days has been really nice," Bergert remarked, eager to prove his worth.
Falter, who has given up six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings, is in a unique position. Without Minor League options, he must make the team or face designation for assignment. The Royals are open to trading him, but if a deal doesn't materialize, he might serve as a long reliever or sixth starter, providing crucial depth early in the season.
Sweeney acknowledges the challenge of managing such a talented group. "I wish we could have a 20-man pitching staff," he joked, emphasizing the importance of depth. As the Royals navigate these decisions, the focus remains on balancing workload and performance, ensuring their pitchers are primed for success throughout the season and into October.