Cole Ragans’ season is over after left-elbow surgery, and the Royals now have to map out life without their ace for a long stretch.
Kansas City announced Wednesday that Ragans had the procedure on his left elbow. The 28-year-old is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season, and this marks the third major elbow surgery of his career after two Tommy John operations earlier on.
“It was some time today,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And I have not gotten any word on what has happened in the surgery.”
The path to this point had been rocky for weeks. Ragans first dealt with left-elbow impingement, then exited his May 6 start against the Cleveland Guardians after three innings. He was later diagnosed with Valgus Extension Overload, or VEO, the condition commonly called “pitcher’s elbow.”
Kansas City tried to build him back up, and there were moments that looked encouraging. Ragans even made it to a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, where he gave up one run in 4 ⅓ innings on May 23.
But the bounce-back didn’t stick. He had a setback after that outing, and the Royals shut him down for a brief period.
After seeing a team doctor, Ragans restarted his rehab work and got back on the mound for bullpens, including a 23-pitch side session on June 10. He appeared to get through that workout well, but the next day he didn’t respond the way the club hoped. That led to more doctor visits and, eventually, the decision that surgery was needed.
The Royals are already stretched thin on the mound, with starters Kris Bubic, Ryan Bergert and Ben Kudrna all unavailable.
Before the surgery, Ragans had posted a 4.84 ERA in eight starts. He struck out 45 batters in 35 ⅓ innings and allowed 10 home runs.
“He’s not going to be available opening day next year,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said.
“We know that. You got to try to plan around that, but also with optimism that he’s coming back at some point.”
Even with the setback, Kansas City still sees Ragans as part of its future. He was the Royals’ 2025 opening day starter and signed a renewed contract this offseason. The club has leaned on Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila in his absence, but Picollo made clear the organization is still thinking long term.
“With Cole having gone through it before, he knows what this challenge is,” Picollo said. “He’s going to be up for it.
He’s in the right frame of mind. He knows what’s ahead of him and he’ll be able to get back as quick as possible.
And hopefully, he’s a great addition to our team sometime in the middle part of the year.”
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