Royals Spring Update: Health, Hope, and a Hint of Nostalgia in Kansas City
As pitchers and catchers begin trickling into camp, the Kansas City Royals are stepping into 2026 with one goal in mind: stay healthy, stay ready, and stay in the fight.
For left-handers Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic, that mission starts with simply staying on the mound. After a 2025 season that saw flashes of promise but ultimately fell short of the postseason, both starters are laser-focused on consistency and availability.
“We want to be out there,” Bubic said. “Cole is as competitive as it gets as well.
We want to be out there playing with our guys every fifth day. We want to be part of it.”
It’s the kind of mindset you want from your rotation-guys who not only want the ball but expect to compete deep into the season. Ragans, who emerged as a potential top-of-the-rotation arm last year, and Bubic, working his way back from injury, are anchoring their spring around durability. If they can stay healthy and log innings, the Royals’ pitching staff could be a very different story in 2026.
Hometown Ties and a Trip Down Memory Lane
Meanwhile, reliever Alex Lange is soaking in the moment. The Kansas City native is back in his hometown, this time as a player in camp. And for Lange, it’s more than just a job-it’s a full-circle moment.
“Oh man, we used to go to games for five bucks,” Lange said. “Park for five bucks, eat for a dollar and go in there for dollar buck night back in the day. You know, Jermaine Dye, Mike Sweeney and all the boys back then.”
Lange, like many Royals fans, rode the wave of the 2014-15 postseason runs while still in high school. Now, he’s wearing the same uniform, hoping to help write the next chapter.
“We were going to 10 games a year just enjoying it and having a good time,” he added. That kind of local connection doesn’t show up on a stat sheet, but it matters-in the clubhouse and in the city.
James McArthur’s Road Back
One player hoping 2026 brings a clean slate is James McArthur. The right-handed reliever missed all of last season due to a complicated elbow issue that left both doctors and McArthur searching for answers.
“I was super puffy,” McArthur said. “I don’t want to get too deep into it, but it’s just like when they saw the image, they could see stuff in my elbow and they were like, ‘This isn’t normal.’”
The issue? A screw from a previous surgery was slightly protruding, and imaging suggested bone chips were forming around it.
After undergoing a procedure to remove the screw, McArthur is working his way back, hoping to regain the form that once made him a promising bullpen piece. If healthy, he could be a quiet X-factor in a Royals bullpen that’s still taking shape.
Roster Battles and Bullpen Questions
Speaking of that bullpen, there’s no shortage of intrigue. There are a few arms in camp who could end up being trade chips, depending on how things shake out.
John Schreiber’s name has been floated all winter, and Will Klein and Steven Cruz are also in the mix. Then there’s Hector Neris, a veteran on a minor league deal who’s trying to prove there’s still something left in the tank.
Neris struggled across three teams last year, posting a 6.75 ERA, but the strikeout stuff hasn’t completely disappeared. He’s entering his age-37 season, so the odds might be long-but spring is all about opportunity. If he flashes enough in camp, he could force the Royals’ hand.
Witt Jr.’s Pup and Early Arrivals
On a lighter note, Bobby Witt Jr.’s dog was reportedly one of the first "players" in camp. No word yet on the pup’s defensive metrics, but it’s safe to say morale is high.
Stadium Talks Heating Up
Off the field, the Royals’ future home remains a hot topic. In his State of the City address, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas made it clear: 2026 is the year to get a stadium deal done.
“We will get a deal done in 2026 that’s fair and transparent for our taxpayers, our future, and our team,” Lucas said.
While he stopped short of speaking on behalf of the Royals, Lucas pointed to downtown as a potential fit, citing the opportunity for a “transformational decision” that could reshape not just the franchise, but the city itself.
Around the League
Elsewhere in baseball:
- The Cubs have signed former Royals right-hander Kyle Wright to a minor league deal.
- The Nationals added veteran starter Miles Mikolas on a one-year, $2.25 million contract.
- The Orioles made a splash with a one-year, $18.5 million deal for Chris Bassitt.
- Minnesota picked up reliever Liam Hendriks on a minor league contract, as he continues his comeback.
- Injury bug alert: Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, and Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor are all dealing with broken hamate bones. Lindor is set for surgery.
And yes, if you’re wondering what the hamate bone is-it’s a small bone in the wrist that has derailed more than a few seasons over the years. Not a fun club to join.
Extension Watch and ZIPS Risers
As spring gets underway, keep an eye on young players who could be in line for contract extensions. Carson Roccaforte is one name to circle-his ZIPS projection has taken a notable leap forward, and he’s one of several hitters who could make noise in 2026.
Odds and Ends
- Phillies ace Zack Wheeler revealed he kept the rib that was removed during his thoracic outlet surgery. A strange souvenir, but hey, it’s baseball.
- In a surprising twist, Iowa lawmakers are making a pitch to lure the Chicago Bears out of the Windy City.
- And in hoops, Candace Parker, Blake Griffin, and Amar’e Stoudemire are among the finalists for this year’s Basketball Hall of Fame class.
The Royals aren’t just showing up to camp-they’re coming in with a purpose. Health is the theme, competition is heating up, and the foundation is being laid for a season that could surprise. Stay tuned.