As the Kansas City Royals gear up for the final week of Cactus League action, they're zeroing in on their 26-man roster. With many key players still tied up in World Baseball Classic duties, the spring lineups have had a touch of Triple-A flavor. Yet, the Royals' Opening Day roster seems largely set, with most positions locked in.
The rotation is nearly complete, the infield is solidified, and the outfield is coming together, leaving just a few spots up for grabs. While the bench might spark some debate, the bullpen is where the Royals face intriguing decisions.
Kansas City boasts a collection of veteran relievers without minor-league options, which could see some talented arms starting the season in Triple-A Omaha.
Names like Carlos Estévez, Matt Strahm, and Lucas Erceg are crucial to the Royals' late-inning strategy, making their roster spots secure. John Schreiber and Nick Mears bring enough MLB experience to avoid any Opening Day roster cuts. Beyond these five, though, the bullpen has some flexibility.
Spring training stats aren't the end-all-be-all, but they offer insights into the Royals' plans. Let's dive into which pitchers have earned their place on Kansas City's roster for the 2026 season.
Royals' Bullpen Decisions Ahead of Opening Day
Do - LHP Daniel Lynch IV
Drafted in 2018, Daniel Lynch IV has had his ups and downs. While Kris Bubic stands out as an All-Star from that draft class, Lynch has found new life in the bullpen. His transition from starter to reliever has shown promise, even if the predictive metrics are cautious.
Lynch has impressed this spring, with his fastball velocity climbing past 97 mph, a noticeable jump from last year. He's using his fastball to set up his changeup and slider, proving effective against MLB-level hitters. Though his extension is something to watch, Lynch has solidified his spot in the bullpen.
Don't - LHP Helcris Olivárez
Helcris Olivárez has been one of the most intriguing non-roster invitees this spring. At 25, he's bounced around multiple organizations, with shoulder surgery sidelining him in 2023. Known for his blazing velocity but shaky control, Olivárez has shown improved command without losing speed.
However, there's more work to be done before he's ready for the majors. His ability to miss bats in the zone is still lacking, and he needs to refine his changeup. Olivárez is a project worth continuing in Triple-A, but he's not quite ready for the 26-man roster.
Do - RHP Steven Cruz
Steven Cruz enjoyed a solid 2025, making 47 appearances in his first full MLB season. Despite a stronger first half, he proved valuable against lefties and wielded one of the fastest cutters in baseball.
Though roster dynamics could send him to Omaha, Cruz's spring performance suggests he deserves an Opening Day spot. He's allowed just one hit and one walk in 4.1 innings, showcasing improved control with his four-seam fastball. While there's a slight dip in velocity, his 70 percent whiff rate and precision in hitting the zone's edges make him a polished option.
The slider remains steady, and despite the cutter and four-seam losing some speed, Cruz brings a fresh look to the mound in Arizona.
Don't - RHP Héctor Neris
With a World Series ring and a winning background, Héctor Neris joined the Royals on a minor-league deal. However, recent seasons have shown signs of decline for the veteran reliever.
Neris has struggled in Arizona, allowing nine hits and five earned runs over 6.0 innings. His four walks without a single strikeout highlight his current struggles. The once-dominant split-finger fastball has lost its edge, and a 91.2 mph fastball with erratic command isn't cutting it at this level.
As the Royals finalize their roster, these decisions will shape their bullpen strategy for the upcoming season. With a mix of promising talent and seasoned veterans, Kansas City aims to build a bullpen ready to compete.