As we gear up for the new MLB season, the Kansas City Royals find themselves in an intriguing position with their second base situation. While the offseason buzz focused on their outfield inconsistencies and surplus of starting pitchers, second base quietly emerged as a critical area needing attention.
Last year, the Royals hoped Jonathan India would be the answer at second base, but his performance fell short with a career-low 89 wRC+. Meanwhile, Michael Massey, who had shown promise with a 104 wRC+ and back-to-back double-digit homer seasons, struggled in 2025, hampered by injuries and posting a 57 wRC+.
Despite these challenges, the Royals opted not to make any major changes at second base, sparking concerns about a potential repeat of past struggles. But now, just two weeks from Opening Day, those worries seem to be fading.
Spring training has offered a fresh perspective on the Royals' second base duo. While it's risky to draw firm conclusions from preseason play, it's a crucial time for players to prove their worth and build momentum.
Jonathan India has turned heads with a remarkable resurgence, ranking fifth among Royals hitters with a 198 wRC+ in the Cactus League. He's hitting .294, showcasing power with a .588 slugging percentage, and demonstrating exceptional plate discipline with a .520 OBP, a 28.0% walk rate, and an 8.0% strikeout rate.
Michael Massey, although sidelined with a minor calf strain, has also impressed. In 24 plate appearances, he's slashing .364/.417/.545 with three RBIs and a 157 wRC+. His injury is expected to be short-lived, and his performance has been promising.
Fans and media alike have taken notice. Twitter buzz highlights the excitement surrounding Massey's potential to secure the starting spot at second base, while India's disciplined approach has drawn praise.
Of course, the real test will come when the regular season begins. Last year, both India and Massey had strong spring performances that didn't translate into regular-season success. But any team would prefer their players to start strong in spring training, building confidence and momentum.
With other positional battles ongoing, it's a relief for the Royals to see second base shaping up positively. As we look forward to Opening Day, there's a sense of cautious optimism that this duo can deliver when it counts.