As the sun rises over Surprise, Arizona, the Kansas City Royals are gearing up for a marathon of baseball. With 194 games scheduled over the next 220 days, the Royals are diving headfirst into a season filled with potential and promise.
The Royals kicked off their spring campaign with a 7-3 victory against the Rangers, setting the stage for an exciting run-up to Opening Day on March 27 in Atlanta. With just over a month to fine-tune their roster, there are several intriguing storylines to keep an eye on.
Rotation Battles
The Royals' rotation is in the spotlight as they navigate through the early spring games. Stephen Kolek, who took the mound on Friday, is one of several pitchers vying for a spot. Kolek showcased a fastball averaging 95.7 mph and is focused on increasing his swing-and-miss potential by utilizing his four-seamer more effectively.
Kolek shared, “I think I haven’t utilized my fastball enough. It’s about executing quality two-strike pitches, whether it’s spinning to my glove side or mixing in changeups.”
While Noah Cameron is favored for the fifth rotation spot, Kolek, along with Ryan Bergert and Bailey Falter, is making his case. Falter, who is out of Minor League options, might find a role in the bullpen, adding an interesting twist to the competition.
Bench Dynamics
The Royals’ everyday lineup is mostly set, but the final roster spots are still up for grabs. General Manager J.J.
Picollo emphasized the competitive nature of these openings: “The competition is going to be how we fill out the last, I’ll say, 10 through 13. Our guys are hungry and ready to compete.”
Michael Massey, who launched a homer on Friday, is among several players like Nick Loftin and Tyler Tolbert vying for a bench spot. Non-roster invitees such as Abraham Toro and Brandon Drury are also making their case, with the Royals evaluating offensive skills, handedness, and versatility during Cactus League play.
Bullpen Configuration
The bullpen competition is heating up, with a few spots still open. Alex Lange is a strong candidate, showing health and form.
A lefty like Daniel Lynch IV or Falter is also likely to secure a spot. Luinder Avila, though building up as a starter, has been turning heads and could slot into the bullpen.
Players like Steven Cruz and Mason Black are in the mix, alongside non-roster invitees like Jose Cuas and Héctor Neris. The battle for these spots is intense, with each pitcher eager to prove their worth.
Adjusting to ABS
The Royals are also adapting to the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System. Friday’s game saw Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia both lose early challenges, offering a learning opportunity for the team.
Vinnie Pasquantino humorously noted, “I went over to [manager Matt Quatraro] and said, ‘We’re bad at this, huh?’ We’ll have to figure something out.”
The Royals are using these early games to get comfortable with the system, understanding when and how to make the best use of their challenges.
As the Royals continue their spring journey, these storylines will develop, offering fans a glimpse into the team’s strategy and potential for the upcoming season. Whether it’s the battle for rotation spots, bench roles, or bullpen slots, Kansas City is setting the stage for an exciting year of baseball.