Royals Banking on Youth Movement to Spark 2026 Offense
KANSAS CITY - As the Royals look to turn the page toward 2026, the front office is taking a two-pronged approach to revamping an offense that struggled to find consistency last season. Part of that plan involves exploring external additions, especially in the outfield. But the other part - and maybe the more intriguing one - lies within the organization: two 22-year-olds who could help reshape the lineup from the inside out.
Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone aren’t just names on a depth chart - they’re two of the most exciting young bats Kansas City has in its pipeline. And the Royals are betting that this could be the year their talent starts to translate at the Major League level.
“We’re optimistic because of Jac and Carter,” said GM J.J. Picollo. “If they swing the bats like we know they can, our offense already looks a lot different.”
The Core Is Set - But Help Is Needed
The Royals believe their offensive backbone is in place, anchored by **Bobby Witt Jr. **, Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia, and Salvador Perez.
That group is expected to carry the bulk of the production, but the supporting cast - particularly in the outfield - remains a work in progress. Free-agent targets are being evaluated, and the trade market is always a possibility.
But internally, the spotlight is already starting to shine on Caglianone and Jensen.
Caglianone: Power Potential, Learning Curve
Let’s start with Jac Caglianone, the former top prospect who graduated from prospect status last season. He’s got the kind of raw power that turns heads during batting practice and can shift a game with one swing.
But the transition to the big leagues last year wasn’t smooth. After a midseason call-up, Caglianone hit just .147 with a .485 OPS over his first 41 games.
A hamstring injury sidelined him for about a month, and he wrapped up the season slashing .157/.237/.295 across 62 games.
Still, the Royals remain confident in his upside.
“Last year was tough,” Picollo admitted. “We threw a lot at him - Double-A, Triple-A, then the big leagues.
Playing right field. It wasn’t a normal year for him.
But we believe he’s going to figure it out.”
That belief is rooted in his talent, but also in the understanding that growth comes from experience. Caglianone needs at-bats - real ones, against Major League pitching - to unlock his potential.
That said, the Royals aren’t in a spot where they can afford to give him unlimited runway. They’re trying to win now, and performance will ultimately dictate playing time.
Jensen: Poised, Polished, and Earning Trust
Carter Jensen, meanwhile, made a strong impression in a limited sample. In just 20 games, he hit .300 with a .941 OPS, walking at a healthy 13% rate while striking out just under 18%. By season’s end, he was catching more regularly and showing he could handle a big-league pitching staff - no small feat for a 22-year-old.
“He’s a sponge,” said manager Matt Quatraro, praising Jensen’s work ethic and ability to absorb information, especially in the game-calling department. “He’s learning from Salvy, and we have high hopes for him - whether that’s behind the plate or in the lineup.”
The Royals are looking to balance the workload behind the plate to keep Salvador Perez fresh, which opens the door for Jensen to continue getting meaningful reps. That’s a win-win scenario: maximize Salvy’s bat while developing the catcher of the future.
Jensen’s commitment to growth didn’t stop when the season ended. He headed to the Dominican Republic to play winter ball - an experience that tested him in ways beyond the diamond.
“You’re in a foreign country, different food, different routine,” Jensen said. “It was a good learning experience.
I learned to make the best of what I had. Now I have something extra going into next year.”
The Balancing Act
There’s no question the Royals are threading a needle here. They want to compete in 2026, and that means they can’t afford to give away at-bats. But they also know that their best shot at building a sustainable contender might come from within.
Caglianone and Jensen represent two very different paths - one fighting through early struggles, the other showing early signs of polish - but both carry the kind of upside that could change the trajectory of this lineup. If even one of them takes a leap in 2026, the Royals’ offense could look a whole lot more dangerous.
For now, the message is clear: The door is open. It’s up to the kids to walk through it.