This article previews the Kansas City Royals as spring training gets underway. It highlights Stephen Kolek’s opening start, roster battles, and key storylines from camp.
There are tributes to Terrance Gore, coaching kudos, prospect buzz, and plenty of chatter about stadium plans and offseason moves. It’s a quick snapshot of what Royals fans might expect as the season prep kicks off.
Spring Training Opener Sets the Tone for Royals
The Royals start their spring slate with Stephen Kolek on the mound against the Texas Rangers. He calls the start an honor and a chance to build on last year’s progress.
Inside the clubhouse, things feel bittersweet after the recent passing of Terrance Gore. Teammates are honoring Gore’s character and resilience, and the club has pledged its support to his family.
Hitting coach Alec Zumwalt has praised the offseason work and mental readiness he’s seen from the roster. Several non-roster invitees (NRIs) could shake up the bullpen, including MLB veterans José Cuas, Héctor Neris, and Eli Morgan.
Notable Spring Training Battles
The Royals are juggling a bunch of competition this spring, from bullpen roles to bench spots. NRIs add depth in the bullpen, while the offensive group is crowded with established guys pushing for bench roles.
- Offensive camp competition features veterans Brandon Drury, Abraham Toro, Kevin Newman, and Josh Rojas, each hoping to snag the final bench spots.
- In the rotation and bullpen, keep an eye on how the team uses Kolek and how the relievers handle high-leverage innings as 2025 approaches.
Prospect Spotlight and Young Talent
Catcher Carter Jensen is turning heads as a prospect. Promoted on September 1, Jensen slashed .300/.391/.550 in limited MLB at-bats and could grow into a middle-of-the-order role with some guidance from Salvador Pérez, especially on defense and game-calling.
On the position player side, Vinnie Pasquantino is coming off a healthy 2025, putting up 66 extra-base hits, 113 RBIs, and a 120 OPS+. He might split time between first base and DH, with Pérez catching a heavier load behind the scenes.
Roots and the Road Map: India’s Personal Approach
Jonathan India spent his offseason training close to home and reconnecting with a longtime coach. He called it “bringing it back to my roots.”
This focus on rooted development lines up with the Royals’ push for consistency and fundamentals. They’re getting ready for a tough schedule and hoping it pays off.
Stadium Talk: A Transit-Optimized Site?
Kansas City beat writer Michael Collins of The Star floated an idea: a new Royals stadium at Truman and Troost, linked by an 18th Street streetcar that would connect cultural and entertainment districts. It’s a conversation that shows how off-field infrastructure could shape fan access and season-ticket choices, even as the team figures out its on-field direction.
Spring Camp Outlook: Daniels Lynch IV and Free-Agent Questions
On the field, Daniel Lynch IV looks like a “much to gain” story, maybe redefining his role if he can secure a bullpen or multi-inning bridge spot. The bigger question about the Royals’ offseason is whether they did enough in free agency, with Lane Thomas named as the top addition by a lot of folks.
These debates will hang over spring camp as the Royals try to map out their 2025 plan.
Royals Media, Blogs and Community Coverage
The spring narrative gets a boost from a wide range of outlets tracking every move. From classic beat writers to niche blogs, fans have no shortage of places to check for rosters and fresh takes.
Here’s a quick look at some of the main voices shaping Royals coverage:
- Kansas City Star
- The Athletic
- MLB Trade Rumors
- Inside the Crown
- Royals Keep
- Kings of Kauffman
- UL’s Toothpick
Got a favorite Royals outlet or podcast that’s missing here? Don’t be shy—let us know what deserves a spot. There’s still so much of the spring story to unfold, and honestly, every new report might just change how we see this team’s journey.
Here is the source article for this story: Kansas City Royals news: (Spring Training) BASEBALL GAMES START TODAY!
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s