The 2026 Kansas City Royals season has not gone well. Yes, there were some positives from the first half, namely the rise of a second-year power hitter. However, injuries were just one issue for the Royals before the break.
The Offense
| Stat | Number | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 411 | 20th |
| Home Runs | 97 | 25th |
| OPS | .712 | t-18th |
| Whiff% | 23.3 | 5th |
| Hard Hit% | 42.3 | 2nd |
The Pitching
| Stat | Number | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Starters’ ERA | 4.69 | 25th |
| Relievers’ ERA | 5.33 | 30th |
| Strikeouts | 743 | 26th |
| Whiff% | 23.6 | 24th |
| Chase% | 27.9 | 30th |
The Good
We started to see the signs of a breakout from Jac Caglianone.
Caglianone, the Royals’ first-round pick from 2024, slashed .291/.344/.560 with 10 home runs from June 1 through the break, part of a stretch where he moved to first base — his natural position — to replace an injured Vinnie Pasquantino.
It was part of a run that also saw promising returns from catcher Carter Jensen. Jensen slashed .246/.298/.449 with six home runs and 16 extra-base hits during that stretch. The Royals’ future will lean heavily on those two, plus Bobby Witt Jr.
Quietly, Witt Jr. had a very good first half. The Royals shortstop slashed .286/.355/.461 with 30 stolen bases and 36 extra-base hits, which earned him yet another All-Star Game nod.
Those three were the nucleus for an offense that also received good returns from Lane Thomas, who signed with the club in the winter. Utilityman Tyler Tolbert didn’t receive many plate appearances. When he did, Tolbert made quite an impact. As a matter of fact, his stretch of 12 straight at-bats with a hit tied an MLB record.
The Bad
While some of the youngsters had strong runs in KC, several veteran hitters had down first halves.
One year after Maikel Garcia had a breakout offensive season and after winning the 2026 WBC MVP, the infielder slashed 261/.320/.373 (.693 OPS) over 294 plate appearances. It was a span when Garcia dealt with injuries.
And speaking of the WBC, Team Italy standout Vinnie Pasquantino hit .222/.308/.345 in a first half where he also spent time on the IL, like Garcia.
Salvador Perez, meanwhile, slashed .209/.249/.344 (.593 OPS).
But moving to the pitching staff, the Royals’ group of pitchers was a significant strength for the club in 2024, the last year that the club made the postseason. But things have changed.
Ace Cole Ragans is done for 2026. Ragans, who made only eight starts this season, had his year end with elbow surgery, and his recovery will bleed into 2027. Kris Bubic, who had a breakout 2025 season in the rotation, made just nine starts.
Noah Cameron and Seth Lugo both had their moments in the first half, both good and bad. Kansas City’s most consistent starter was Michael Wacha, who continues to lock up opposing hitters with his fastball, changeup, and other weapons. Wacha was named a 2026 AL All-Star.
As for the bullpen, Carlos Estevez made just one appearance this season. Estevez dealt with diminished velocity in the spring, went on the IL with a foot contusion in the first week, and setbacks have kept him out since then.
That forced the Royals to turn towards Lucas Erceg, the hard-throwing reliever, to take Estevez’s role as closer. But he didn’t last there, and ex-Tiger Alex Lange ultimately took over as primary late-inning reliever.
Looking Ahead
It’s crazy how fast things can move for an organization. Just two years ago, with a good farm system and young starters, it felt like the Royals would be a force in the American League for years to come. Now, things look different.
With Carter Jensen, Jac Caglianone, and Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals have a clear trio to build around. But how the Royals get back to contention will be fascinating to watch. And for now, it may have to start with a selloff this summer.
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