Welcome to 2025! As they prepare to take the field in 2025, the Royals are looking to build upon the 2024 season, which featured the franchise’s first postseason appearance. Even though KC fell to the Tampa Rays in 2 games, the season was considered a success by owner David Glass, and expectations are even higher this season. Take a look at how the team has been steadily improving since the rebuild began under GM Rob Chappy in 2019:
Year | Exp Record | Improvement |
2019 | 63-93 | – |
2020 | 71-91 | 8 wins |
2021 | 73-89 | 2 wins |
2022 | 76-86 | 3 wins |
2023 | 86-76 | 10 wins |
2024 | 90-72 | 4 wins |
Cha-Cha-Cha Changes
Royals Bench Coach Ron Sambo chose to retire after 1 year in KC. Sambo had come out of retirement at the age of 62 to coach for KC, 5 years after leaving his previous job as manager of the Boston Red Sox. The Royals filled the vacant position from within the organization by promoting Omaha Storm Chasers manager Bo Porter. Porter has been with the Royals franchise since 2021, having served as the manager of Northwest Arkansas for 1 season and Omaha for 3.
On November 8th, the Royals dealt long-time starting RF Bernie Blanchard to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league player Kyren Paris. Paris is expected to play for the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2025.
On December 4th, pitching prospect Tanner Burns was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
Following the 2024 season, KC was set to lose only 3 MLB-level players to free agency, 1B/OF Ken Johnson, SP Chris Scalise, and Infielder Dennis Moore. All three officially became free agents, but on December 16th, it was announced that Scalise would be staying with the Royals after all. The Royals and Scalise agreed to terms on a 4-year contract worth a total of $38,500,000. Scalise had been acquired from Detroit on July 20th and had posted a 3-2 record and a 3.11 ERA in 12 starts for Kansas City down the stretch. While his $9.8 million salary is the highest of any KC starting pitchers in 2025, it marks a large drop from the $24,000,000 Scalise had been earning in each of the past 5 seasons from Pittsburgh and Detroit. More on the Scalise contract in a bit.
On December 19th, former Texas Rangers outfielder Roy McKenzie signed a minor league contract with a major league option worth $1.7 million. McKenzie will receive a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
Also on December 19th, the Royals drafted 34-year-old LHP Juan Oramas in the Rule 5 draft. While Oramas was much older than your typical Rule 5 draftee, as a veteran left handed relief pitcher, he filled a need for the Royals. Members of the media speculated that the drafting of Oramas – from the Minnesota Twins organization – was payback for the Twins claiming Tanner Burns on waivers, but nobody within the Kansas City organization has been able to substantiate that rumor.
The Royals also took Cincinnati Reds prospect Cadyn Grenier in the Rule 5 draft. Grenier is a firecracker that plays 2B and SS capably, and is slated to learn 3B this spring. While he won’t be an All-Star, he should prove as a good guy to come off the bench when the other infielders are tired, and he can be used as a pinch hitter and pinch runner as well. Grenier was added because the Royals are not really in love with any of their minor league infield options, a feeling that also led to the club’s next signing.
On January 7th, longtime San Francisco Giants infielder Joe Panik signed a minor league contract with the Royals organization. Panik will receive a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
Also on January 7th, KC traded minor-league catcher Hagen Danner to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor-league pitcher Roberto Garcia. Danner had had a couple of cups of coffee with the Royals but was stuck deep on the catching depth chart. Garcia will be assigned to A+ Wilmington for the 2025 season.
In what looks to be the final move of the offseason, the Royals added depth to their rotation, announcing on January 8th that the team signed former Miami Marlins pitcher Alex Watts to a 7-year contract worth a total of $66 million. Watts, who had been seeking $13 million annually, had waited too long on an earlier 7-year, $73 million contract with the Royals. Insiders reported that KC, frustrated with how long negotiations had dragged on – Watts is reported to have sat on the offer for a full month – lowered the offer on New Year’s Day. Watts returned to the negotiating table requesting the original $73 million offer on January 7th, but the team stood firm with the revised $66 million offer. Watts caved, and signed the deal the very next day.
KC was also famously impatient with outfielder Curt Franklin last offseason, costing the outfielder – who is now with the Seattle Mariners making less than $2 million – a 3-year deal worth $12 million total.
Any bad blood was washed away very quickly, and KC is excited to have Watts as well as Scalise on board for the next handful of seasons. Watts and Scalise both have opt outs near the halfway points of their deals. Scalise will earn $9.75 million in each of the first two years of his contract. After the first two years, Scalise can opt out at the age of 32. If he wants to stay, his salary will fall to $9.5 million in the 3rd year. The 4th and final year is a player option, also at $9.5 million. Alex Watts sees small raises at the beginning of his deal, earning $9 million in 2025, $9.5 million in 2026, $10 million in 2027 and $10.5 million in 2028. He can then either opt out at age 33, or take a pay cut to $9 million for 2029 and 2030, with a player option for the 7th and final year at age 35, also at $9 million. The reasoning behind this structuring was to allow the players to cash in if they perform well, but be able to stay if they desire without being a huge financial burden if their performances fall off.
While it might sound like there have been a lot of changes, the Royals really won’t look that different in 2025. 7 of the 8 positional starters return, as do all 5 members of the starting rotation – boosted by the addition of Watts, of course. In fact, the team’s positional chart is starting to stabilize after years of upheaval.
C – Frankie Alvarez – 2nd year
1B – Kody Clemens – 3rd year
2B – Gus Lopez – 4th year
3B – Nander De Sedas – 5th year
SS – Ty Donaldson – 4th year
LF – Mark Baker – 3rd year
CF – Daz Cameraon – 3rd year
RF – ? – 1st year
DH – Bradley Swagger – 1st year
SP – Alex Watts – 1st year
SP – Funkhouser – 2nd year
SP – Scalise – 2nd year
SP – Knaust – 3rd year
SP – Bubic – 4th year
SP – Rivers – 5th year
Who will start in RF? Will the Royals use a 6-man rotation? More on both of those topics later. For now, let’s look at the hitters, starting with the Catchers. We will only cover the players invited to Spring Training in this guide. All players listed in the order they appear on the General Manager’s organization depth chart.
A Look at the Catchers
Francisco “Frankie” Alvarez, 23
Acquired from Houston in November of 2020, Alvarez has emerged as one of the top catchers in MLB-Pro. While he is not a dynamic player defensively, he also won’t embarrass himself out there. But even if he did, he’d probably get a pass because fans flock to Kauffman to see Frankie hit the ball. He hit a career-high 22 homers in 128 games last year, and is just getting started. 30 HR is the goal for Alvarez, who is firmly entrenched as KC’s starting backstop for 2025.
Javier “Javy” Lopez, 24
Javy Lopez was acquired from the A’s on Halloween 2020, a few weeks before Alvarez was acquired. The left handed-hitting Lopez will serve as Frankie’s backup in 2025, and he knows his role. With Alavarez being a righty and Lopez being a lefty, there will be a platoon of sorts, although we’ll likely see Alavarez appear as a DH during some of Lopez’s starts. Javy is no slouch at the plate, though he does not possess Frankie’s power. Still, multiple GM’s have inquired about Lopez’s availability over the past 6 months, but the Royals have no plans on moving Lopez at this point. As long as he is content in his bench player role, Javy remains a valuable member of this team. Lopez hits for contact and finds the gaps, and also has a good eye. He should be able to improve drastically on his .227/.303/.362 numbers from 67 MLB games in 2024, his first in the bigs. He should hit closer to the .312/.388/.480 he hit in 74 AAA games in 2023.
Antonio Gomez, 23
Gomez was acquired in a trade with Milwaukee in August of 2022. He is an average hitter, but defensively superior to both Alvarez and Lopez. Gomez would likely be promoted in the event of an injury to either Frankie or Javy, and would serve as a defensive-minded backup catcher in that situation. He started 98 games in AAA Omaha in 2024, posting a .239 average with 7 HR and 41 RBI. He is slated to be the starting catcher in Omaha again this season.
Troy Lynch, 25
Oddly enough, Troy Lynch is the oldest of the four catchers KC plans to have in camp. Lynch is known as a power hitter, though he lacks the patience of Frankie Alvarez. Lynch was in AA Northwest Arkansas in 2024, where he hit .280-19-72 in 129 games. He will serve as the primary designated hitter and backup catcher as he makes his AAA debut for Omaha in 2025. He’s not a bad looking prospect considering he was a 26th round pick for the Royals in 2020.
A Look at the First Basemen
Kody Clemens, 28
After about 2 years of griping by the KC GM, Kody Clemens finally returned to being the hitter he was as a rookie in 2021, when he hit 31 HR and drove in 86 runs. Clemens hit just 16 HR in 650 plate appearances in 2022, and added 17 HR in 561 plate appearances in 2023, leading many to wonder if a trade was in the works. The Royals stuck by their 2019 6th round draft pick, and in 2024, he posted career highs with 34 HR and 95 RBI. Clemens also found a permanent home at 1B, having played 3B as a rookie and a lot of 1B/DH in the following years. Clemens is unquestionably the starting 1B entering 2025.
Bradley Swagger, 22
No player in KC history has entered the league with as much hype as Bradley Swagger has. MLB-Pro’s current #1 prospect will be the opening day DH, and will relieve Clemens at 1B from time to time as well. Swagger made his Royals debut in September, hitting .222 with 3 HR and 16 RBI in 24 starts for the Royals. He had hit 25 HR with Omaha prior to that, setting an Omaha record with 84 runs scored. Swagger is not only one of the most powerful players in the league, but he also is one of the best at drawing walks. Swagger was drafted 5th overall in 2021, and so far has not been a disappointment. If he fails to capture AL ROY, GM Chappy will cry.
Griffin Conine, 27
Griff has never actually played 1B, but he will get the bulk of the starts there this spring. Brought in from Oakland in 2023, the intent was for Conine to be our big left handed power hitter. And after hitting 9 HR in 67 games for the Royals in 2023, everything looked good. But then 2024 came, and Conine managed just 2 HR in 32 games. With Clemens returning to power-hitting form and with Conine unable to play anywhere but LF capably, he was regulated to the DH role in AAA Omaha. Conine hit .248-18-64 in 107 games in Omaha. He’ll be with the Royals learning 1B this spring and will hold down the starting 1B job in Omaha, waiting for Clemens or Swagger to get hurt.
A Look at the other Infielders
Gustavo “Gus” Lopez, 27
Acquired from Colorado in 2019, Gus Lopez has established himself as the face of the Royals franchise, and this year gets a huge raise to $19,800,000 as his extension kicks in. At 27 and in his prime, expectations are high. Lopez hit sub-.300 for the first time in his career in 2024, racking up 183 hits for a .295 average. There were concerns about his strikeouts, which ballooned up to 112, a career high and far more than his career average. However, looking around the league, it seemed to be a problem for 70-rated Avoid K’s players on other teams as well. Lopez also hit a career-low 6 HR last season, but the Royals are not really concerned about that. He hit 37 doubles and scored a career-best 89 runs while stealing 38 bases on 46 attempts, so… you could say that even a bad year for Gus is a good year for anyone else. Lopez is a fan favorite in KC, and here he will stay.
Nander De Sedas, 25
Nander De Sedas has really stepped up his game. De Sedas won a gold glove in 2024 and hit a career-high .295. He also set new highs in HR (12), R (66) and WAR (4.1). Nander has established himself as a solid MLB-Pro third baseman. The 25-year-old switch hitter was acquired from Pittsburgh back in 2021 and made his big league debut in 2021. How Nander plays this year and next are crucial, as the team tries to determine if he is the type of player worthy of a long-term contract extension. At the moment, he appears to be, especially after witnessing what All-Star third basemen command on the free agent market. But first, the Royals must wait and see if De Sedas is indeed an All-Star third baseman.
Tyler “Ty” Donaldson, 26
Ty is one player Kansas City really wants to see more out of. Acquired from the A’s prior to the 2020 season, Donaldson made his MLB debut in 2022, hitting .237 with 7 HR in 115 games. His arrival allowed the club to move Gus Lopez to 2B, and gave the Royals a sound defense straight up the middle of the infield. He improved his numbers slightly in 2023, posting a .249-9-48 line in 116 games. He really fell off last season, hitting just .219 with 8 HR in 128 games. The real problem for Donaldson has been injuries. Not only has he missed several weeks each season, but his speed, his quickness, and his range at SS have really taken a hit. While he is not a liability at SS yet, he is also no longer a gold glove threat, which is what KC once thought they had in Donaldson. Insiders report that the team considered not offering Donaldson arbitration, but when estimates came in at under $2 million, they changed their mind. Coaches and scouts still feel like there is a solid hitter somewhere within Donaldson, and he has a decent eye. Whether he can remain healthy enough to put these tools to good use remains to be seen.
Cadyn Grenier, 28
As one of KC’s Rule 5 picks, Grenier will either stick with the big league club in 2025, or he will be returned to Cincinnati. He is a competitor, and coaches tell us priority number one for Cadyn this spring will be giving him reps at third base. He’s got above average range, an above average glove, an above average arm, and can turn two quickly. He’s already comfortable at shortstop and second base. Having him be a capable third baseman as well will give the Royals the ability to rest two infielders at a time, with the versatile Alfonso Javier also expected to be on the 26-man roster. There are a few questions about Cadyn’s hitting ability; he hit .292 at AAA Nashville back in 2021, but his career AAA average is just .228. KC scouts say they like his eye and his ability to find the gaps. He also has enough speed and insights to make a decent pinch-running option.
Alfonso Javier, 25
Claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins in December of 2023, Javier is Mr. Versatile, a guy you really can put anywhere but catcher and he’ll be solid. He’s listed as an infielder, but plays all 3 outfield positions well and has the strongest arm on the team. In 2025, Javier appeared at every position except P, C and RF for KC. Javier hit .215 for KC in 86 games, but honestly, he could hit .100 and still be a valuable puzzle piece thanks to his elite defensive play. The biggest hole in Javier’s game is his baserunning. He is just not very good at it. It’s a shame, because David Eckstein really likes for his bench players to be able to run – and run well. But based on other comments from the coaching staff, Javier is comfortably on the 26-man even if he is slow.
Kyren Paris, 23
Once it became clear that Bernie Blanchard was not going to be offered arbitration, the Royals put him on the block. Shortly after that, a trade was made, with Bernie Blanchard going to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Paris. At the time, Paris was playing outfield in the Cubs minor league system. Upon his arrival in Omaha, where he is slated to play next season, the Storm Chasers staff decided to move Paris to shortstop. This spring, he’ll see a lot of action at SS for the Royals before – presumably – being assigned to Omaha to play SS there for the 2025 season. Paris is sort of a cross between Cadyn Grenier and Alfonso Javier, and figures to be a useful player down the road.
Antonio Flores, 24
Flores really struggled in 2024. KC signed him as an international free agent back in 2019, and he steadily climbed through the minor league system. He had a real shot at sticking with the Royals going into last season, but hit just .195 in 46 games at the tail end of 2023. Flores was sent back to Omaha to reestablish himself in 2024, but he managed just a .199 average in 120 games. Scouts still think he has the tools to be a successful MLB infielder, particularly at 3B or 2B, but he is going to need to get his head back into the game. A big spring could get Flores a spot on the 26-man roster, but it would likely come at the expense of Grenier.
Joe Panik, 34
A veteran and 3-time All-Star, Panik was just added to Omaha’s roster this offseason and will receive an invitation to spring training. While he is past his prime, Panik can give the Royals an option should the injury bug hit the infield hard this year. He is also a good locker room presence and a guy that can lead the impressionable, young Royals roster.
A Look at the Outfielders
Mark Baker, 33
Baker’s name is written into the lineup card in permanent ink. Despite missing 6 weeks to injury, Baker still made his 3rd consecutive All-Star Game and hit 25 HR. On August 7th, Baker drove in his 1,000th MLB-Pro run. At 33, he is starting to slow down, but he is still a difference maker and reliable bat, as well as being sneaky fast on the basepaths. Baker was successful in 17 of 21 stolen base attempts, and plays a sound defensive game in left field. While his range and glove are good, he does not have a strong arm out there, so he’s been being relieved by Alfonso Javier late in close games. Baker is in year 3 of his 6-year deal, and was the first big free agent signing by GM Chappy. He remains the highest-paid player on KC’s roster at $26 million per season. So far, so good.
Daz Cameron, 28
Speaking of salary, Daz becomes KC’s 2nd-highest paid player this season, though he will be surpassed by Gus Lopez next year. Daz’s salary nearly doubles to $20,800,000 after a nice, but not spectacular season. We’d like to see him hit a little better, but truth be told, Cameron’s defense is why he’s the starting CF in KC. From the moment he was acquired in a trade with Arizona in June of 2023, things turned around for the KC pitching staff. Having Cameron roaming the expansive Kauffman outfield made a noticeable difference, and the 4-time Gold Glove winning outfielder is now locked down through 2028. Cameron started 145 games and posted a .248 average with 15 HR and 72 RBI. While the team is pleased with the power numbers – he also hit 30 doubles – an average up near .280 would better justify the lofty salary.
Dan Bryant, 25
Acquired from the A’s prior to the 2022 season, Bryant has been used as a backup outfielder and first baseman regularly for the past few years, but now has a chance to earn the starting RF job vacated by Blanchard’s departure. Bryant was able to start 73 games last year due to injuries to both Mark Baker and Bernie Blanchard, and was just so-so. Having hit .269 in 69 games in 2022 and .400 in 22 games in 2023, seeing Bryant manage a .245 average in 2024 was disappointing. Bryant had terrific numbers in AAA Omaha, hitting .308 in ‘22, .334 in ‘23, and .356 in ‘24. He’s a good contact hitter with good gap power, and is savvy on the basepaths despite average speed. Defensively, Bryant – much like Baker – has good range and a solid glove but has a very average arm. Having the two of them in the outfield together will cost us extra bases, emphasizing the need for strong arms on the bench. Bryant can be an exciting player when he’s on his game.
Brian Cooper, 25
Brian Cooper is a similar player to Bryant, although with slightly more power and slightly weaker defense. He has also excelled in AAA Omaha, but he has struggled when called up to the Royals. In 2023, for instance, he hit .325-13-70 in Omaha but when called up in September hit just .159 in 14 games with the Royals. In 2024, it was the same story; a .323 average in Omaha but just .248 in KC. Cooper is very much in the running for 4th outfielder, or with a killer spring, he could be the starting RF. Coop was acquired in a trade with the White Sox back in January of 2021. One strike against Cooper that is totally out of his control; he’s the only outfielder currently on the 26-man roster that does not need to pass through waivers to be sent to Omaha. That potentially gives Bryant and Gunnar Nelson a leg up on him.
Gunnar Nelson, 27
Another guy firmly in the race for starting RF or 4th outfielder is Gunnar Nelson, acquired from the Pirates in the spring of 2021. With so many weak arms in the outfield, the edge Nelson has is his cannon. He’s got one of the strongest arms in MLB-Pro. But… there’s always a but… he apparently has a baseball-sized hole smack dab in the middle of his glove. Perhaps all those hurried throws after dropped balls as a youth player built up his arm strength. Nelson has blazing speed and is among the best baserunners in the league, but only managed to attempt one steal in 2024, which was successful. Nelson could not stay healthy last year, missing a total of 18 weeks with 4 different injuries. He had not struggled with injuries prior to last year, so time will tell if it was all a fluke or if he’s just plain fragile. Nelson hit .338 in 36 AAA games and .154 in 7 games with the Royals.
Ben Leach, 25
While Bryant, Cooper and Nelson all seem to hit .330 in AAA and struggle in the majors, Leach is a guy who has hit well for the Royals. After hitting .500 in 14 at bats in 2023, Ben hit .347 in 16 games for KC last season. He also hit .318 for the Storm Chasers in 90 games. The former Toronto prospect came over in a trade in 2019 and has outhit his scouting reports constantly. While he won’t draw many walks, he puts the ball in play and uses his fantastic speed to get on base. As an outfielder, he has less range than KC coaches like, but he does have a better glove than Nelson and a stronger arm than Cooper or Bryant. Leach is a good depth piece and not a favorite to make the 26-man, but you never really know.
Bob Collins, 25
Acquired from Boston back in 2019, Collins is a guy who KC used to be really high on, but at this point looks to just be a really good AAA player. He hit .263-4-28 in 77 games in Omaha last season, and is an above average defender. But he is slow as molasses, making him a poor option for coming off the bench, and he just doesn’t have the hitting tools to be an everyday right fielder.
Roy McKenzie, 29
Ol’ Roy has appeared in over 300 MLB games for the Mariners, Rockies and Rangers, posting a .240 average and .296 OBP. He was offered a tryout due to his defensive skills and solid baserunning ability. While KC currently has him behind Collins on the depth chart, that could change this spring. McKenzie has a minor league contract he can opt out of if he is not promoted within 30 days of opening day, but the Royals would love to have him stick around for depth.
Ismael Mena, 22
Mena came over from the A’s back in March of 2022, and has steadily climbed through the minor leagues. He is slated to make his AAA debut in 2025, but will receive a spring training invitation because he is on the 40-man roster. Mena was added to the 40-man roster in November, as he was one of a handful of players Kansas City was concerned about losing in the Rule 5 draft. He is expected to get playing time in CF and RF during spring training, as he only has played LF thus far in his pro career despite having the talent to play all three OF positions. Ismael is a nice young prospect who might be in the running for a big league role in another year or two.
A Look at the Starting Pitchers
With Scalise and Watts added to the mix, along with up-and-comer Greg Sharpiro trying to nudge his way in, KC has a very crowded rotation this spring. Injuries happen, but if they don’t, some tough choices will have to be made. Pitching coach Cliff Lee might want to use a 6-man strict order just to keep guys happy and rested. It’s one thing to keep an eye on this spring.
Kenny “Lil’ Funk” Funkhouser, 22
The winner of the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year is…. NOT Kenny Funkhouser. It was Julio Rodriguez, who struck out 132 times in 137 games for the Baltimore Orioles. Funkhouser led the AL in Wins (16) and was 2nd in Winning % (.696) while earning Rookie of the Month honors for August along the way, but it’s tough to win the Rookie of the Year playing just one out of every five days. Funk does not seem to mind the snub, and is gearing up for a big sophomore year. KC is a team that’s had 5 number 2-3 starters and no real number one in recent years. If anyone has the ability to be a true ace for this team, it’s Kenny. He possesses an elite Curve and Change, with a sharp Fastball and above average Slider. But scouting reports aren’t all that the Royals love about Kenny. Manager David Eckstein is so impressed with him on and off the field, and has gone on the record saying that Lil’ Funk just might be Captain material. Pencil him in at the top of the rotation for 2025.
Chris Scalise, 30
Beloved in Pittsburgh, despised in Detroit, appreciated in Kansas City. Scalise has had a wild ride in his career, but for now, the veteran pitcher is in a good spot. Four very good pitches and a great relationship with pitching coach Cliff Lee should add up to another good year. If there was one thing Chris was lacking in his 12 starts with KC in 2024, it was run support. And while there is not much he can do about that, being patient and not getting frustrated with losses or no-decisions will go a long way towards his long-term success. Scalise, a two time All-Star, has only won 10 or more games in a season twice in his career. KC expects him to reach that mark for a third time in 2025. Scalise will likely be the #2 or #3 starter.
Alex “Uncle Robbie” Watts, 29
Hard working, high baseball IQ, popular in the clubhouse… word about Watts around the league was very positive, leading to him being a top target of the Royals this offseason. Watts uses an above average Curve and Fastball to get batters to swing, and then uses his very good Change and Cutter to make them miss. He is one of the tougher pitchers to go yard against. He led the NL in walks last year, which is something pitching coach Cliff Lee thinks can be cleaned up. The 2024 All-Star is now a Royal through the end of his age 35 season, and it marks the biggest financial investment the Royals have ever made in a pitcher, at least during the Chappy era. Watts has a losing record in his career at 48-56, but his 1.24 career WHIP is right behind Kris Bubic’s and Chris Scalise’s 1.23, and right ahead of Addison Reed’s 1.26. Only RP Matt Diemer has a lower career WHIP at 1.20. Watts should slot into the #2, #3 or #4 starter role.
Kevin Knaust, 26
KC sent Brandon Gill to Oakland for Kevin Knaust on June 6th, 2021. The Royals had a surplus of guys like Gill and were hoping to flip the prized prospect for a very good future starting pitcher. Knaust, who had been in AAA Nashville in the A’s organization, was assigned to AA Northwest Arkansas where he started 9 games before finishing the season at AAA Omaha. After winning 11 games in Omaha during 2022, he was a late-season call-up and started 8 games in the majors, going 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA. 2023 was a bit of a wake-up call for Knaust. Though he still posted a 13-9 record, his ERA was 4.23, and he only averaged 7.1 K/9IP. He rebounded in 2024, lowering his ERA to 3.35 and raising his K/9 to 8.1, but his record fell to 9-11. Just more evidence that W/L record does not tell the whole story. Knaust has turned into the pitcher KC was hoping for when they traded Gill away, and 2025 looks to be a good year for the young pitcher. Look for him to be the 3rd or 4th man in the rotation.
Kris Bubic, 27
So wait… If the above pitchers are in the 1-through-4 spots, does that mean lefty Kris Bubic, KC’s most reliable starter over the past 4 years, is going to be the 5th starter? Why, yes, it does. Or at least it could. Bubic has one less pitch than the four pitchers listed above him, though his Change-up is legendary. Bubic posted a 3.56 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 2024, right on his career averages. But he was really good the first half of the season, earning his first trip to the All-Star game. He was also one of the big winners in arbitration over the fall, being awarded a salary of $8.9 million for 2025, more than double his 2024 salary. The signings of Scalise and Watts can’t possibly be indicators that the Royals do not intend to keep Bubic beyond 2026, could they?
Greg Shapiro, 26
2020 7th round draft choice Greg Shapiro made his MLB debut in 2023, starting two games and posting an ERA of 8.00. Last year, Shapiro made 2 more starts before being relegated to the bullpen for the rest of the year. He finished with pretty lousy numbers, including a 5.40 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. But scouts have kept an eye on Shapiro over the winter, and allegedly, he will be walking into spring training with a newly chiseled physique and an improved Change-up. Nobody questions Shapiro’s work ethic, so he’ll definitely be getting some starts in spring ball. But whether he returns to the pen, goes to Omaha to get action in the rotation, or is KC’s 6th starter is a decision that won’t come until the end of spring.
Chris Rivers, 27
Chris has never been lauded by scouts, but he has always delivered. Nobody on the KC staff has been more consistent from start to start or year to year as Rivers. So, it’s hard to see him out of the mix for a spot in the Kansas City rotation. In each of the past 4 seasons, Chris has posted an ERA between 3.73 and 3.86 and a WHIP between 1.17 and 1.26. Even as his K/9IP has declined, his ability to get guys out other ways has increased. He’s big, he’s durable, he’s under-the-radar. Fans in KC don’t really know who he is, but he has won 11 games in each of the last 2 seasons. He’s undaunted. He’s… Chris Rivers.
Jose McBride, 24
McBride made his MLB debut last year out of the bullpen, allowing 6 ER in just 1.1 innings. To be completely honest, at 24, time is running out for Jose to develop into a major league starter. But where would he fit in, anyway? He will get a courtesy invitation to spring training and will probably start some games, but he’s going to be in Omaha in 2025 unless a plethora of injuries occur.
Gunnar Gray, 23
Gray went 13-8 in Omaha last year, with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. He’s a good looking prospect except for one thing; he refuses to abandon his Change-up, a pitch so bad that it gets him in trouble from time to time. Gray has an excellent Curve, and above average Fastball and a decent Cutter. Why he keeps throwing the Change is something outsiders cannot understand. Keep it, and he’s another Jose McBride. Abandon it, and he’s a nice prospect. Either way he will be starting games in Omaha this year.
A Look at the Bullpen
The Royals reclassified Jason Neal from Starter to Reliever due to Neal’s declining stamina. This looks on paper like the best bullpen the Royals have had during the Chappy era. Let’s dig deeper.
Matt Diemer, 26
Deimer is now ranked higher than Reed, who had been at the top of our bullpen depth chart since being signed three years ago. Diemer has great stuff, highlighted by a killer Change-up. Matt posted an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.16 last year after posting a 2.95 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in his rookie season, 2023. A free-spirited prankster, it is no coincidence that Matt wears #69. Diemer will be one of our top setup guys and is auditioning to take the closer role from Reed in 2026.
Addison Reed, 36
Now in the final year of his contract, the aging Reed is only visibly deteriorating when it comes to stamina. He still has excellent movement and stuff, and is coming off a 36-save, 2.81 season. His 1.19 WHIP was the lowest he’s had since 2020 when he was with the Rangers. Reed has been a great addition to the Royals, but the club has already made it public that he won’t be brought back in 2026. There are just too many other, less expensive options available. Let’s just enjoy the Royals Closer Addison Reed Farewell Tour in 2025.
Kazuya Takano, 32
Takano suffered a torn rotator cuff in 2023, his first year with the Royals after being claimed off waivers from Texas. That injury – the most severe injury to occur to a Royals player during the Chappy era – kept Takano out for 17 months. After missing the better parts of 2 seasons, Takano returned to the Royals last September and pitched well in 7 of his 8 outings. While he finished the season allowing 5 ER in 8.2 innings, 4 of those runs came in 1 of the outings. Pre-injury, Takano had a 2.83 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 19 appearances. Kansas City is hopeful he can return to 100% in 2025.
Al Weber, 27
Weber was claimed off waivers from Minnesota 1 year ago, and had a solid first season in KC. In 62 games, he posted a 1.33 WHIP and a 3.81 ERA. Weber puts excellent movement on his pitches and keeps the ball on the ground better than most. He’s not a very exciting player, but he is effective. Royals fans would call him a right handed version of Jason Neal.
Ethan Hankins, 24
Ethan has the best stuff on the team, but sometimes struggles with control. His 10.8 K/9 comes with a 4.1 BB/9 rate. Hankins came over from Arizona in a trade during the summer of 2023, but did not pitch in the big leagues for the Royals until last season. He did have some big league experience with Arizona, posting a 5.72 ERA in 27 games with the DBacks spread out over three seasons. He has matured a lot since then, and was used in 70 games for KC last year, posting a 3.68 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Like Matt Diemer, Hankins will be considered as Addison Reed’s replacement in the closer role in 2026.
Henry “Hank” Lockwood, 26
Hank is another power pitcher like Hankins, though not quite as good. He’s a guy Eckstein and Lee will call on when they need a strikeout. Lockwood posted a career-best 1.22 WHIP in 2024, but his ERA was 4.01, a bit higher than the coaches would like to see. He struck out 10.2 batters per 9 IP, while walking 3.9. Another thing he has in common with Hankins is that he was acquired from Arizona. Hank came over in a trade during the summer of 2020.
Jason Neal, 30
Jason Neal, acquired in a trade with Colorado back in July of 2019, burst onto the KC scene in 2020. He went 9-13 with a 3.75 ERA as a rookie that season, leading the AL in innings pitched (211) and posting a respectable 1.27 WHIP. In 2021 he went 10-8, although his WHIP ballooned to 1.47 and his ERA rose to 4.68. In 2022 he fell to 7-10 with a 5.23 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, forcing him out of the rotation by the end of the year. He started 2023 in Omaha, and ever since then has bounced between Omaha and KC, and between the rotation and the bullpen. One must give Jason Neal a lot of credit for being flexible and maintaining a good attitude through it all, and now he is trying to reestablish himself as a lefty out of the bullpen (something KC does not have too many of). Neal throws a lot like Al Weber, getting outs by keeping the ball down. He will not strike out very many batters but he will also not give up very many home runs. He does not have the stamina he did when he led the AL in innings, but he does have better stamina than most relievers in KC, so a long relief role might be best suited for him. Neal is not guaranteed a spot on the 26-man roster, but being a lefty does give him a shot.
Juan Oramas, 34
Speaking of lefties, KC’s newly acquired Rule 5 pick from Minnesota was selected primarily because he looks like a solid left handed bullpen arm. Oramas has plenty of MLB experience, having posted a 3.15 ERA in 42 games with Boston in 2023 and a 2.88 ERA in 44 games with the A’s in 2021. He’s a popular guy, and has solid if not spectacular stuff. Cliff Lee is excited to see how Oramas fits in this spring.
Hayden Mullins, 24
Mullins is a longshot to make the 26-man roster, but because he is on the 40-man, he’ll earn a trip to spring training. KC’s 10th round pick in 2019, he’s got good stuff and is another lefty, and will probably be the closer in Omaha this season. Last year, Mullins saved 19 games and won 10, while losing only 3. He was used in a variety of roles in Omaha, and even started 5 games. Mullins finished the campaign with a 2.93 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. He has some room to develop still, and was placed on the 40 man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
Hayden Wesneski, 27
Wesneski was effective in 2024, going 3-3-1 with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP for the Royals. While scouts are not in love with him, he does seem to pitch effectively in the majors. Still, he may end up stuck back in Omaha to start 2025. A 2019 18th round pick for KC, Wesneski will at the very least provide good injury insurance for the Royals this season.
Deivi Garcia, 25
Acquired from the Dodgers in a trade during the summer of 2021, Garcia had a great rookie year with KC in 2023. He appeared in 52 games and posted a 2.94 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. However, 2024 was not as kind, as Garcia stumbled to a 5.27 ERA in 27 appearances. He’s got great stuff, and has 3 really good pitches, but may need to spend some time in AAA to find his groove again. Or, who knows? Maybe he will crush it this spring and make the Royals roster again.
Expectations for 2025
The 2024 Kansas City Royals won the AL Central pretty easily. While the Royals were a good team, nobody else in the AL Central was above .500, with the Twins closest at .481. Will the Royals be able to outperform the rest of the division again in 2025? It may be hard if the other teams step up. At this point, David Eckstein thinks 90 wins is a reasonable goal. The team has added a few pieces and has far more depth on the pitching staff now, but most of the improvement will come because everyone is another year older. Success will depend on Lopez continuing to pile up hits, Clemens and Alvarez continuing to hit dingers, Swagger continuing to develop, and everyone playing together and having a good time. KC has fostered a particular culture, and that culture should help this small market club thrive in a large market world, one win at a time. Cheers to 2025!