Four Royals predictions for the 2026 season

The Kansas City Royals won more than 81 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since doing it three years in a row from 2013 to 2015. The Royals should have enough pieces to do it again and contend in the American League Central. 

The Royals offense and pitching have their core players back and have hopefully strengthened the weak points enough to challenge for a divisional title. 

It should be exciting if the team can reach its full potential. Several things need to click into place for that to happen. Every one of these has a realistic chance to come to fruition. 

No. 4: Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone develop into star hitters 

Last spring, right fielder Jac Caglianone was the hot topic surrounding the Royals. After a 66-game stint in Double-A and Triple-A, Caglianone was called up with sky-high expectations. He slashed .337/.408/.617 in those minor league games, but he crashed hard in K.C., hitting just .157/.237/.295. 

He was extremely unlucky. Despite hitting almost everything hard, his Batting Average on Balls in Play was a paltry .172.

On the other hand, catcher Carter Jensen excelled in his brief time in the majors, slashing .300/.391/.550. While those numbers probably aren't repeatable over a full season, Jensen has the talent to slowly take over for Salvador Perez behind the plate. He is also a candidate to win the AL Rookie of the Year. If Caglianone and Jensen become the hitters their histories hint they can be, they will be the big bats the lineup desperately needs to deepen it. 

No. 3: Maikel Garcia becomes a bona fide star

Garcia enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, slashing .286/.351/.449. He doesn't offer the same power as most superstars, but he hit 16 last year, plus 39 doubles. He's likely to pick up a few more home runs with the Kauffman Stadium fences drawn in in the gaps this season. 

He was good enough in the World Baseball Classic to win the MVP, and it wasn't a fluke. Not only is his bat a legitimate positive, but he also won his first Gold Glove at third base in 2025. 

Everyone knows who he is now, and he will continue to improve his star status. He gives the Royals a trio of stars, with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.

No. 2: Salvador Perez has one more good hitting season left

Perez is a unicorn in that, as a 35-year-old catcher, he hit 30 home runs and knocked in 100 runs. It was his ninth straight full season in which he's produced at least 21 dingers.  

One more good offensive season should solidify an already solid resume for the Hall of Fame. With Jensen on the roster, Perez will probably see more time at first and DH, but he'll still see plenty of games behind the plate. He's a Royals staple, and he's got at least one more good season in him.

No. 1: The Royals win the AL Central

The Royals can't match the Tigers rotation, but theirs is good enough, and it's deep. That pitching staff and an improved Royals offense will be enough for Kansas City to earn its first divisional title since 2015.

It will require all the aforementioned points to happen for the Royals to win the division, but it is a distinct possibility that the Royals will pull it off.