The Kansas City Royals were one of the surprise teams in the league last season.

Kansas City emerged as a postseason team in the American League, led by young stud Bobby Witt Jr. He finished second to Aaron Judge in AL MVP voting coming off a long-term contract to remain in Kansas City. Now, there are expectations in Kansas City heading into the season but will they be able to reach them?

The Royals acquired Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds in a deal that involved Brady Singer. India will be a nice fit for the Royals at the top of the lineup this season ahead of Witt Jr. Proving protection for the young shortstop is Vinnie Pasquantino, who provides pop along with veteran Salvador Perez.

The lineup is full of batters that can go deep at any given moment. This includes Hunter Renfroe and Maikel Garcia. There are many if’s at the bottom of the lineup but the overall depth is among the best in the American League.

All of a sudden, Seth Lugo has turned the corner as a starter. He served as a bullpen ace for the New York Mets before the Royals turned him into a starter. Lugo was in the Cy Young race last season and is expected to be effective once again. With Cole Ragans at the top with Lugo, the Royals have a strong duo in the rotation.

Pair a strong rotation with a deep lineup and the Royals make for a difficult out once again this season. This is not to say that the team will make a run to the World Series but this could be a postseason team if all goes right.

2025 Kansas City Royals Season Preview

Major Additions: Carlos Estevez, Jonathan India, Mark Canha, Michael Lorenzen, Michael Wacha

Key Losses: Brady Singer, Paul DeJong

Potential Lineup

1. Jonathan India, DH
2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS
3. Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B
4. Salvador Perez, C
5. Michael Massey, 2B
6. Hunter Renfroe, OF
7. MJ Melendez, OF
8. Maikel Garcia, 3B
9. Kyle Isbel, OF

Potential Rotation

• Cole Ragans
• Seth Lugo
• Michael Wacha
• Kris Bubic
• Michael Lorenzen

Record Prediction

Witt Jr. has a chance to really take his place as one of the best players in the American League. After finishing second in AL MVP voting last season, Witt Jr. is ready to do it again. As a whole, the Royals have a chance to return to the postseason but could be taking a step back from 2024. Kansas City is still a team that we do not know what to expect. Last year happened a bit quicker than anticipated.

Final Record: 86-76