Royals Fans Anxious About Key Players' Performance

Concerns linger over young hitters, closer, and injury-prone pitchers ahead of new season

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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As the Kansas City Royals prepare for the upcoming season, some fans are expressing concerns about the performance and durability of several key players on the roster. Young hitters like Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone, closer Carlos Estévez, and injury-prone pitchers such as Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha are causing anxiety among the fanbase.

Why it matters

The Royals are hoping to build on a promising 2025 campaign and make a push for the playoffs, but the team's success could hinge on the ability of these players to perform at a high level and stay healthy throughout the season. Fans are understandably nervous about potential setbacks that could derail the team's postseason aspirations.

The details

Jensen and Caglianone are seen as important pieces of the Royals' future, but there are questions about whether they can maintain their production as opposing pitchers get more data on them. Estévez led the majors in saves last year, but his career-worst strikeout rate has some fans worried about his ability to consistently close out games. The Royals' pitching staff is also a concern, with Ragans, Bubic, Lugo, and Wacha all having dealt with injuries in recent seasons.

  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in April.

The players

Carter Jensen

A young Royals hitter who performed well in his rookie campaign, but could struggle as pitchers get more data on him.

Jac Caglianone

Another promising young Royals hitter, but his tendency to pound the ball into the ground in his rookie year has some fans concerned.

Carlos Estévez

The Royals' closer, who led the majors in saves last year but saw a career-worst strikeout rate that has raised questions about his ability to consistently close out games.

Cole Ragans

A Royals pitcher who is coming off an injury that cut his 2025 season short.

Kris Bubic

Another Royals pitcher who is returning from an injury that limited his playing time in 2025.

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What’s next

The Royals will be closely monitoring the progress and performance of these key players throughout spring training and the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Royals' success in 2026 could hinge on the ability of their young hitters, closer, and injury-prone pitchers to perform at a high level and stay healthy. Fans are understandably anxious about potential setbacks that could derail the team's playoff aspirations.