Royals Fans Back Isaac Collins for Opening Day Left Field

Despite a tough spring, the second-year player earned the support of the fanbase.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:53pm

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In a recent SB Nation Reacts survey, Kansas City Royals fans overwhelmingly chose Isaac Collins as their preferred starting left fielder on Opening Day, with 57% of the vote. While other options like Starling Marte and Nick Loftin were considered, fans seem to be sticking with Collins despite his difficult spring training performance.

Why it matters

The Royals have struggled to solidify their outfield in recent seasons, so the choice of who starts in left field on Opening Day is an important decision. Fans' faith in Collins suggests they believe he can be the long-term answer, even if he hasn't yet lived up to expectations.

The details

The SB Nation Reacts survey presented Royals fans with several options for the Opening Day left field starter, including Collins, Lane Thomas, Kyle Isbel, Starling Marte, and "someone else." Collins emerged as the clear favorite, garnering 57% of the vote. While Marte is a more established MLB hitter, Royals fans seem to prefer giving Collins another chance to prove himself after a tough spring.

  • The SB Nation Reacts survey was conducted in early March 2026, just two weeks before the start of the MLB season.

The players

Isaac Collins

A second-year outfielder for the Kansas City Royals who is expected to be the team's starting left fielder on Opening Day.

Starling Marte

A veteran MLB outfielder who was one of the options presented to Royals fans in the survey, though he did not receive as much support as Collins.

Nick Loftin

A Royals prospect who has had a strong spring training, leading some fans to believe he could be an alternative to Collins in left field.

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What they’re saying

“Royals fans are smart enough not to put too much stock into Spring Training stats, and if Isaac Collins can't be the guy, the Royals will be starting the year behind the eight ball in the outfield for at least the third season in a row.”

— Jeremy Greco, Author (royalsreview.com)

What’s next

The Royals will need to make a final decision on their starting left fielder in the next two weeks before Opening Day.

The takeaway

Despite Collins' struggles in spring training, Royals fans are still willing to give him a chance to prove himself as the team's starting left fielder. This suggests the fanbase has faith in his long-term potential, even if he hasn't yet lived up to expectations at the MLB level.