Royals Name Cole Ragans Opening Day Starter

Pitcher will take the mound as Kansas City opens 2026 season

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:04am

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The Kansas City Royals have announced that pitcher Cole Ragans will be their Opening Day starter for the 2026 MLB season. Ragans, a 25-year-old left-hander, will take the mound as the Royals kick off their campaign against an opponent yet to be determined.

Why it matters

Naming an Opening Day starter is an important milestone for any MLB team, as it signals who the organization views as its top pitching talent and ace to lead the staff. Ragans' selection indicates the Royals have high expectations for the young hurler as they look to improve on their 2025 season performance.

The details

Ragans, who was acquired by the Royals in a trade with the Texas Rangers in 2024, had a breakout 2025 campaign, posting a 3.71 ERA over 32 starts. The Royals are hoping the left-hander can build on that success and anchor their rotation as they aim to contend in the AL Central division.

  • The Royals announced Ragans as their Opening Day starter on March 18, 2026.

The players

Cole Ragans

A 25-year-old left-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Kansas City Royals in a 2024 trade with the Texas Rangers.

Kansas City Royals

A Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri that plays in the American League Central division.

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What’s next

The Royals will open their 2026 season on April 1st, with Ragans taking the mound as the team's starting pitcher.

The takeaway

The Royals' decision to name Cole Ragans as their Opening Day starter signals their confidence in the young left-hander to lead the pitching staff and help the team improve on their 2025 performance as they aim to contend in the AL Central.