Royals' Kyle Isbel Joins Yankees' Fan Favorite in Rare MLB 9-Hitter History

Isbel's hot start at the plate is the kind of production not seen from a bottom-of-the-order hitter in 25 years.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel has recorded a hit in each of the team's first seven games to begin the 2026 MLB season, all while batting ninth in the lineup. Isbel's early-season hitting streak is the kind of production not typically seen from a 9-hitter, with the last player to accomplish a similar feat being a New York Yankees fan favorite over a quarter-century ago.

Why it matters

Isbel's hot start is an anomaly for a 9-hitter, as players batting in that spot are usually light-hitting defensive specialists. His early-season success has helped the Royals get off to a strong start and has drawn comparisons to a beloved Yankees player from the late 1990s who also put together an unexpected offensive surge from the bottom of the order.

The details

Through seven games, Isbel has recorded 10 hits, including a double and a triple. His batting average currently sits at .435, a remarkable figure for a player in the 9-hole. The last MLB player to have a similar stretch of production from the 9-spot was former Yankees outfielder Chad Curtis, who hit safely in 10 straight games to open the 1999 season.

  • Isbel has recorded a hit in each of the Royals' first 7 games to begin the 2026 season.
  • The last player to have a comparable hitting streak from the 9-hole was Chad Curtis of the Yankees, who hit safely in 10 straight games to open the 1999 season.

The players

Kyle Isbel

The Kansas City Royals' starting center fielder, who is off to a torrid start at the plate to begin the 2026 MLB season.

Chad Curtis

A former outfielder for the New York Yankees, who put together an unexpected offensive surge from the bottom of the order in 1999.

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The takeaway

Isbel's early-season success is a rare feat for a 9-hitter, harkening back to a beloved Yankees player from the late 1990s. His hot start has helped the Royals get off on the right foot and has drawn comparisons to an unexpected offensive surge that captivated Yankees fans over 25 years ago.