The Kansas City Royals finished the 2026 season at 69-93, their first losing season since 2023 and a 13-game drop from last year’s 82-80 record. Kansas City finished last in the American League Central and never seriously challenged for a postseason spot, with the offense and pitching both struggling for consistency. The Royals closed the season by losing seven of their final 10 games, including a 2-4 homestand, before beating Cleveland 3-2 in the finale.
There were some bright spots for a team looking toward 2027. Rookie catcher Carter Jensen emerged as one of the league’s top young hitters, finishing with 30 home runs and 94 RBI and becoming the first catcher in Royals history to win American League Player of the Month honors. Vinnie Pasquantino also finished strong, hitting two home runs in the finale, while Jac Caglianone had a productive second half. The Royals now face an offseason focused on turning those young pieces, along with Bobby Witt Jr. and others, into a team capable of returning to contention
