Royals Finalize Roster; Michael Massey on 10-Day Injured List
The Kansas City club announced its 26-player group Wednesday. The move came ahead of Friday’s opener in Atlanta.
Roster overview
Management returned most of the 2025 core for the 2026 campaign. They added several veterans to boost depth.
- New additions: Isaac Collins, Matt Strahm, Starling Marte, Nick Mears.
- Core position players expected to lead the offense: Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia.
- Rotation anchors include All-Star pitchers Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Kris Bubic.
Pitching staff
The staff lists 13 pitchers. The group mixes youth and experienced relief arms.
- Cole Ragans (LHP)
- Seth Lugo (RHP)
- Michael Wacha (RHP)
- Kris Bubic (LHP)
- Noah Cameron (LHP)
- Bailey Falter (LHP)
- Daniel Lynch IV (LHP)
- Alex Lange (RHP)
- John Schreiber (RHP)
- Nick Mears (RHP)
- Matt Strahm (LHP)
- Lucas Erceg (RHP)
- Carlos Estévez (RHP)
Position players
The club carries two catchers and a six-man infield group. Five outfielders complete the roster.
- Catchers: Salvador Perez, Carter Jensen
- Infielders: Vinnie Pasquantino, Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia, Tyler Tolbert (INF), Nick Loftin (UTIL)
- Outfielders: Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, Jac Caglianone, Lane Thomas, Starling Marte
Bench roles and spring metrics
Utilityman Nick Loftin earned a bench spot with strong spring numbers. He posted a .903 OPS in 18 games.
Tyler Tolbert will provide late-inning speed. He stole 21 bases in his 2025 rookie campaign.
Injuries and roster moves
The club placed second baseman Michael Massey on the 10-day injured list. The move is retroactive to March 22.
Massey stayed in Surprise, Arizona for rehab and minor-league games. The team expects he could return within a few games.
Other moves on Wednesday included designating outfielder Drew Waters for assignment. Stephen Kolek and James McArthur went to the 15-day injured list.
- Injuries: Kolek (left oblique strain), McArthur (right elbow inflammation).
- Optioned: Eli Morgan to Triple-A Omaha.
Opening day plans and schedule
Cole Ragans will start Friday’s opener at Truist Park. It will be his third Opening Day assignment.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Central Time. The club returns home Monday for a 3:10 p.m. home opener.
What to watch early
Kansas City will evaluate bench usage during the first week. Loftin, Marte and Lane Thomas could cover Massey’s absence.
Filmogaz.com will monitor roster shifts as players return from injury. Expect quick changes once Massey is healthy.
