As the 2025 season looms, the Kansas City Royals find themselves with a roster peppered with questions, particularly in the outfield and second base. However, the starting rotation is one area where the Royals have clarity and confidence.
The rotation will closely resemble the previous year, and for good reason. Last season, this group was a force, boasting a 3.55 ERA—second best in all of baseball—while also ranking second in HR/9 at 0.96 and third in strand rate at 75.2%.
Leading the charge is Cole Ragans, the undisputed ace whose performance sets the tone for this formidable rotation. Right alongside him is Seth Lugo, whose transition back into a starting role later in his career has reignited his potential and proved invaluable to Kansas City. This offseason saw the Royals wisely re-sign veterans Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen, solidifying a top-four that promises stability across a grueling 162-game schedule.
However, the final spot in the rotation is where things get interesting. The choice boils down to a competitive field of talented arms.
Kris Bubic, a former first-round pick, is the frontrunner. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bubic dominated in relief over 27 games, posting a dazzling 1.95 FIP across 30.1 innings.
His skill set makes him a compelling candidate to complete this rotation.
Outside of Bubic, contenders like Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch IV, and Jonathan Bowlan are in the mix. Marsh seemed poised for a rotation spot but faltered slightly with a 4.53 ERA and a 4.34 FIP over 25 starts last year. Lynch, on the other hand, has been a standout this spring, flaunting a 1.29 ERA in his first seven innings, with zero walks and six strikeouts—a stellar showcase of control and poise.
Ultimately, both Marsh and Lynch demonstrate big-league potential, yet the Royals’ depth affords them the luxury of starting the season in Triple-A. It’s not a reflection of their abilities but rather a testament to the depth and talent currently embedded in the Royals’ rotation. With a blend of seasoned arms and youthful potential, Kansas City’s stable of starters is poised to make serious waves in the upcoming season.
