Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans has proven that he can be effective in the big leagues, but it hasn't happened since 2024. On the bright side, the southpaw logged a respectable outing against the Colorado Rockies in Saturday's spring training game, allowing three runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts against two walks in 5.1 innings.

Ragans wasn't originally supposed to pitch for that long, per MLB.com's Anne Rogers.

"Cole Ragans was scheduled for five innings but got a sixth 'up' today to get his pitch count up to 86, which he said he appreciated," she reported.

"Next one counts," Ragans said. The 28-year-old will start Kansas City's Opening Day road matchup with the Atlanta Braves on Friday night. 

Although Ragans was effective on Saturday, he ended spring training with 13 earned runs allowed over 16 innings. Additionally, the 28-year-old went 3-3 with a 4.67 ERA over 13 starts last season. He missed most of the campaign with a rotator cuff strain.

Ragans was better at the beginning of his Kansas City tenure. The Royals acquired the Florida native from the Texas Rangers for closer Aroldis Chapman in June 2023, and he went 5-2 with a 2.64 ERA over 12 starts after the deal. He also went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA across 32 starts in 2024, and he allowed just one run over 10 playoff innings.

If Ragans pitches more like his pre-2025 self, Kansas City could be a force in the AL Central. The squad has plenty of other dependable hurlers, including fellow starters Michael Wacha (career 3.89 ERA), Seth Lugo (3.49 ERA), and Kris Bubic (4.14 career ERA). Relievers Lucas Erceg (3.54 career ERA) and offseason trade acquisition Matt Strahm (3.36 ERA) are also reliable, while closer Carlos Estevez led MLB with 42 saves last season.

On top of that, the Royals have an explosive lineup on paper. They put their offensive prowess on full display during the World Baseball Classic (WBC). For example, third baseman Maikel Garcia was the tournament MVP after hitting .385 with a .970 OPS with one homer, seven RBIs, and three stolen bases over seven games with Team Venezuela. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino notched a .970 OPS with three homers and four RBIs for Team Italy, while outfielder Jac Caglianone had a 1.071 OPS with one homer and four RBIs for Italy as well.

Superstar shortstop Bobby Witt had a .733 OPS for Team USA and produced several defensive highlights along with three stolen bases. Catcher Salvador Perez had a quiet tournament at the plate for Venezuela, but he tallied 30 homers and 100 RBIs for Kansas City last season.

If the team's players play to their capabilities on both sides of the ball, the Royals could be one of MLB's best teams. On the other hand, baseball isn't played on paper, and WBC success doesn't guarantee the same in the regular season.