The Royals have a decision to make.
The Kansas City Royals are nearing Opening Day. With that being said, the team still has roster decisions to make. According to Anne Rogers, the team has yet to make its final decisions on the position player bench spots. Rogers also reports that infielder Michael Massey's calf injury is factoring into the Royals' patience with the decision.
It seems as if Kansas City would like for Massey to be on the team. If he needs to begin the season on the injured list, the team will obviously need to look elsewhere.
How Royals' Bench Could Look in 2026
Massey, 27, is certainly a strong candidate to make the Opening Day roster if healthy. He has spent parts of four seasons with the Royals. Massey is a left-handed hitter who provides defensive versatility. He can play second base or the outfield.
He hit .364 in spring training, cementing himself as a strong candidate for the roster. Updates will continue to be provided on his injury status.
Nick Loftin, Starling Marte and Lane Thomas are among the other potential bench candidates.
Marte, 37, is a two-time All-Star. He is not the same player he once was, but having a veteran such as Marte on the roster would likely help an overall young Royals squad. He would also improve the Royals' outfield depth.
Loftin, a versatile 27-year-old who can play in the infield or outfield, had a fine spring training and has spent parts of the past three years in Kansas City with the Royals.
Thomas, meanwhile, is a 30-year-old outfielder who has been a consistent starter in MLB in the past. While he will not have that same role in Kansas City, he should have a strong opportunity of beginning the season with the Royals.
Teams have until Wednesday to finalize their rosters. The Royals still have time before they have to make their final decisions.
The Royals' 2026 outlook is promising. They could realistically compete in the American League Central. Superstar Bobby Witt Jr. will lead the way, while players such as Cole Ragans, Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino will help matters.
However, the Royals' depth should not be overlooked either. Kansas City will need players off the bench to be capable of making an impact at any given moment.
The Royals will play the Braves in Atlanta in their first game of the 2026 season on Friday night.