The Kansas City Royals are still playing spring training games despite the fact that many of their players are participating in the World Baseball Classic. One player who isn't at the WBC but also has not been playing spring training games for the past few days is outfielder Isaac Collins. According to Anne Rogers, Collins is battling mild back/left side tightness.

"Collins told me it’s something he doesn’t want to push through with opening day still two weeks away," Rogers added in the report. 

Collins, 28, was traded to the Royals from the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason. Milwaukee's decision to move on from him was surprising, as Collins has displayed promise. Nevertheless, the Brewers made the move and the Royals acquired an impactful outfielder as a result.

Kansas City's outfield is probably its biggest question mark heading into the season. The Royals will need Collins to perform well in 2026. The hope is this injury will not prove to be anything serious. Proceeding with caution is certainly the best move during spring training. 

It remains to be seen if Collins will be ready for Opening Day.

Collins technically made his big league debut in 2024, however, he appeared in only 11 games that season. The 2025 campaign saw Collins play in 130 contests. 

Across those 130 games, Collins slashed .263/.368/.411 while hitting nine home runs and 22 doubles. He added seven stolen bases. Collins also finished the year with a .779 OPS.

It is clear that Collins features the talent to make a legitimate impact in a lineup. He is a switch-hitter, so Collins offers lineup versatility. He does not have to be a platoon option, but he can be if necessary. 

For the Royals, Collins will likely start. Jac Caglianone is expected to handle duties in right field, while Kyle Isbel is the center fielder. Collins, meanwhile, is likely going to play left field. With that being said, Kansas City has other outfield candidates in Starling Marte and Lane Thomas. 

Royals manager Matt Quatraro has options. As mentioned, there is uncertainty in the outfield, but that doesn't mean there is a lack of depth. Rather, many of the team's outfielders are either not proven, still up and coming or past their primes. 

Regardless, the Royals' outfield could be better than expected, especially if Collins takes a step forward.

The Royals will provide updates on Isaac Collins' injury status as they are made available.