Kansas City Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino Comments on Tough AL Central Division

Vinnie Pasquantino believes the American League Central deserves more respect than it gets, and he has a clear example of why.

The Kansas City Royals first baseman shared his view in an interview with Foul Territory, pointing to the Cleveland Guardians as a team that makes opponents work regardless of the standings. "It sucks being on the other end of it, but you appreciate just how good they are at what they do," Pasquantino said of Cleveland.

The Guardians finished first in the AL Central at 85-77, one game ahead of the Chicago White Sox, who went 84-78 and secured a wild card spot. Kansas City ended the year at 69-93, last in the division and 16 games behind Cleveland.

The gap between the Royals and the top of the division was real, but the AL Central race itself was tightly contested for much of the season. Cleveland finished with 678 runs scored and 667 allowed, while Chicago scored 776 and allowed 720. Kansas City scored 690 runs but gave up 810, a difference that explains why the Royals struggled to keep pace over 162 games.

Pasquantino remained an important part of the Kansas City lineup despite missing significant time. He hit .249 with a .333 on-base percentage and .760 OPS, adding 17 home runs and 63 RBIs across 114 games.

A right hamate fracture sent him to the injured list in June, and right wrist soreness caused another absence in July before he returned in August. He showed what he can do when healthy, hitting two home runs in a 3-2 win over Cleveland on September 27th in the final week of the season.

The Royals have more to address than just closing the gap in the standings. Their pitching staff allowed 810 runs, and injuries to multiple arms added to the challenge throughout the year. Improving run prevention will be essential if Kansas City hopes to turn Pasquantino's production and the offensive potential of players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Carter Jensen into more wins in 2027.

Pasquantino has also been mentioned as a Gold Glove finalist for 2026, earning recognition for his defensive work at first base alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays and Christian Walker of the Astros. The nomination adds another layer to a season that, despite the injuries and the team's record, showed he remains one of the more complete first basemen in the AL.

Pasquantino's respect for Cleveland does not change the work ahead. His comments do make one thing clear though: he views the AL Central as a tougher division than its reputation suggests, and the Royals will need to prove they can compete in it.