The Kansas City Royals missed the playoffs despite late push.
The Kansas City Royals closed out the 2025 MLB season with a 82–80 record, securing a winning record for the second straight season and finishing third in the American League Central Division under manager Matt Quatraro. Cincinnati’s early-season struggles gave way to a more competitive stretch that kept them around .500 for much of the year.
Despite failing to win a playoff round after a 2024 Wild Card appearance, the year provided important data on the roster’s core players and organizational direction.
On New Year’s Eve, the organization marked the end of the season by sharing a highlight video on X, revisiting some of the team’s most memorable moments from the 2025 campaign. The post served as a recap of key performances, pivotal wins, and individual milestones that shaped the year.
Royals Players Who Stood Out in 2025
The Royals were again led by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. who continued his emergence as one of baseball’s top all-around players. Witt tallied 184 hits and a team-best 47 doubles, ranking among the MLB leaders in both categories. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award at shortstop and earned First-Team All-MLB honors.
But Witt wasn’t the only player to post notable individual numbers in 2025. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino finished the year batting .264/.323/.475 with 32 home runs and 113 RBIs, ranking third in the American League in RBIs. Veteran catcher Salvador Perez hit 30 home runs, marking his ninth straight full season with 20 or more homers, and recently agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract extension with the club. Third baseman Maikel García posted a .286/.351/.449 slash line with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs, earning his first career Gold Glove Award.
Despite a collectively average pitching staff that pitched 3.73 ERA as a group, some players stood out. Veteran right-hander Seth Lugo, signed to a two-year, $46 million extension, struggled in 2025, delivering an ERA of 4.15 and 8-7 record over 26 appearances.
Season Themes and AL Central Hurdle
The 2025 Royals followed a path of gradual improvement from their slow start and early division struggles. After a 8-14 record through April, Kansas City undertook a midseason push highlighted by a six-game win streak followed by nine wins in ten games.
However, the American League Central remained tightly contested for much of the season, with the Cleveland Guardians (88-74) and Detroit Tigers (87-75) finishing ahead of Kansas City. The Royals ended the division race six games behind the Guardians.
Defensively, Kansas City was strong, with Witt’s Gold Glove level play and García’s standout season earning individual recognition. With several key contributors under contract and a clearer roster outlook, Kansas City will enter the 2026 offseason hoping to build off the progress shown during the year.