The Royals still have plenty of reason for hope.
The Kansas City Royals are just 3-3 to begin the 2026 MLB season. It has been a mediocre start to the year for a team with high expectations. While their performance has been underwhelming, the Royals still have potential. This team can certainly compete in 2026.
Kansas City has a number of players performing at a high level. Meanwhile, some players have yet to reach their expectations. Many of those players will surely get back on track, though.
The Silver Lining
Most of the attention when it comes to the Royals is on Bobby Witt Jr. Witt has been alright to begin the year, but he has yet to hit a home run. Witt is going to be fine of course. Once he gets things going, the Royals still see their performance improve.
The good news is that players such as Jac Caglianone and Kyle Isbel have started the new campaign strong. Kansas City's outfield was a question heading into the season, but it could end up being a strength this year.
Isbel already has two home runs. His career-high in homers is eight, so perhaps he will set a new career-best mark.
Caglianone features a high ceiling. He has displayed his potential in the past. He is continuing to display his ceiling in 2026.
Maikel Garcia, who made the All-Star team last year, is hitting .316 to go along with an .808 OPS. He seems to be ready to go early in the season.
From a pitching standpoint, Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic have led the way. Ragans has a 3.60 ERA in two starts, while Bubic has a 1.50 ERA in one start.
Closer Carlos Estevez is currently on the injured list. Nevertheless, the overall pitching should be alright.
The Royals' lineup has been up and down, but the aforementioned players are finding success. Hitters such as Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez are destined to get back on track following slow starts to the season.
The silver lining right now is that the Royals are playing a mediocre -- not terrible -- brand of baseball despite Witt, Perez and Pasquantino not meeting their expectations yet. The Royals should be able to turn their mediocre play into quality play once those guys figure things out.
The Royals are set to host the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night in what projects to be a competitive game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 PM EST.
UPDATE: Friday's game has been postponed due to weather.