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Kansas City Royals’ Ascent in Fantasy Baseball 2025

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Kansas City Royals’ Ascent in Fantasy Baseball 2025

2025 MLB Column: Kansas City Royals Poised for a Breakthrough Season

A Team on the Verge of Something Special

The Royals enter 2025 with one of their most exciting rosters in years. Fantasy baseball drafters are taking notice, as multiple Royals are climbing ADP rankings. Leading the charge is Bobby Witt Jr., a legitimate MVP candidate and one of the top picks in all fantasy formats. The team’s offseason trade for Jonathan India further solidifies their offensive potential, giving them a dynamic top-of-the-order presence.

With Vinny Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Michael Massey providing additional offensive firepower, Kansas City has a lineup that can compete. Hunter Renfroe brings 20+ home run power, while MJ Melendez, Miguel Garcia, and Kyle Isbel round out a surprisingly deep group. For the first time in years, the Royals enter a season with an offense that fantasy owners actually want to invest in.

Betting Market: Will Kansas City’s Offense Rank in the Top 10?

Buy or Sell: Royals Finish Top 10 in Runs Scored?

Buy: Witt is an elite talent, and India leading off could generate 100+ runs. If Pasquantino stays healthy and Massey continues his breakout, this lineup has serious upside.
Sell: Depth concerns remain, and Renfroe is streaky. The bottom of the order still has some holes.

A Pitching Rotation with Potential but Questions

The Royals’ rotation is anchored by Cole Ragans, who emerged as a true ace last season. But after him, there are some question marks. Seth Lugo was a fantasy darling last year, but can he replicate his success? Michael Wacha, Michael Lorenzen, and Kris Bubic round out the rotation, forming a serviceable but unproven group.

Lugo’s draft stock has soared, and while some believe he’s a reliable SP2, others remain cautious. Wacha and Lorenzen have been effective at times in their careers, but are they more suited as veteran fillers rather than rotation staples?

Betting Market: Will Seth Lugo Sustain His 2024 Success?

Buy or Sell: Seth Lugo Finishes as a Top-30 Fantasy Starter?

Buy: Lugo showed he could handle a full workload, and Kansas City will rely on him as their No. 2 starter. If he repeats last year’s performance, he’s a steal.
Sell: One-year wonders happen in baseball. If Lugo regresses or deals with injuries, he might not live up to his inflated ADP.

The Royals’ Bullpen: Who Gets the Saves?

Kansas City paid Carlos Estévez big money to be their closer, but they also traded for Lucas Erceg, who saved 11 games last season and looked dominant in stretches. While Estévez is expected to get the first shot at the role, Erceg could easily push for save opportunities.

Betting Market: Royals Saves Leader

Buy or Sell: Estévez Will Finish with Over 25 Saves?

Buy: Kansas City paid him to be the closer, and if they contend, he should have plenty of save chances.
Sell: Erceg is a real threat. If Estévez struggles, Kansas City won’t hesitate to make a change.

Playoff Contenders or Just a Step Away?

With an improved lineup, a rising ace in Ragans, and a deep bullpen, the Royals are legitimate AL Central contenders. If their rotation holds up and the offense performs as expected, a playoff berth is within reach.

Buy or Sell: Royals Will Make the Playoffs?

Buy: The AL Central is wide open, and Kansas City has the talent to win it. If the pitching holds, they’ll be a Wild Card team at worst.
Sell: They might be a year away. If Lugo regresses and the bullpen falters, they could finish just outside contention.