Bold statement: Cole Ragans is back and ready to lead the Royals again, health restored and confidence high. Now the question is how far he can take this comeback. But here’s where it gets controversial: will his improved slider be enough to translate spring training gains into a consistent big-league impact? Let’s break down what’s happening and why it matters.
Cole Ragans, the All-Star lefty who missed significant time in 2025, confirms he’s healthy and prepared to compete. “I’m healthy and I feel good,” Ragans said, adding that he has clear goals for the offseason as a foundation for a strong return. He’s not resting on that status, though; he’s focused on refining his pitch mix and command.
A focal point for Ragans is his slider. Anne Rogers notes Ragans specifically wants to sharpen this changeup-like breaker, which he described as having real promise when it’s in the zone and when it’s chased outside of it. He indicated the grip adjustments from the prior year paid dividends, delivering swing-and-miss and chase, especially during his limited spring appearances. Yet, he emphasizes that the movement still wasn’t exactly what he wanted, describing it as depthy and almost “like a baby curveball” at times. The takeaway: the slider can be a weapon, but consistency and precision in location remain his biggest hurdles. His aim is to be able to throw a true 0-0 slider—an elite-level capability he didn’t fully master last season but believes is within reach.
Beyond Ragans, the Royals have intriguing spring developments. Jac Caglianone unleashed a 120.2 mph homer during spring training—an absolutely rare display of raw power—and that blast is fueling optimism about his potential everyday inclusion in the lineup. The Royals are clearly letting the moment sink in, as The K’s fences are reportedly coming in, which could further unlock power in young players like Caglianone.
From a pitching-depth perspective, the competition for the Opening Day rotation is shaping up. Bergert appears to be a strong candidate for the six-spot, with Noah Cameron pushing for a spot and readiness if injuries strike. The seven-man rotation is still in flux, with Luinder Avila drawing high praise from Matt Quatraro, Mason Black delivering standout spring work, and Bailey Falter showing well. Kudrna has had a rough spring, allowing eight runs on nine hits in 3.1 innings with three walks, which drops him from contention for now. Steven Zobac could enter the mix as midseason depth rather than an immediate rotation piece.
Carter Jensen stands out as the Royals’ lone prospect named on a composite top-100 ranking, highlighting the future talent pipeline that could shape the team’s trajectory in the coming years.
If you’re curious about broader baseball stories, the piece also touches on Hinchliffe Stadium’s revival as a Negro League ballpark, a glimpse into Paul Skenes’ early experiences catching a no-hitter as a youth, and the sobering news about former pitcher Dan Serafini receiving a life sentence for murder. It also notes the passing of longtime umpire Bruce Froemming at 86 and a discussion about ongoing debates over college eligibility versus NIL-related issues in the NCAA.
Bottom line: Kansas City is gearing up for a compelling season—Ragans’ health and slider development, Caglianone’s explosive power, and an unsettled but talent-rich rotation could combine to make 2026 one of the Royals’ more interesting years in recent memory. Do you think Ragans will regain his 2024 form and elevate the rotation, or will the slider struggle to find its consistency this season? Share your take in the comments.
