26 oddly specific predictions for the 2026 Kansas City Royals

Last weekend, my youngest son did something that amazed me so much that I decided to write this column. In our kitchen, we have this block calendar—it has two numbered block that you can use to count down to some event. It has options for months, weeks, and days, too. We don’t always use it, but we

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Last weekend, my youngest son did something that amazed me so much that I decided to write this column.

In our kitchen, we have this block calendar—it has two numbered block that you can use to count down to some event. It has options for months, weeks, and days, too. We don’t always use it, but we will when it’s getting close to summer vacation, Christmas, or a vacation.

While I’m working on dinner, the youngest—he’s six—comes in and starts messing with it. “Hey, Dad.”

“Hmmm?”

“Hey, Dad, look.”

I look.

He has the calendar to 95 weeks until break.

“Oh, cool,” I said, shifting back to cooking.

“Did you see?”

“Yep. What’s in 95 weeks?”

“Christmas.”

“Ha. Okay, buddy.”

We have an Amazon Echo in our kitchen, so I asked Alexa, “What’s the date 95 weeks from today?”

Wouldn’t you know it—December 25, 2027.

I said, “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” while my son gloated and laughed. Deservedly so, albeit maniacal.

In that spirit, I’ve decided to take my shot at some oddly specific predictions, but of course, this is a Kansas City Royals blog, sir and madam, so I’m incorporating them.

Now, unlike Child #2, I put some thought into my predictions. This little project took much longer than anticipated. I looked at stats, projections, the schedule, etc., and not just for the Royals. I created my own little world of which I will only provide a snippet. Trust me: consuming the whole thing wouldn’t be healthy. There’s a point to that story about Pandora.

But these predictions are safe to share. These are my 26 oddly specific predictions for the 2026 Kansas City Royals.

The Royals will win their first game of the season in their second game before taking the series from Atlanta that Sunday.
Maikel Garcia will hit the first home run of the year for the Royals in his first at-bat of the second game of the season.
The Royals will finish the regular season 2-4 against the Yankees, with one victory coming on April 18 in New York and the other occurring on May 26 in Kansas City.
On June 17, Lucas Erceg will officially supplant Carlos Estévezas the team’s closer.
On July 2, during a home game against the Tampa Rays, Salvador Perez will hit career home run #318, surpassing George Brett as the Royals’ all-time home run leader. The home run will come against pitcher Garrett Cleavinger.

With the No. 6 pick in the draft, the Royals will select Tyler Spangler, SS, De La Salle (Concord, California).
These five Royals will make the All-Star game: Bobby Witt Jr., Cole Ragans, Maikel Garcia, Lucas Erceg, and Vinnie Pasquantino.
Before the trade deadline, the Royals will trade two pitchers who have started at least one game for them between 2025 and 2026, and neither of those pitchers will be Kris Bubic.
On August 1, the Royals will lose to the Colorado Rockies.
Cole Ragans will throw his second career complete game on August 4 against the Minnesota Twins.
In 2025, the Royals were shut out 15 times while shutting out their opponent 10 times. In 2026, the Royals will be shut out 10 times while shutting out their opponent 15 times.
Starling Marte will appear in exactly 100 games.
Eight Royals will finish the season with at least 10 home runs.
Seth Lugo will lead the team in innings pitched with 193-and-1/3.
In 2025, the Royals bizarrely managed to finish 26-26 against fellow American League Central teams. In 2026, against those same opponents, the Royals will finish 33-19 (11-2 against Chicago, 7-6 against Cleveland, 6-7 against Detroit, and 9-4 against Minnesota).
The Royals will win the American League Central by one game.
The Royals hit 159 home runs in 2025, ahead of only four other teams. The Royals will increase that total to 183 home runs in 2026, led by…
Jac Caglianone, who will knock 35 homers.
Matt Quatraro will be named a finalist for American League Manager of the Year, but will not win.
Carter Jensen will finish second in voting for American League Rookie of the Year.
Cole Ragans will finish second in the American League in strikeouts with 216.
He will also finish second in the American League Cy Young voting.
Vinnie Pasquantino will capture his first Silver Slugger.
Bobby Witt Jr. will record his third career 30-30 season with 33 home runs and 31 stolen bases.