Can Royals still contend in AL Central? The pitching & offense tell different stories
A celebratory weekend ended on a sour note for the Kansas City Royals.
Fans arrived at Kauffman Stadium to honor the past and catch a glimpse of what’s to come within the Royals organization. Big Slick 2025 began the weekend, and Mike Moustakas reflected on his career in front of 35,005 fans.
And Kris Bubic concluded it with another standout performance on the mound. However, the Royals dropped two frustrating games against the Detroit Tigers and fell further behind in the American League Central race.
Here are three takeaways from the club’s weekend series at Kauffman Stadium.
The pitching was phenomenal
The Royals received great pitching this weekend. Michael Wacha turned in arguably his best start of the 2025 campaign on Saturday. He took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning before earning a no decision.
Bubic followed suit on Sunday.
He allowed one run on four hits against the Tigers. It was more of the same from the potential All-Star ace. Bubic surrendered a triple to Zach McKinstry in the third inning and a wild pitch allowed the lone run to score.
“I didn’t throw that 1-2 heater to McKinstry with a lot of conviction,” Bubic said. “I wasn’t zoning the four-seam (fastball) well early in the game. I’ll be honest, that wasn’t my best heater. He took advantage of it and I overcooked the sweeper there in the dirt to let him score.”
Still, Bubic tied his career-high with nine strikeouts despite taking the loss. He owns a major-league best 1.43 ERA through 12 starts.
“As a pitching staff, if we continue to control what we can control, we’ll give our team a chance to win,” Bubic said.
The Royals (31-29) struggled offensively. The lineup was shut out despite registering nine hits in Sunday’s finale.
Tigers starter Keider Montero tossed 4 ⅔ scoreless innings. From there, the Royals were blanked by a convoy of Detroit relievers. KC finished 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.
Bubic has received one run or fewer of support in six of his 12 starts this season.
The Royals finished 2-4 during their six-game homestand. The Tigers (39-21) now hold an eight-game lead over the Royals in the AL Central.
The Royals are fourth in the division. The Twins (third) entered the day 31-26, while the Guardians (second) improved to 32-26 following their game Sunday.
“You feel like you are leaving a win out there for sure,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You know, guys are battling like crazy. ... Had some opportunities and weren’t able to capitalize.”
Forever Royal
There are few players synonymous with the Royals. Guys like George Brett and Frank White have their numbers retired. Salvador Perez is destined to join them after he retires.
Then, there are players that represent grit and grind. Think Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon and Amos Otis.
You can officially add Mike Moustakas to that list. Moustakas thanked the fan base during an emotional ceremony. He was surrounded by family, former teammates and coaches as he received a hero’s welcome.
“It means a lot that this organization and the people in it saw me at 18 years old and now 36 years old and a father of four. They saw me grow up from the kid I was to the man that I am today,” Moustakas said. “It’s pretty amazing to be back here and finish my career as a Royal.”
For many, Moustakas embodied Royals baseball. He devoted his body and career to building a winning culture in Kansas City. He did that with the 2015 World Series team. And his legacy continues with the next generation.
“I think his selflessness comes out and where he is now in his life and his career,” Quatraro said. “The love for the Royals and helping this current team any way he can but also helping the future of the organization.”
Cole Ragans nearing return
The pitching has been good, and it could get even better. Cole Ragans, who was a 2024 All-Star, made a rehab start with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Saturday.
By all accounts, Ragans felt fine after the start. He is currently sidelined with a left groin strain.
The Royals plan to continue monitoring his progress in the upcoming days. The club begins a six-game road trip against the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.
Ragans could be in line to pitch on Thursday. The Royals have Michael Lorenzen and Noah Cameron slated to begin the Cardinals series.
“I don’t think he will need another one (rehab start) as long as today and tomorrow check out fine,” Quatraro said.
This story was originally published June 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Can Royals still contend in AL Central? The pitching & offense tell different stories."
