How Carter Jensen is living out his childhood dreams with the hometown Royals
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals promoted Carter Jensen from Triple-A Omaha for September call-ups.
- Jensen aims to learn from veterans and contribute during Wild Card pursuit.
- Local standout and scout team alum, Jensen now represents Royals' future.
Carter Jensen couldn’t believe his eyes. A looming figure captivated his attention and left him with an audible gasp.
Everything around him went silent. Jensen was witnessing history.
Nearly 11 years ago, Jensen made the short drive from his childhood home to Kauffman Stadium. It was no more than 20 miles away — his family lived north of KC in the Platte County area.
And yet, this particular road trip felt like a dream. Jensen, like most hardened Royals fans at the time, was concerned and a little uneasy. Still, he put on a brave face as he approached his seats at The K.
The Royals had to win. It was Game 6 of the 2014 World Series, and longtime Royals manager Ned Yost was handing the baseball to young starter Yordano Ventura.
Ventura needed to pitch the game of his life. The Royals trailed the San Francisco Giants 3-2 in the series. A win would force an all-important Game 7.
Jensen was ready to cheer on his “Boys in Blue.”
“That was one of the most electric atmospheres that I’ve seen in sports and I’ve been a part of,” Jensen said. “I’ve been to a bunch of Chiefs games, too. Those are loud, but when it comes to playoff baseball in Kansas City, it turns up a notch.”
It didn’t take long to realize that this was Ventura’s night. He delivered seven shutout innings in the Game 6 victory. After finishing his start, Ventura received a standing ovation as many joined Jensen in a state of shock.
Ventura — the looming figure in Jensen’s mind — had done it.
“It was special,” Jensen said. “You know, watching him pitch is special, and he was amazing. Being able to watch him pitch on the biggest stage, in the World Series, I mean, I try to describe to people, but it’s hard. Just to be in the stadium and witness the greatness from him and that team is hard to describe.”
On Tuesday, Jensen felt those same emotions all over again. Only this time, he would write his own history by living out his childhood dreams of playing for the Royals.
“Parts still haven’t really soaked in,” Jensen said. “They’ll soak in and I’m already feeling a lot more comfortable than I did when I first walked out here for BP (batting practice). Just being able to let loose and also know what I need to do and what I need to take care of — I think that’s big.”
Who is Carter Jensen?
The Royals promoted Jensen from Triple-A Omaha on Monday. He arrived alongside fellow prospects Jac Caglianone and Luinder Avila as September roster call-ups.
The trio will get valuable experience as the Royals attempt to chase down the Seattle Mariners for the third and final American League Wild Card spot.
“I think now that I’m here, to have guys like Jac along my side, we work so well together and are best friends,” Jensen said. “We never want to be apart when we are on the field. We hit together, be together during BP and hit in the same group.”
Neither Jensen nor Caglianone was in Tuesday’s lineup against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. However, they were available off the bench — Jensen pinch-hit in the ninth — and will continue to be moving forward.
Jensen rose quickly through the Royals’ minor-league system. He hit .290 with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs across two levels this season. Jensen also left an impression during a short stint with Triple-A Omaha, where he posted a 1.051 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 43 games.
“He’s done a great job in improving in all areas of his game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “So, (he’s) a big prospect and a guy we consider a big part of our future. And it’s a good time to get up here in meaningful games and learn from Salvy (Salvador Perez), learn from (Luke) Maile and be around Brian (Sweeney) and the pitching guys. Be a sponge and try to soak it all in.”
Jensen will wear No. 22 with the Royals. It was a number that was slotted for him and he’s excited to represent it at the big league level.
The jersey is meaningful in multiple ways.
“Now I’m on the biggest stage playing for something more than you play for in the minor leagues,” Jensen said.
It wasn’t too long ago that Jensen appeared on the Royals’ radar. He starred at Park Hill High School and was also a part of the Royals’ scout team at the Urban Youth Academy as a kid.
Jensen always wanted to suit up for the organization. The Royals were his favorite team, and he made sure to try out at 15 years old. He eventually made the scout team and became the first alum to play in the majors with the club.
“I wanted to be on the Royals’ scout team so bad just because they had ‘Royals’ across their chest,” Jensen said. “Going into that summer, when I wasn’t on the scout team and didn’t make it, I knew I had to put in the work. If I wanted to be on that team, I needed to do everything I could to get there and be on that team.”
Jensen said the scout team helped him prepare for professional baseball. He got used to traveling and learning from teammates.
Those same skills applied this season. Jensen felt he made significant growth to mature and become the best teammate he could be.
“That’s a big conversation that I had with a lot of the members with the Royals,” Jensen said. “I have to be able to act like a big leaguer before I get here.”
Major league expectations
The Royals expect to utilize Jensen in different areas on the field. He will draw some starts and be an impact bench option. He also could be called upon to run for Perez or Maile late in games.
Having three catchers gives the Royals options. It could mean extra rest for some of the core guys and a chance for development late in the season.
Jensen’s arrival also bodes well for the 2026 campaign. After trading Freddy Fermin to the San Diego Padres, Jensen has a chance to make the team out of spring training — with a considerable role.
The Royals also have to decide whether to initiate Perez’s $13.5 million club option for next season. Perez will likely remain with the organization as he continues to produce at 35 years old.
However, Jensen represents the future at the position. He will get his chance to make a case for expanded work as he learns in the majors.
And Caglianone believes his friend is ready for the biggest stage.
“He’s a pro,” Caglianone said. “He’s super professional and he rakes. So it’s fun to watch.”
Jensen had a wealth of family and friends in attendance Tuesday. What started as a childhood dream is now his own path toward a royal destiny.
This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 6:30 AM with the headline "How Carter Jensen is living out his childhood dreams with the hometown Royals."
