Kansas City Royals
· 2026-07-14
The Kansas City Royals have had a tough first half, but there have been some standout performances. With the All-Star break here, let's take a look at the team's first-half awards. The Royals currently sit at 14th in the American League with a 38-59 record, on a five-game losing streak, including an 8-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on July 12.
Bobby Witt Jr. has been the clear choice for the Royals' most valuable player. In 360 at-bats, Witt has a .286 average with an .816 OPS and 30 stolen bases. He has played the most games, with 91, and has been a consistent force in the lineup.
Michael Wacha has been the Royals' top pitcher, posting a 3.77 ERA over 119 1/3 innings, with a 96-34 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has had 14 appearances of six or more innings in 19 starts. Wacha and Seth Lugo are both trade candidates at the deadline, with the Royals reportedly having massive asks for either pitcher.
Closer Lucas Erceg has been a disappointment, leading MLB with six blown saves in 18 opportunities. He has a 5.11 ERA in his third season with the Royals. Erceg had a 2.64 ERA in 2025, making him the Royals' go-to closer for 2026, but it became very clear he wasn't the late-inning guy they thought they had.
Caglianone has been a surprise for the Royals, playing in 62 games in 2025 as a rookie and hitting seven home runs with a .157 average. This season, he is well outpacing his previous mark, with 15 home runs in 90 games and a .260 average. He will participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday night, as he has established himself as one of the more impactful power bats on the Royals' roster.