KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals are set to kick off their 2025 season against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 3:10 p.m. Central on Thursday, March 27. After an impressive 2024 campaign that saw the Royals finish with an 86-76 record and make their first postseason appearance since 2015, expectations are high for the team this year.
The Royals' 2024 season ended in the American League Division Series, where they fell to the New York Yankees after defeating the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card round. This year, the team is eager to build on its success, aiming to improve its performance and secure a spot in the playoffs once again.
Manager Matt Quatraro, entering his third year at the helm, has a roster that includes a mix of returning players and new faces. The Royals finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster, which features 15 players who were part of last year's team. The roster includes pitchers Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, John Schreiber, Chris Stratton, Michael Wacha, Angel Zerpa, and Carlos Estevez; catchers Freddy Fermin and Salvador Perez; infielders Maikel Garcia, Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Jonathan India; and outfielders Dairon Blanco, Kyle Isbel, MJ Melendez, Hunter Renfroe, and Mark Canha.
Four players will be making their Royals debut on Opening Day: pitcher Carlos Estévez, infielders Cavan Biggio and Jonathan India, and outfielder Mark Canha. Fans are excited to see how these new additions will contribute to the team's success.
One of the biggest storylines for the Royals heading into the season is the performance of star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Last year, Witt finished second in the American League MVP race, boasting a .332 batting average and leading MLB with 211 hits. He also achieved his second consecutive 30-30 season and earned a Silver Slugger Award and Gold Glove. If Witt can replicate or even improve upon his 2024 performance, he could be a frontrunner for the MVP award again.
Another player to watch is Vinnie Pasquantino, who had an impressive 2024 season with 19 home runs and 97 RBIs in 131 games. However, he is currently recovering from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. The Royals are optimistic about his availability for the home opener, as he has participated in batting practice and on-field drills recently.
The Royals will rely heavily on their pitching staff and defense this season, which includes four former All-Stars in the starting rotation. The bullpen is led by closer Carlos Estévez and emerging reliever Lucas Erceg. For the Royals to make a return to the postseason, they will need more offensive production from their lineup, particularly from the middle order.
As fans prepare for the home opener, the excitement is palpable. The Kauffman Stadium parking lots will open at 9 a.m., with general parking passes available for $21 if purchased online in advance. For those arriving later, parking can be bought at the gate for $30. Gates to the stadium will open at noon, and the Opening Day ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. These ceremonies will include team introductions, an American flag ceremony conducted by airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, a performance of the National Anthem by the popular Branson act “The Haygoods,” and a flyover by A-10s from Whiteman Air Force Base.
In terms of weather, fans can expect temperatures in the middle 60s when the parking lots open, rising to the lower 70s by noon. However, there is a 30% chance of rain during the day, increasing to 40% by the time of the first pitch.
For those attending the game, it’s important to note the bag policy: fans are allowed one clear bag no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” with all items visible. A clear one-gallon zip-seal bag is also permitted, along with small clutch bags that do not exceed 9″ x 5″. Prohibited items include backpacks, outside food and drinks (except for one sealed water bottle), weapons, and large cameras.
As for food options, Kauffman Stadium will feature a fresh lineup of culinary delights this season. Among the new offerings are the Z-Man sandwich from Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que, priced at around $15, and the Kauffman Fried Chicken Quesadilla, which includes mashed potatoes, crispy fried chicken, corn, gravy, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Fans can also look forward to the Sluggerrr Dog, made with locally-sourced Chorizo topped with Manchego, tempura batter, Doritos Cool Ranch crust, and avocado aioli.
With high hopes and a talented roster, the Kansas City Royals are ready to embark on their 2025 season. The team’s commitment to building a competitive squad is evident, with CEO John Sherman expressing confidence in their approach to payroll and talent acquisition. As the Royals take the field for their season opener, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting year of baseball.
