The Kansas City Royals have been in freefall as of late, losing nine of their last 10 games, and quickly falling behind in a competitive AL Central. KC ranks third-worst in the entire MLB in runs per game at 3.88, and the pitching has dipped significantly from last year, especially after the loss of ace Cole Ragans, ranking bottom-third in runs given up (4.29) and WHIP (1.38).
What’s worse for fans and the team alike is that the majority of these recent losses have been within just one or two runs. KC seems to be right on the precipice of racking up some victories, but just can’t seem to get the bats flying, aside from Bobby Witt Jr., who may not be performing to a top-tier superstar level, but is still clearly the best player on the trailing Royals.
While veteran catcher Salvador Perez has been mightily improving as of late, power-hitter Vinnie Pasquantino has been by far the season’s biggest disappointment. What was supposed to be a strong third straight starting season for the emerging ‘Pasquatch’, it has been the complete opposite and has forced manager Matt Quatraro’s hand to drop him in the batting order.
Vinnie Pasquantino needs to improve for his sake and the Royals
This January, before the season's start, Pasquantino was awarded a two-year, $11.1 million extension with the ball club. It was well-deserved and, quite frankly, looked like the bargain of the century at the time. Pasquantino was coming off a career-high .264 batting average, 32 home runs, and a team-leading 113 RBIs.
However, through his first 47 games in 2026, Pasquantino has looked like a shell of himself, causing some quiet rumors to begin of the Royals looking to throw his name out in trade discussions before the Aug. 3 deadline. Just about every measurable statistic you can find, Pasquantino is at a career low, hitting just .194 BA, five homers, and a -0.1 WAR (wins above replacement).
He’s also been struck out 41 times, which is nearly one per game and paces him out to a ridiculous 139 if he plays the same number of games as he did the year prior (160). While it’s doubtful, Kansas City will actually pull the trigger on a trade, to think that, within less than five months after extending him, there are trade rumors swirling, is a harrowing thought that is all too real.
If I’m Matt Quatraro, I think you keep him in the lineup and let him continue to work out the kinks. Pasquantino is a guy that you just bet on to figure it out, because without him performing to his capabilities, the Royals have no shot of digging themselves out of the hole.
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