The Kansas City Royals have their first Spring Training game on Friday and it's officially time to turn our collective attention to baseball. These Royals accomplished something truly amazing in 2024, winning a playoff series while pulling off one of the best turnarounds in MLB history.
There were some obvious holes in the lineup though, and the Royals addressed the top of the order by trading Brady Singer for Jonathan India. Acquiring India was wise though created a logjam in the infield. Michael Massey broke out as a promising second baseman last year and that's India's primary position.
Both players expressed a willingness to play left field or move around the infield, yet it'd be a change for whichever player ultimately lands that utility role. It's obviously extremely early, but Friday's lineup indicates there's an early leader in the battle to start at second base.
Baseball today. Featuring Jonathan India in left field: https://t.co/WBmTE1h1TA https://t.co/Jb0ExWaOLQ
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) February 21, 2025
Michael Massey Starts at 2B and Jonathan India in LF for Royals' 1st Spring Training Game
The Royals released their first lineup ahead of the Texas Rangers matchup. As expected, India will lead off ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino. Hunter Renfroe will be fourth as the designated hitter, then Massey will hit fifth.
India starting in left field seems to indicate manager Matt Quatraro's desire to push him out there with some time at third base as well. Both are decent defenders, but Massey ranked in the 85th percentile in range at Baseball Savant while India was in the 71st. Massey's arm is stronger, which could make him more likely to take third base reps, though Quatraro at least wants to see what this looks like.
Fans should expect to see a variety of lineups and fielding alignments over the spring. The Royals have a versatile group of players, and Quatraro is known for his tinkering and willingness to move guys around. The club wants to maximize every player's abilities and that requires testing the limits.
However, if things work out, it's possible the top half of the lineup looks pretty similar to what we'd see on Opening Day. Salvador Perez isn't playing on Friday and he'd obviously factor in, though the top part of the order seems relatively set.
It's just a matter of figuring out where exactly everyone will play on the field.