The Kansas City Royals entered 2025 with high expectations after making the postseason for the first time in eight years, but things did not go according to plan.
Kansas City finished the year with an 82-80 record, landing in third place in the AL Central and falling short of a playoff spot after going 86-76 and earning a wild card berth in 2024.
Royals captain Salvador Perez did not hold back when reflecting on how the season played out, and his words carry a lot of weight heading into 2026.
"Last year, it was kind of sad," Perez said via Jaylon Thompson of the Kansas City Star. "It was not the goal. I think I saw a lot of players super excited talking about the playoffs. I think that's a great mentality."
A Step Backward in 2025
The Royals came into the season feeling like they could build on what they did in 2024, when they swept the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series before falling to the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
We're back. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/g81CcGUorM
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 11, 2026
Instead, Kansas City never found enough consistency to make a serious push, and the team sat just outside the playoff picture for most of the year despite solid pitching and the continued brilliance of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who hit .295 with 23 home runs, 88 RBI, and a league-leading 184 hits.
Perez himself still put together a productive season, finishing with a .236 batting average, 30 home runs, and 100 RBI across 155 games.
Those power numbers were strong, but the team around him could not produce enough as a whole, posting a 93 wRC+ that ranked among the lowest in baseball.
Bouncing Back in 2026
What stands out about Perez's comments is not just the disappointment but the hope he sees in his teammates' mindset.
Players being excited about the playoffs tells Perez that the hunger is still there, and that is exactly what a team needs after a letdown season.
The Royals have made moves this offseason to address their weaknesses, including trading for outfielder Isaac Collins and acquiring relievers Matt Strahm and Nick Mears.
You love to see it. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/jQhCAr6J7w
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 11, 2026
The bullpen in particular could be a real strength with closer Carlos Estevez coming off an All-Star season and Strahm bringing elite left-handed relief experience from Philadelphia.
On the mound, the return of a healthy Cole Ragans alongside Seth Lugo, Kris Bubic, and Michael Wacha gives the rotation plenty of upside heading into the new year.
Perez has spent 15 years in Kansas City and knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
His honesty about the sting of 2025 combined with his belief in the team's competitive fire should give Royals fans confidence that better days are ahead.
If Kansas City's roster additions click and the offense takes a step forward, there is no reason the Royals cannot return to October baseball in 2026.