The long winter has finally ended. Baseball is back. While the league laughed at the misfortunes of nearly half the teams yesterday—particularly the misfit centerfielder Oneil Cruz—the focus now shifts to the Kansas City Royals’ own challenges. Today’s game against the Atlanta Braves marks the start of the 2026 season, and the Royals’ Opening Day starter, Cole Ragans, faces a critical test. This will be his third consecutive Opening Day start, but he’s yet to secure a victory in such games. His last appearance in an Opening Day contest came in 2024, when he took the loss against Minnesota. Last year, he was sidelined by injury and struggled with a higher ERA, though advanced metrics suggest he pitched more effectively than his stats indicated when he was healthy. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can replicate that performance this season. Ragans, who has never faced Atlanta as a Royal, will encounter a formidable Braves lineup. The team features star power in Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, but also includes players with inconsistent performances. Former Royals like Mike Yastrzemski may find themselves on the bench due to his split numbers. The Royals’ familiarity with Atlanta’s starter, Chris Sale, adds another layer of complexity. Sale, who previously pitched for the White Sox, has evolved into an elite pitcher again, making him a tough matchup for the Royals. The Royals’ Opening Day lineup includes four players who weren’t on the team at this time last year, including Maikel Garcia, who returns to the top of the order after a strong 2025 season and standout performance in the World Baseball Classic. Garcia’s return to the leadoff spot is a positive sign, though his absence from the Opening Day lineup last year raised questions.#ronald_acua_jr #atlanta_braves #kansas_city_royals #oneil_cruz #cole_ragans
