The Kansas City Royals find themselves in an interesting spot come Sept. 1, 2025. From that date through the end of the season, every MLB team must carry 28 players: 14 position players and 14 pitchers.
For rebuilding clubs, it’s a chance to give prospects valuable reps with nothing to lose. For contenders, it’s an opportunity for fringe veterans or standout prospects to contribute down the stretch, complementing the regulars who’ve carried the load for most of the season.
But the Royals don’t neatly fit either category as August winds down. They’re still in the hunt for a coveted Wild Card spot, doing everything possible to stay alive in the race, but they can’t afford to jeopardize that by rushing up a prospect who isn’t ready—or by folding too early.