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The Royals have a perfect first base solution, but there’s no way they’ll do it

Last year, Vinnie Pasquantino started slowly and then eventually came around to put together a solid year. The hope was that this year, Vinnie would pick up where he left off and skip the “started slowly” part. That did not…

Published: Friday, 25 September 2026 at 4:00 PM
The Royals have a perfect first base solution, but there’s no way they’ll do it
Key Things to Know
  • Analysis suggests Kansas City should platoon Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez at first base.
  • Pasquantino holds a 125 wRC+ against righties but only a 63 wRC+ against lefties this season.
  • Salvador Perez outperforms Pasquantino against left-handed pitching with a 97 wRC+.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Matthew LaMar argues that the Kansas City Royals should utilize a first-base platoon next season between Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. Pasquantino has struggled significantly against left-handed pitchers, posting a 63 wRC+ compared to a 125 wRC+ against right-handed pitching this season.

Perez offers opposite splits, recording a 97 wRC+ against left-handers this year. The article notes that while this setup addresses offensive splits without roster changes, the Royals organization remains unlikely to implement it.

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