Vinnie Pasquantino’s strong finish gives the Royals a reason to dream big

Matthew Swigonski of Kings Of Kauffman argues that Vinnie Pasquantino's powerful conclusion to the 2026 season provides the Kansas City Royals with major optimism for 2027. Despite a difficult, injury-plagued campaign that saw Kansas City finish among the worst teams in MLB, Pasquantino surged following his return from a fractured hamate bone on August 17.

Over his final 35 games, Pasquantino hit 11 home runs, drove in 30 runs, and capped the season with two homers in a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Swigonski believes this late-season resurgence secures Pasquantino's role alongside core players Bobby Witt Jr. and Jac Caglianone, enabling general manager J.J. Picollo to focus on rebuilding the pitching staff.