Hey there, baseball enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the world of the Royals and explore the insights from our recent fan survey? Get ready for some fascinating revelations and a few surprises along the way!
The Royals Review 2026: A Glimpse into Fan Sentiment
Last week, we invited fans to share their thoughts on the Royals, downtown baseball, and the state of the game. Nearly 400 responses later, we have a treasure trove of insights to uncover. While it's not a scientific study, this fun internet poll gives us a unique perspective on how Royals fans are feeling as we gear up for the upcoming season.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Grading the Royals' Leadership
When asked to evaluate the performance of John Sherman and the ownership group, fans were surprisingly generous. With 53.1% giving a solid 'B' and only 2.1% handing out an 'F', it seems like Sherman's efforts are appreciated, especially considering the challenges faced with the thwarted ballpark plans.
J.J. Picollo and management also received high marks, with an impressive 79.3% awarding an 'A' or 'B'. Fans seem to be satisfied with J.J.'s leadership, despite some criticism about outfield upgrades.
Matt Quatraro, the star student of the bunch, earned an 'A' or 'B' from over 80% of fans. His hiring in 2023 was met with overwhelming approval, and it looks like he's maintained that goodwill.
Offseason Grades: Incomplete, But Promising
The Royals' offseason moves have left fans with a sense of anticipation. While the additions of Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, and Matt Strahm were well-received, the team hasn't made that big splash yet. Fans are eager to see how the Royals respond to Detroit's offseason moves and whether they can take that final step towards dominance.
The Offense: A Clear Area of Concern
When it comes to the biggest worry heading into the season, the offense takes the cake, with a whopping 97% of fans citing it as their primary concern. It's a clear indication that fans want to see more firepower in the lineup.
Young Talent on the Rise
Carter Jensen has captured the imagination of Royals fans, with 58.4% expressing excitement about his potential. A disappointing performance from Jac Caglianone and Jensen's hot September have shifted the tide in his favor.
In the minor leagues, Kendry Chourio leads the pack with 38.5% of fans excited about his prospects. Blake Mitchell, David Shields, Luinder Avila, and Ben Kudrna also received notable mentions.
Long-Term Deals: Vinnie Pasquantino Tops the List
Vinnie Pasquantino is the fan favorite for a long-term deal, with 38.8% of votes. Fans want to see him stay in Kansas City for the long haul. Carter Jensen and Cole Ragans also received significant support, with 15.6% and 15.3% respectively.
Prediction Time: How Many Wins for the Royals?
Over 60% of fans believe the Royals will win 85 games or more in 2026. It's a surprising display of optimism, considering the team's recent performance.
The Stadium Debate: A Divisive Issue
The question of a new stadium for the Royals sparked a lively debate. While 54.8% of fans support the idea, 25.4% are opposed, and 19.8% are undecided. Those against a new stadium cited their love for Kauffman Stadium and concerns over public financing, parking, and traffic.
If a new stadium is built, Washington Square Park is the preferred location for 39.6% of fans, followed by 18th and Paseo (near 18th and Vine) with 16.5%.
Work Stoppage: A Looming Threat?
A potential work stoppage in 2027 is on everyone's mind, with 77.2% of fans believing it will result in canceled games. The current labor deal is set to expire at the end of the year, and owners are reportedly preparing for a lengthy battle over a salary cap. Let's hope cooler heads prevail and we can avoid any disruptions to the season.
Labor Issues: Salary Cap and Free Agency
When it comes to a salary cap in baseball, 85% of fans are in favor. It's a popular idea in small markets like Kansas City. However, fans are divided on the issue of players reaching free agency earlier, with 43.8% supporting it and 56.2% opposed.
Divisional Realignment: A Controversial Proposal
The idea of mixing AL and NL teams together in a divisional realignment has its supporters (32.8%) and detractors (67.2%). While baseball has experimented with regional alignments, the traditional AL/NL structure has largely remained intact. But with the leagues becoming more blurred, we could see some changes in the future.
Should Baseball Expand?
The question of expansion has divided fans, with 43.9% in favor and 56.1% against. It's been almost 30 years since baseball last added teams, the longest stretch without expansion since 1961. With some teams still resolving ballpark situations, expansion could be on the horizon once those issues are addressed.
If baseball were to expand, Nashville, TN, and Montreal, QB, are the top choices, with 58.1% and 30.1% of fans respectively favoring these cities for new teams.
And there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the Royals Review 2026 survey results. What are your thoughts on these findings? Do you agree with the fan sentiment? Feel free to share your opinions and let's continue the discussion!
