Kansas City Royals' Cole Ragans Shares Health Update at Spring Training
· Yahoo Sports
The Kansas City Royals are entering the new season with legitimate postseason expectations, and much of their outlook depends on the health of left‑handed ace Cole Ragans. After emerging as the staff’s best arm over the past two years, Ragans remains the tone‑setter for Kansas City’s rotation heading into spring training.
Last season brought both production and frustration. Ragans dealt with multiple injuries including a left rotator cuff strain that interrupted his rhythm and limited his ability to stay fully consistent throughout the year. Still, he managed to finish strong, fueling optimism inside the organization as preparations for the new campaign ramp up.
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When asked whether September was the healthiest he felt all season, Ragans offered perspective on how his year unfolded. “I felt good at the beginning of the year before the injuries,” Ragans said, via Jack Johnson of Locked On Podcast Network.
Asked Cole Ragans if September was the healthiest he felt all season.
— Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) February 16, 2026
“I felt good at the beginning of the year before the injuries.”
Said it felt great at the end of the year to have those three starts and go into the offseason with a clear conscience. #Royals
Johnson added that Ragans said it felt great at the end of the year to make his final three starts and head into the offseason with a clear conscience.
In 2025, Ragans made 13 starts and posted a 4.67 ERA across 61 2/3 innings. He recorded 98 strikeouts and finished with a 1.184 WHIP, continuing to miss bats at a high level even while navigating health setbacks. Although those numbers were slightly below his previous season, they still positioned him as one of the more effective starters in the American League.
His 2024 campaign remains the standard. That year, Ragans went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA over 186 1/3 innings while striking out 223 batters. He ranked among league leaders in strikeouts and ERA, firmly establishing himself as a frontline starter. He earned recognition as one of baseball’s top left‑handed pitchers along with an All-Star selection.
The significance of his health update lies in what it means for Kansas City’s ceiling. The Royals have built a competitive roster, but Ragans is the arm who elevates the entire rotation. When he is fully healthy and commanding his repertoire, he gives the team an elite option to start the first game of a playoff series.
Hearing that he entered the offseason feeling strong provides reassurance that his 2025 interruptions may be behind him and his focus can shift toward his effectiveness on the mound. If Ragans can stay healthy for a full season, the Royals will once again lean on their ace to anchor a rotation capable of contending deep into October.