disKCovery

I watched a lot of great, and not so great, Royals teams from these seats. But even when the team was lackluster, there were always a few players worthy of our attention. PHOTO CREDIT - *disKCovery*

The 1st Quarter: Forever Royal

Published August 13, 2025 at 5:38PM CT

I don’t want to admit it, but it’s absolutely true.

As of July 2nd, we’re officially closer to 2050 than we are to the year 2000. Where did a quarter-century even go? Frosted tips, burned CDs, butterfly clips, and Nokia bricks don’t seem that long ago. Like whether Alex Gordon would have made it home in Game 7 in 2014 (he wouldn’t have), I’d rather not talk about it.

But no matter how much, or little, I dwell on it, the fact remains: WE ARE more than 25 years into this millennium. Over that time, Kansas City’s major professional sports teams have taken us on a complicated ride. Yes, for over a decade we have known a golden age of professional sports, unlike anything this city has ever seen. Since 2000 however, KC teams have experienced both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We’ve seen each of our major teams hoist trophies, and spend seasons at the bottom of the standings.

For the Royals, those extremes have defined the past two-and-a-half decades. Sure, there have been a few solid seasons, and a couple where they were the envy of the league, but more often than not, they’ve been a punchline, spending year after year in the cellar.

That’s not to say that in the leanest of years, Kansas City has not known great players. The what-ifs that surround some of the more talented players may be the most frustrating part of Royals’ fandom in this century.

Looking back at all that’s happened at Kauffman Stadium since 2000, it’s important to take a holistic view. It’s easy to name the best teams in that span (as there aren’t many to choose from), but many of the Boys in Blue deserve to be crowned for their individual achievement.

There are players who never saw the playoffs with Kansas City who demand to be remembered. It is in that spirit that I decided to compile a roster of the best Royals of the 21st Century. In most cases, naming the best at each position is pretty straightforward, with only a few debates to be had. That’s why I chose to put together a full 26-man Major League Baseball (MLB) roster, complete with coaching staff, featuring the best Royals of the last quarter century.

Who starts for this team? Who makes the bench? Who gets left behind?

Grab your coldest beverage of choice and let the barroom debate begin!

Da Rules

“It’s All About Baseball.”
As the self-appointed General Manager of this quarter-century Kansas City Royals team, this roster has to be built to compete. Every GM dreams of a team that regularly engages in best-of-seven battles. Some tough calls came down to how a savvy MLB manager would deploy this squad over the course of such a series.

“Come to Play.”
As tempting as it was to get creative with player placements, it was crucial to stick to natural positions. To qualify, a player had to log at least 27 innings - that’s the equivalent of three full games - at that position for the Royals since 2000.

“We Believe.”
Better yet, we suspend disbelief. Staying true to each player’s natural position means staying true to their jersey number too. So yes, you may see some duplicate numbers on the final roster.

“It All Happens Here.”
Do I care if a player made eight All-Star Games or won six Gold Gloves? Absolutely. But do I count these accolades if they didn’t happen in Kansas City? Absolutely not. Every stat listed and honor considered for this roster is based solely on what a player did in a Royals’ uniform. If a player’s career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) or stat line doesn’t quite add up, you’re likely looking at their overall career numbers as opposed to what they specifically did in KC.

“Our Time.”
Like the MLB All-Star Game, every team must be represented. That doesn’t mean one player can’t represent multiple years, but every Royals team since 2000 must have at least one player on the roster.

“Be Royal.”
A cup of coffee at The K isn’t enough to make this team. Jermaine, Melky, Johnny, Ben, and all the rest - we had a lot of fun, we really did, and there’s so many memories we’ll cherish but this team just isn’t for you. To make my quarter-century roster, a player must have spent at least two full seasons with the Royals since 2000.

The Infield

While the early part of this century didn’t offer much to brag about in the Royals’ infield, the past decade has been a different story. The dirt has been defended by All-Stars, Gold Glovers, and electrifying playmakers. Here’s the starting infield for your Quarter-Century Royals:

While Mike Sweeney and Billy Butler offered some stiff competition at first base, this spot was always Eric Hosmer’s. Beyond having the kind of clubhouse charisma that can’t be faked, Hosmer separated himself with opportunistic offense and dynamic defense. We will never forget the mad dash home in Game 5 of the 2015 Series. In 2017, he capped his Royals tenure by winning his fourth Gold Glove and his lone Silver Slugger, then cashed in for a monster payday. In hindsight, while plenty of us begged him to say, it’s probably best that the Royals weren’t the ones to write that check.

2B | #15 | Whit Merrifield (2016 - 2022)
Bats: R | Throws: R | Best Season: 2018 | WAR:16.6
Honors: 2x All-Star, 2022 Topps All-Rookie Team, 1x Fielding Bible Award Winner (2B), 1x MLB Stolen Bases Leader, 3x AL Stolen Bases Leader, 2x MLB Hits Leader, 2x AL Hits Leader

I can’t be the only fan who wishes Whit Merrifield (not Adalberto Mondesi) got the call for the 2015 World Series. Instead, Merrifield is the definitive Royals player of the late 2010s. Twice MLB’s hits leader and thrice a stolen base champ, he will forever be remembered as “Two Hit” Whit, but perhaps his enduring legacy should be his endurance. Merrifield appeared in 553 consecutive games, a Royals record, from 2018 to 2022. During the streak, Merrifield played six different positions and started both games of a doubleheader 11 times.

The list of Kansas City Royals who have stolen 30 bases and hit 30 home runs in the same season? Why, that would be Bobby Witt, Jr. (2023) and also, Bobby Witt, Jr. (2024).
The list of MLB shortstops with multiple 30/30 seasons? Just one name: Bobby Witt, Jr.
Nearly every time Bobby Witt, Jr. takes the field, we all see something we haven’t before. He hasn’t even served a full Presidential term yet and he’s already the greatest shortstop in Royals history. His career is already worthy of the Royals Hall of Fame, and he’s just getting started.

Around 2012, the fans at Kauffman stopped booing the team, and started “MOOOOOSE”-ing instead. Mike Moustakas gave them plenty of reasons. The defining image of his career? His fearless catch over the Dugout Suite rail in Game 3 of the 2014 ALCS. Even after the magic of those October runs, Moose made history by doing something no Royal had ever done prior; hitting 37 home runs in a single season. It’s embarrassing that 36 dingers was the club record for over three decades, but in 2017 Moose waved bye-bye to Balboni’s long-standing mark. (Moose’s record has since been topped twice and now sits at 48.)

Is Mike Moustakas the best third baseman in Royals’ history? Of course not. But, is he the best of this century, and beloved by this generation of fans? Absolutely.

The Bench

With only three reserve infield spots available, some tough calls had to be made. The first two go to Mark Grudzielanek (2006 - 2008) and Alcides Escobar (2011 - 2016). Grudzielanek was the rare veteran who didn’t just coast through Kansas City in the twilight of his career. Instead, “Grudz” played some of his best ball, batting .300 across three seasons with the Royals and snagging the only Gold Glove of his career at second base in 2006.

Escobar, capable of playing second, third, and his natural shortstop, is remembered for his slick fielding and ironman durability. During his eight seasons in KC, Escy played all 162 games in three of them!

With Ben Zobrist ineligible for this roster, the utility spot goes to Mike Aviles (2008 - 2011). A sparkplug with early promise, Aviles played every position except pitcher and catcher, and hit over .300 in each of his two full seasons with the team.

The Outfield

Hard to believe in the current climate, but Kauffman’s vast outfield has been home to some truly elite athletes; players who made the impossible look routine. Some left Kansas City to chase rings elsewhere, while others grabbed theirs right at One Royal Way. Here’s the starting outfield for your Quarter-Century Royals:

LF | #4 | Alex Gordon (2007 - 2020)
Bats: L | Throws: R | Best Season: 2014 | WAR: 34.9
Honors: 2025 Royals Hall of Fame Inductee, 3x All-Star, 2x Platinum Glove, 8x Gold Glove, 4x Fielding Bible Award (LF), 3x Wilson Defensive Player of the Year (LF), 1x Hutch Award

New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia was supposed to be unhittable. With one out in the bottom of the ninth of Game 1 of the 2015 World Series, the game was supposed to be over. Problem is, nobody told Alex Gordon that. When every person at The K heard the crack of his bat, we knew he had tied the game. Soon after, the Royals would win. Gordo’s offensive numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page, but Royals fans know it wasn’t just how Gordon hit, it was when he hit. He thrived in the biggest moments.

Defensively, he was a wizard. With a franchise-record eight Gold Gloves and the only two Platinum Gloves in club history, Alex Gordon is the undisputed choice for this position.

Many will lament Lorenzo Cain’s exclusion, but for all his greatness, Carlos Beltrán was simply the better centerfielder. Early on, his brilliance flew under the radar, but Royals fans knew they had a true five-tool star. He had speed on the bases, power and average from both sides of the plate, a rocket of an arm, and grace in the outfield. Most of his Hall of Fame-worthy career transpired elsewhere, with eight All-Star nods, three Gold Gloves, and two Silver Sluggers coming after he left KC. Yet, Beltrán remains the best Royals centerfielder of the 21st century, and possibly the greatest defensive talent in franchise history.

In Kansas City, we used to have a saying. We didn’t invent it. It wasn’t even LoCain’s to begin with. We just repeated it until it was. “Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Lorenzo Cain.”

After back-to-back jaw-dropping catches against the Angels in the 2014 ALDS, the rest of the nation agreed. So, why wasn’t he even a finalist for the Gold Glove in 2014? Because he split time between right field and center and didn’t qualify at either. While he’s known for his centerfield magic, Cain did log 186 innings in right field for the Royals. With Carlos Beltran holding down centerfield, putting a defensive wiz like Cain in right was an easy call.

The Bench

While I have to acknowledge that Jermaine Dye would’ve made this bench if he hadn’t been traded mid-2001, the first spot would still belong to David DeJesus (2003-2010). Often remembered for the media surname puns, and being the name on the back of every black Royals jersey worn in the wild, he brought a great glove, consistent bat, and clubhouse leadership to some pretty rough teams. As a bonus, he shone in all three outfield spots.

The other bench spot goes to Raúl Ibañez (2001 - 2003, 2014), another clubhouse favorite. Known for his dependable bat and clutch hitting, Ibañez was the guy you wanted at the plate with runners on and the game on the line. He was such a great leader that in 2014, he was considered a candidate for several managerial positions even though he had not yet retired from playing.

With a defense like this one: does it even matter who pitches? PHOTO CREDIT - *disKCovery*

The Battery

Baseball is unique in that the defense holds the ball for nearly the entire game. At the heart of that possession? The pitcher and the catcher, the battery that sets the tone for the entire defense. Here’s your Quarter-Century Royals starting battery:

C | #13 | Salvador Perez (2011 - Present)
Bats: R | Throws: R | Best Season: 2021 | WAR: 35.3
Honors: 9x All-Star, 1x World Series MVP, 2x All-MLB First Team, 1x All-MLB Second Team, 5x Gold Glove, 5x Silver Slugger, 1x AL Comeback Player of the Year, 1x MLB Home Run Leader, 1x AL Home Run Leader, 1x MLB RBI Leader, 1x AL RBI Leader, 2024 Roberto Clemente Award Winner, 3x Royals Team Captain

Since I won’t be able to say it for much longer, here it is: Salvador Perez holds the American League and the MLB record for most home runs hit by a catcher in a single season. (To quote Vinnie Pasquantino I have to playfully say, “Screw you man” to Cal Raleigh.) He has more 20 home run seasons than any Royal EVER. He’s got five Gold Gloves to his name. He’s made nine All-Star Games. He’s the captain of the current Royals team, and this quarter-century one.

This was the easiest call on the roster. Not only is Salvy the greatest Royals catcher this century, he’s the greatest in team history. It’s not even much of a competition. He’s a lock for the Royals Hall of Fame. His #13 should be retired some day. It’s hard to imagine a Royal more beloved by fans than Salvy.

I wish I could capture how magical it felt to step into Kauffman Stadium in 2009 when you knew that Greinke was on the mound. For this generation of Royals fans, it was a first: showing up to The K and expecting a win. That incredible season ended with a Cy Young Award for Greinke and the baseball world realizing that wins aren’t the ultimate stat for pitchers. Greinke’s command was rarely matched by his peers, and his ability with a glove never was.

There’s only one Royals cap in Cooperstown’s Portrait Gallery, but this duo of Greinke and Perez? They might just be numbers two and three.

The Bench

Oddly enough, the toughest call on this roster was back-up catcher. After Salvador Perez, the drop-off is STEEP. That job goes to fellow Venezuelan, and Perez’s recent back-up, Freddy Fermín (2022 - 2025), who had already surpassed the next best option, John Buck, before he was traded to San Diego.

The starting rotation’s final four spots sparked some serious debate. Until recently, Royals pitching was a weak link, but there were still tough choices to be made.

The second starter is Mr. “Bury me a Royal” Danny Duffy (2011 - 2021). It’s easy to remember the injuries and completely forget just how dynamite his mid-90s fastball was at its peak.

Third in the rotation is “Big Game” James Shields (2013 - 2014). His arrival in KC signaled the Royals’ readiness to compete, and he delivered on that promise. With a 3.18 ERA and 8.4 WAR in two seasons, Shields brought the swagger and set the tone for the 2014 and 2015 postseason runs.

Fourth up is “Ice” Cole Ragans (2023 - Present). It will feel like recency bias to many, but Ragan’s impact in such a short time, plus the need for another lefty, earns him the nod.

For the final slot, there’s plenty of worthy choices, but I went with Gil Meche (2007 - 2010). Prior to Shields, Meche was the big-ticket signing expected to right the ship. And for a while, he delivered. Ultimately injuries, caused by mismanagement, cut his career short, and he famously returned $12 million to the Royals. Still, in those first two seasons, Meche posted a 9.1 WAR, 3.79 ERA, and earned an All-Star nod.

The Bullpen

If Dayton Moore taught Kansas City anything, it was the value of a great bullpen. No matter how dominant your starter is, the modern game is decided in the late innings by the guys coming out of the pen. Here’s the bullpen for your Quarter-Century Royals:

Kelvin Herrera never racked up the saves of Greg Holland or Joakim Soria, or carried the mystique of Wade Davis. However, as a set-up man, he was brilliant. In high-leverage moments, he was dominant. Armed with a triple-digit fastball and a devastating changeup, Kelvin Herrera was filthy when the Royals needed him most. in the clinching game of the 2015 World Series, Herrera gave the team a rare three inning relief appearance, where he gave up zero runs to force extra innings and paved the way for a title. He remains the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason appearances and is tied with Wade Davis for most postseason strikeouts, boasting a 1.36 playoff ERA. When it came to bridging the gap to the closer and getting the hold, few in baseball were better.

Many will favor Greg Holland’s numbers, but Wade Davis was the more clutch closer. In 2014, he gave up zero home runs; in 2015, only one. Taking over as closer late in 2015, he became nearly unhittable. Over 25 postseason innings for the Royals, Davis posted a 0.36 ERA, allowing just one run. In the 2015 playoffs, he was perfect in four save opportunities. From 2014 to 2016, Wade Davis had one of the most dominant relief runs in recent memory. In the biggest moments, when it was time for the opponent to pay the piper, the Wader always quickly brought the check. For those reasons, he is the obvious choice to close out games for this Royals team.

The Bench

Obviously, one bullpen spot belongs to Greg Holland (2010 - 2015). The bend-but-don’t-break righty recorded 159 saves for Kansas City. This was second in the 2000s only to “His Mexcellency” Joakim Soria (2007 - 2011, 2016 - 2017), who racked up 162 saves and earns another bullpen spot. While many recall Soria’s lackluster second stint, his first go-round was pure dominance. Back then, hearing Welcome to the Jungle blast through The K meant only one thing: a win was coming.

Rounding out the bullpen are Scott Barlow (2018 - 2023) and Jeremy Affeldt (2002 - 2006). In 2021 and 2022, Barlow was the epitome of reliability, posting a 2.42 and 2.18 ERA respectively.

In a bullpen packed with righties, the final spot had to go to a southpaw. With 281 strikeouts in nearly 400 innings pitched, Affeldt is the perfect fit.

The starter was a no-brainer. Beyond that, there were some tough choices to be made with pitching. PHOTO CREDIT - *disKCovery*

The Designated Hitter

The Kansas City Royals were founded in 1969. In 1973, the Designated Hitter became a part of the American League game. In the same way that a pitcher is purely a defensive player, the DH is solely an offensive one. Meet the Designated Hitter for your Quarter-Century Royals:

Buck O’Neil observed that the story of nearly every person’s first Major League ballgame includes a home run. For me, that homer was hit by Mike Sweeney, and it allowed us to redeem our tickets for free Sheridan’s custard after the game. While Billy Butler offered some stuff competition, the nod at Designated Hitter goes to Sweeney. He was the definition of a great player stuck on bad Royals teams. At his peak, Sweeney was one of the most feared right-handed bats in the American League. A five-time All-Star and team captain who hit for both average and power despite little line-up protection, injuries shortened his prime. When healthy, Sweeney brought serious boom to Kansas City. With his experience at first base, he doubles as a strong backup option behind Hosmer. And, having began his career as a catcher, he makes a decent emergency option there as well.

The Coaching Staff

Part motivator, part strategist, part architect, and part psychologist: the manager sets the line-up, handles the rotation, defines expectations, and shapes how the team plays. But it doesn’t stop with the manager, every coach has a role to play. Here are the coaches for your Quarter-Century Royals:

MGR | #3 | Ned Yost (2010 - 2019)
Best Season: 2015 | Royals Record: 746 - 839
Honors: 2023 Royals Hall of Fame Inductee, 2x MLB All-Star, 1x World Series Champion, 2x American League Pennant Winner, 1x AL Central Division Champion

“YOSTED!” Like many Royals’ fans, I yelled it out more than once during Ned Yost’s early years. None louder than at the 2014 AL Wild Card game when he chose to pitch Yordano Ventura in relief, only to watch him surrender a three-run homer to the first batter he faced. But, I was also at Kauffman for Yost’s final game, on my feet and cheering in gratitude for all he brought to KC. Fair to say, Yost’s legacy is complicated.

He is the winningest manager in club history, delivering four straight non-losing seasons, two pennants, and a World Series title. Whether you loved him, questioned him, or a bit of both, one thing was certain: his players loved playing for him. He got the best out of them, and he’ll get the best out of this squad too.

The Bench

A skipper is only as good as the staff behind him. Ned Yost retained the same coaching staff in 2014 and 2015. When he managed the American League All-Stars in 2025, he took his whole crew with him. There’s no reason he wouldn’t do the same here.

It may seem lazy, but these guys were vital to the greatest two-year run in franchise history. They’ve earned the call. That means:

Dave Eiland (2011 - 2017) as Pitching Coach.
Pedrol Grifol (2013 - 2022) as Catching Coach.
Doug Henry (2013 - 2017) as Bullpen Coach.
Mike Jirschele (2014 - 2019) at Third Base.
Fan-favorite Rusty Kuntz (2008 - 2010, 2012 - 2017, 2021 - Present) at First Base.
Dale Sveum (2014 - 2019) as Hitting Coach.
Don Wakamatsu (2014 - 2017) as Bench Coach.

The final roster for *disKCovery’s* All-2000s Royals Team. IMAGE CREDIT - *disKCovery*

The Biggest Snub

On a roster this stacked, snubs are inevitable. There’s bound to be players that fans feel were unfairly overlooked. While there’s a couple players who have a fair grievance, there’s one glaring omission that outshines them all:

As a fan, leaving off “Country Breakfast” nearly broke my heart. Billy Butler brought joy to so many Royals fans, and gave me and my brother one of the coolest baseball experiences ever. But, when push came to shove, Mike Sweeney beat out Butler for the DH spot, and Hosmer owns first base. There just wasn’t any room for another Designated Hitter. Others like Joe Randa (1995 - 1996, 1999 - 2004) and a handful of starting pitchers have legitimate complaints about being left off, but as was the case in the 2012 Home Run Derby, Billy Butler is the biggest snub of all.

I don’t want to admit it, but it’s absolutely true.

This team, my Kansas City Royals All-Quarter Century Team, isn’t perfect. There are likely snubs, questionable inclusions, and points of personal preference. One place where all can Royals fans can agree is that it’s a shame that every single member of this team couldn’t have had their moment of October glory for the Royals. Luckily, many did.

Some names are obvious, others may surprise you, and a there’s a handful that will definitely start arguments. That’s the fun of it. This roster goes beyond stats. It’s about the players who made you stand up at The K, made you cheer in your living room, kept you on the edge of your barstool, and made you believe in Royals baseball; especially when that belief seemed unanswered, unrequited, and undeserved.

Sure, we’re closer to 2050 than 2000 now. Certainly, we’re much closer to the end of Kauffman Stadium than its beginning. But as long as there’s still a white KC on that cap, and fans are willing to fill living rooms, bars, parking lots, and stadiums to debate line-ups and armchair GM? We’ll be doing just fine.

So, here it is. The best of the best. You gotta love these guys; the guys who are forever Royal. Your All-2000s Kansas City Royals team!

Do you agree with the roster? Disagree? Grab another beverage and join the conversation, because the barroom debate has just begun.

STAY TUNED! The journey continues as we explore the quarter-century greatness of other Kansas City pro sports teams in the coming months. As for your thoughts on the All-2000s Royals? Jump in the comments and join the conversation.

Y2KC

The 1st Quarter: Forever Royal

Da Rules

The Infield

The Bench

The Outfield

The Bench

The Battery

The Bench

The Bullpen

The Bench

The Designated Hitter

The Coaching Staff

The Bench

The Biggest Snub

Best in Dough!