The Kansas City Royals enter their April 2, 2025, road matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers with a sense of cautious optimism after a mixed start to their season. At 1–2 following a tough series against the Cleveland Guardians, the Royals are still trying to carve out an identity that goes beyond “young and rebuilding.” But with exciting pieces like Bobby Witt Jr., an improved middle infield, and flashes of competent pitching, Kansas City appears to be moving in the right direction—even if slowly. Facing a Brewers team that has its own early-season hiccups, the Royals have a realistic chance to snatch a road win if key players perform to expectation. Bobby Witt Jr. remains the centerpiece of Kansas City’s offense and arguably its future. After signing a long-term extension in the offseason, the Royals have doubled down on Witt as the face of the franchise, and his early-season form has justified that investment. Witt’s blend of power, speed, and improved plate discipline makes him one of the most dynamic young shortstops in the league. Through the first few games, he’s already collected multiple extra-base hits and stolen bases, and when he gets on base, he creates immediate pressure on the defense. Alongside him, newly acquired second baseman Jonathan India has brought both offensive consistency and defensive reliability. India’s ability to get on base and hit for moderate power has given the Royals a more stable top of the lineup.

The rest of the lineup remains a work in progress. MJ Melendez continues to flash raw power but strikes out at an alarming rate, while Salvador Perez, still a fan favorite, is entering the final phase of his career and serving more often as a designated hitter than a full-time catcher. Vinnie Pasquantino, returning from injury, has the potential to be a solid middle-of-the-order presence if he can stay healthy and rediscover his 2023 form. Overall, this is not a lineup that overwhelms opposing pitchers, but it’s one that can manufacture runs through small ball, timely hits, and aggressive base running. Brady Singer will get the start against Milwaukee and represents one of Kansas City’s few dependable arms. Once a top prospect, Singer has matured into a reliable mid-rotation starter who can occasionally flash ace-level stuff when his sinker and slider are working in tandem. In his season debut, Singer worked into the sixth inning and allowed only two runs—an encouraging sign for a Royals rotation that lacks depth. If he can limit walks and keep the ball on the ground, Singer is capable of putting up a quality start against a Brewers lineup that has struggled out of the gate. The Royals’ bullpen, long a source of stress for fans, still has question marks. Will Smith, returning to Kansas City after a decade away, is now the closer but has already blown one save in 2025. Setup arms like James McArthur and Angel Zerpa are relatively untested in high-leverage situations, making the late innings a nerve-wracking affair for the coaching staff. In the field, Kansas City has looked sharper than last season. Witt and India form a strong middle infield, and Kyle Isbel has been excellent defensively in center field. The Royals aren’t likely to blow teams away, but if they get a strong start from Singer and a few timely hits from Witt or India, they’re more than capable of leaving Milwaukee with a win.