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Royals, Tied Worst Record, Begin Padres Series

7/18/2026

35 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Royals Open Series

On July 17, 2026, the Kansas City Royals (38-59) opened a series against the San Diego Padres.
The Royals’ .392 winning percentage ties for the worst in MLB while they endure a five-game losing streak.
The Padres, with a $200 million payroll, hold a minus-43 run differential as Royals starter Michael King (6-7, 3.41 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) faces Padres pitcher German Marquez (4-2, 5.18 ERA).

Summary

Royals Weigh Trades

The Royals face the Aug. 3 trade deadline with a roster viewed as a seller’s market.
GM J.J. Picollo said the club will decide at the All-Star break whether to buy or sell.
SVP Scott Sharp said the team will be opportunistic after the break but expects no wholesale changes.
Reliever Lucas Erceg leads baseball with six blown saves and a 5.11 ERA, making him and Alex Lange, John Schreiber, Daniel Lynch possible 2027 trade pieces.

History

Historical Context

The 1994-95 MLB strike began on August 12 1994, lasted 232 days, cancelled the World Series for the first time since 1904 and cost owners about $580 million. Its shock forced the Montreal Expos into payroll cuts and eventual relocation, creating caution that in 2026 sees the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres—led by GM J.J. Picollo and SVP Scott Sharp—favor cost-effective roster moves at the trade deadline.

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Royals Open Series

On July 17, 2026, the Kansas City Royals (38-59) opened a series against the San Diego Padres.
The Royals’ .392 winning percentage ties for the worst in MLB while they endure a five-game losing streak.
The Padres, with a $200 million payroll, hold a minus-43 run differential as Royals starter Michael King (6-7, 3.41 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) faces Padres pitcher German Marquez (4-2, 5.18 ERA).

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