Isbel (hamstring) agreed to a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Royals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel batted .255 over 135 games last year but otherwise failed to improve at the plate, finishing the season with a .654 OPS alongside four home runs, 33 RBI and 42 runs scored -- all decreases from 2024. With the Royals bringing in Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins during the offseason, Isbel is likely to receive some competition for playing time in the outfield in 2026.

The Royals placed Isbel on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a left hamstring strain.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel suffered the injury during Wednesday's game against the Mariners. He will be eligible for activation the final day of the regular season, but there's a good chance the injury will end the outfielder's season. Mike Yastrzemski is starting in center field for the Royals on Thursday and could settle in there down the stretch, which could open up more playing time in left field for Adam Frazier.

Isbel (hamstring) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel had to exit Wednesday's contest with left hamstring soreness, so it's no surprise he's sitting out Thursday's matinee. Whether Isbel will require a stint on the 10-day injured list is unclear. Mike Yastrzemski will shift over to center field for the Royals and will be flanked by Adam Frazier in left field and Jac Caglianone in right field in the series finale.

Isbel was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mariners with left hamstring discomfort.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel grounded out to end the second frame and was replaced in the outfield to start the next half-inning. It remains unclear whether his injury will force him to miss additional time, which would allow Tyler Tolbert to take over in center field.

Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals are facing off against a righty (Aaron Nola) in the series finale, but the left-handed-hitting Isbel will receive a day off nonetheless after he had started in each of Kansas City's last 12 games. Mike Yastrzemski will spell Isbel in center field.

Isbel went 1-for-1 with a go-ahead RBI and a walk in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel played the hero Tuesday, delivering the go-ahead RBI in the ninth inning after coming off the bench the frame prior. His .681 OPS this season hasn't been impressive, but the 28-year-old's strong defense keeps him locked in as the club's regular center fielder.

Isbel is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The Rangers are sending southpaw Patrick Corbin to the bump, so the left-handed-hitting Isbel will begin the contest on the bench. Tyler Tolbert will patrol center field and bat ninth for the Royals.

Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will get a breather after starting the last three contests and going 2-for-8 with a pair of walks. John Rave will replace Isbel in center field and bat eighth Sunday.

Isbel went 2-for-4 with an RBI double and a run scored in Sunday's 7-4 victory over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Isabel jumpstarted a five-run 10th inning with an RBI double that gave the Royals a lead they would not relinquish. Known more for his defense, the light-hitting center fielder is off to a strong start in August, recording two hits in each of the first three games of the month. While his glove remains his primary asset, Isabel finding his swing would add much-needed depth to the Kansas City lineup.

Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals will give the left-handed-hitting Isbel a breather for the series finale while the Guardians send southpaw Joey Cantillo to the bump. Isbel had started in each of Kansas City's last six games, going 6-for-17 with a walk and four runs.