Isbel went 2-for-3 in Monday's spring training win over Arizona. He's hitting .265 (9-for-34) with a .686 OPS this spring.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will return as Kansas City's starting center fielder but likely needs to improve at the plate to keep from losing playing time. He hit just .240 last season with a .662 OPS, but his elite glove kept him in the lineup. Isbel has ranked in at least the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average each of the last three seasons. He'll also sit against most left-handed pitching as he hit just .161 with a .450 OPS against lefties last season. The Royals have experimented with Maikel Garcia in center field this spring, so Kansas City could look at other options if he struggles at the plate.

Isbel agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Royals on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will receive a $1 million raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility after slashing .229/.287/.367 with 42 RBI and 11 stolen bases across 136 games last season. While he is expected to start regularly in the outfield again in 2025, the 27-year-old's career-long lack of offensive production means he can be safely left off fantasy managers' radar.

Isbel is not in the lineup Monday for Game 2 of the ALDS against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed-hitting Isbel will grab as seat as the Yankees send southpaw Carlos Rodon to the bump. Garrett Hampson is covering center field and batting ninth for the Royals.

Isbel isn't in Kansas City's lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will join many of the Royals' starters in getting a day off Saturday after the team clinched a postseason berth Friday. Dairon Blanco will get a chance to start in center field while Isbel rests.

Isbel is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed-hitting Isbel will begin the series finale on the bench as the Nationals start southpaw Patrick Corbin on the mound. The right-handed-hitting Garrett Hampson will patrol center field for the Royals.

Isbel is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Southpaw Tarik Skubal is on the hill for Detroit, so the left-handed-hitting Isbel will take a seat. Garrett Hampson will occupy center field and bat ninth for Kansas City.

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

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will typically hit the bench versus left-handed pitching, but he's on the bench Sunday against Pittsburgh righty Jared Jones. Garrett Hampson is starting in center field for the series finale.

Isbel went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, two stolen bases and a run scored in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

One game after he hit multiple extra-base hits, Isbel showed off a different skill by picking up his first steals since Aug. 19. The outfielder has a career-high 11 thefts on 13 attempts this year, and he's flashed additional speed with seven triples. He still has little to show for overall with a .234/.286/.377 slash line, eight home runs, 42 RBI, 58 runs scored and 12 doubles across 124 contests.

Isbel went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an RBI double and two total runs scored in Friday's 8-3 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel contributed his RBI double during the Royals' six-run second inning, and he added a solo shot in the fourth. This was his second multi-hit effort in three games after he went 23 contests without one from Aug. 13 to Sept. 9. The outfielder has a .232/.282/.374 slash line with eight homers, 42 RBI, 57 runs scored and nine stolen bases over 123 games this season, serving primarily as a strong-side platoon option in center field.

Isbel is absent from Monday's lineup against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Isbel will avoid a matchup with Yankees southpaw Carlos Rodon. Garrett Hampson will start in center field Monday and bat ninth.