Kyle Isbel faces a crucial year in 2025, needing significant improvement at the plate to maintain his starting role in an ambitious Royals lineup.

Kyle Isbel is among six Royals players scheduled to exchange proposed arbitration salaries with the team on January 9, indicating his ongoing role and potential development within the organization.

Kyle Isbel is highlighted as a defensive standout in the Royals' outfield. If the Royals acquire Taylor Ward, Isbel would complement him in center field, alongside Hunter Renfroe in right. This potential outfield alignment suggests a focus on improving defensive capabilities while enhancing offensive production.

Kyle Isbel had a challenging night at the plate, striking out against Gerrit Cole in a crucial moment during the fifth inning. He later flew out to the warning track in the seventh with a runner on base, nearly tying the game with a deep shot that would have been a home run at Yankee Stadium. His performance highlighted the struggles of the Royals' offense throughout the series.

Kyle Isbel posed a late-game threat when he hit a deep fly ball to right field in the seventh inning, but his effort was caught by Juan Soto, ensuring the Yankees maintained their lead. The moment added tension to Cole's outing, as it came with a runner on base and the Yankees ahead by just two runs.