The best pictures from 2025 Spring Training photo day

The regular season looms. Spring Training is coming to a close. And in just under the wire is our annual look at the best pictures from Royals Spring Training photo day, which we have run here at Royals Review for a decade. Yes, in years past, this post happened shortly after the pictures were originally snapped. This year, well, not so much.

But hey—it’s the thought that counts. I personally love these pictures because they tend to just get buried under the more usual pictures of players playing in games, and they are a welcome sight for sore eyes for us writers who have to choose old pictures of players for months on end. So, without further ado, here are some of my favorites. Enjoy.

Christmastime is an illusion (lunchtime doubly so)

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Christmas happened in December. Christmas in July is a thing, which is interesting because it’s like the half birthday of Jesus or something. Salvy wearing a Santa hat in February? Why not. Why not. He can do what he wants.

(in heavy Italian-American accent) Hey there, do ya have any olives?

Everything about this just screams “Italian uncle at the party whomst everyone likes.” He’s Uncle Vinnie, I mean, what’s not to like about Uncle Vinnie? Sure, he sometimes doesn’t come across great in pictures, but who doesn’t, ya know? Hey, you should come over and have ravioli sometime. What’dya say?

Tyler…Tolbert?

I have seen a lot of Spring Training photo day pictures and this one, where a player humorously or straight-lacedly holds up their nametag is a common one. Said player looking into the camera for the first time and remembering the time when, as a child, he dropped his ice cream cone onto the ground, sending him to tears? That’s a first.

Hello, my name is Cole Ragans, please prepare to be struck out

Cole Ragans is a big dude, you know. In this picture, he’s tipping his cap at you, the hitter, for not running away from him in fear. He will strike you out anyway.

Yordano may be gone, but he’s not forgotten

I initially chose this picture because Maikel Garcia looks cool here. But then I noticed what’s on his right arm—an “Ace 30” wristband. The Royals wore the Ace 30 patch throughout the 2017 season in memory of Yordano Ventura. Garcia still remembers. So do we.

This is your captain speaking

I remember when Salvador Perez was a young 21-year-old catcher with energy to spare and a bright future ahead of him. Now, he’s the cornerstone of the Royals team, a franchise legend who still plays and inspires. Here’s hoping for another great year.

Carter Jensen: Winner of the “Is a Snack” award

A few years ago, I called Nicky Lopez a “snack” and he Tweeted about it. Since then, I’ve given a few different Royals the “Is a Snack” award. This year, Jensen wins, because that is a pose that means business and I respect it. Plus, the headband—fantastic.

To be in the light, you have to know the dark

Hunter Harvey didn’t exactly have the best time as a Royal last year. He had a few rough outings and then got hurt for the rest of the season, unable to contribute through the playoffs like his peers. Well, guess what? He’s healthy and ready for some action.

QuikTrip personified

QuikTrip donuts are surprisingly good, you know. It’s hard not to think about QuikTrip with the giant patch in the same frame as the donut MJ is devouring, as he should, because it was probably a long day.

Also, look at those arms. Very Alex Gordon-esque.

The newcomer arrives

Jonathan India is a really good fit with the Royals, as he single-handedly solves their leadoff hitter conundrum. Nothing fancy about this pic—it just looks cool.

Fred.

Long live Fred.

Bobby Witt can’t fool us

It sure looks like Bob here is trying to be nonchalant. No-can-do, young gentleman. Witt is the best player in the American League and, if not for Shohei Ohtani, would have a strong argument for best player in the sport. You can’t fool us. Inside that face is determination and a bunch of home runs and steals.