Carter Jensen Breaks Royals Rookie HR Record, Named AL September Player of the Month

Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen emerged as the team's primary backstop in 2026, starting 97 games at catcher and 40 as DH. He broke the Royals rookie home run record with 27, leading the team, and also set a new team record for extra-base hits by a rookie with 64. Jensen was named the AL September Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month. Despite some early season struggles and a league-leading 9 passed balls, he finished with a .239/.323/.467 slash line and a .790 OPS, 20% above league average.