Manager Matt Quatraro's job security is all of a sudden in question, as is the standing of many Royals players heading into the Aug. 3 trade deadline. It was hard to pinpoint even three players who have been individually surprising stars, but even Kansas City has high-end baseball talent. It's a lost 2026 season for the Royals, but the emergence of these three stars makes it easier to stomachMichael WachaThe 35-year-old longtime starting pitcher has been about as steady as they come ever since his arrival to the Royals in 2024. He has another season with the Royals after this one as well as a club option in 2028. Also in his second year, Caglianone is a piece the Royals need to begin to build around alongside guys like Jensen and superstar Bobby Witt Jr.