Kansas City Royals pitcher Sam Long has become one of the more recognizable faces over the past two years. The left-hander’s journey from a minor-league comeback to a reliable MLB reliever has drawn plenty of attention.
Off the field, Long’s personal life has been just as eventful, with his wife, Kendall, often sharing glimpses of their growing family and coastal getaways online. Kendall and Sam recently revealed that they are expecting their first child, marking a new milestone in their lives.
The couple has been documenting the journey through maternity photos and lifestyle updates. Kendall, who often collaborates with brands on social media, was recently featured by Beach Metal Club, a handmade jewelry label she supports.
In a recent post shared by the brand, Kendall posed in an off-white bikini during a sunny beach outing. The photo showed her enjoying the ocean breeze while accessorizing with layered necklaces and sleek sunglasses.
“We love you,” they captioned the PICTURE.
Back on the field, Sam Long continues to work through a demanding MLB season. The Royals’ lefty started strong in 2024, posting solid numbers out of the bullpen before running into injury troubles in 2025. He missed part of the season due to elbow inflammation, but has since returned to action
His flashes of form, especially in high-leverage innings, have kept him in the conversation as a dependable arm for Kansas City moving forward. As Long regains momentum on the mound, Kendall continues to grow her own following online.
Sam Long’s Workload Needs to be Re-Evaluated
After a breakout season in 2024, the left-handed reliever struggled to find consistency this year. His 2025 campaign has been a major step back from what many hoped would be his long-term breakthrough.
Long appeared in 39 games but produced one of his roughest statistical lines to date. He finished with a 5.36 ERA, nearly matching his career worst, and an inflated 1.74 WHIP, easily the highest of his big-league career.
Perhaps the biggest red flag is the sudden drop in strikeouts. In 2024, he punched out 44 hitters across 42.2 innings, showing swing-and-miss stuff and poise in late-game situations. This season, that edge disappeared. His strikeout totals dropped sharply, while his walk rate and hard-contact percentage climbed.
At this stage, Long’s body of work is uneven. He’s now had more seasons with an ERA above 5.00 than ones below it, and his reliability has taken a hit. For the Royals, that creates a clear dilemma heading into 2026, whether to give him a lighter bullpen role or explore a change of scenery entirely. Next season will likely define Long’s future with the team.
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