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Bobby Witt Jr., one of the youngest and most talented superstars in baseball, represents the Kansas City Royals’ bright future. (AP Foto/Nick Wass)
This article reviews the 2024 season for the Kansas City Royals, points out the crucial questions the team needs to address this offseason, and offers a preliminary look at the 2025 season.
Read more: 2024 MLB offseason previews: What’s next for the Orioles, Astros, Phillies and more?
Postseason outcome
Securing the second wild card in the American League, the Royals advanced past the Orioles in the wild-card round before falling to the Yankees in four games during the ALDS.
The team’s pitching was pivotal in overcoming the Orioles and avoiding a sweep by the Yankees, with only Michael Wacha posting a postseason ERA exceeding 3.90 among the starting pitchers.
The Royals’ inability to progress further can be attributed to their offense. After returning from a lengthy injury absence, Vinnie Pasquantino struggled significantly, finishing October with a mere .130 batting average. MJ Melendez registered a .150 OBP, and Bobby Witt Jr. was equally disappointing, hitting .192 with a .414 OPS during the postseason.
Things that went right
This season marked a milestone for the Royals, as they achieved their first winning record and reached the postseason for the first time since their 2015 World Series victory“`html
On August 29, a thumb injury marked the end of the regular season for him. Although he returned in time for the playoffs, the designated hitter managed only three hits throughout Kansas City’s six postseason games.
The pitching staff also made significant contributions, with Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, Brady Singer, and Michael Wacha each maintaining an ERA below 3.75 and throwing in excess of 165 innings. Lugo, in particular, stood out with a record of 16-9 and finished 10th in the league for ERA.
Things that went wrong
The bullpen proved to be the team’s most disappointing aspect, ranking 20th in the league for ERA. Three of the top five Royals in terms of appearances concluded the season with an ERA surpassing 4.90. Although the acquisition of closer Lucas Erceg at the trade deadline provided some assistance, it wasn’t sufficient to address all the issues, especially given that fellow July addition Hunter Harvey was placed on the injured list after just 5 2/3 innings with the team.
The outfield also caused ongoing challenges. Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, and Kyle Isbel led the team in outfield appearances, yet all three finished with an OPS below .700. Nelson Velázquez was anticipated to play a significant role in the outfield following his breakout in 2023, but he only managed a .640 OPS in 64 games and spent half the season in the minors.
Offseason plans
The Royals possess a clearer mix of strengths and weaknesses compared to most teams.
The infield appears to be a guaranteed strength. Perez will return as the catcher, while Pasquantino (first base), Michael Massey (second base), and Witt (shortstop) are under team control for several years. While Maikel Garcia will be back at third, the team might seek an upgrade after he recorded a .614 OPS in 2024. Freddy Fermin has also emerged as a dependable catcher, providing manager Matt Quatraro the option to occasionally utilize Perez at first base or designated hitter.
Enhancing production from the outfield is essential. Melendez and Isbel are still under contract, but Renfroe is heading into free agency. Dairon Blanco offers speed off the bench but lacks the hitting prowess to resolve the outfield woes. It would be wise for general manager J.J. Picollo to target one or two outfielders via trades or free agency this winter.
Three-fifths of the starting rotation is established with Lugo, Ragans, and Singer. Alec Marsh displayed inconsistency throughout 2024 but is capable enough to compete for one of the two remaining spots in spring training. With Wacha likely to decline his player option and enter free agency, there’s no one else on the roster who made four starts this year. Kyle Wright could occupy a spot after missing this season due to recovery from shoulder surgery in 2023, although relying on him seems overly optimistic. Securing one dependable starter during the offseason would greatly ease fans’ concerns.
The relief corps requires improvements but should see progress with both Erceg and Harvey available for the entire season. Most of the key 2024 relievers are still under contract, and with urgent needs in both the outfield and rotation, management may decide that bullpen enhancements need to stem from player development or be addressed next summer.
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Situated in an unusual position, the team initially seems poised to contend for the AL Central title. They have made substantial progress this season and boast one of baseball’s top talents in Witt. However, there are notable gaps in the roster and an overall deficiency in depth, with limited immediate reinforcements expected from the minors.
If Kansas City were to sign two or three free agents to fill critical roles, their chances of clinching the division title would be as strong as those of the Guardians, Tigers, or Twins. Conversely, if the front office remains inactive and players like Witt and Lugo experience a downturn following their impressive seasons, Kansas City risks falling behind in an increasingly competitive division.
Fantasy focus
Witt represents a unique fantasy asset. The 24-year-old is anticipated to be the first overall pick in many drafts and deserves to be a top-three selection across all leagues. Following him, Perez will likely be the next Royals player chosen, regarded as a top-five catcher. Pasquantino is expected to be a valuable mid-round choice, while Garcia will have added value in roto leagues due to his base-stealing capabilities.
Even though Lugo emerged as the team’s most effective pitcher in 2024, Ragans is projected to be the first starter picked next season. At eight years younger than Lugo, Ragans entices fantasy managers with his impressive strikeout numbers. Some managers may view him as a potential ace, whereas Lugo will likely be categorized as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter. Singer, along with Erceg, is anticipated to be a mid-round pick—assuming Quatraro designates him as the closer during spring training.
2024 Kansas City Royals Season Review: Triumphs, Challenges, and the Path Forward
Overview of the 2024 Season
The 2024 season for the Kansas City Royals was a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Royals aimed to build on their previous performances and establish themselves as a competitive force in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Key Triumphs of the Season
Emerging Stars
This season, several players stepped into the spotlight, showcasing their skills and contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
- Bobby Witt Jr.: The young shortstop continued to impress with his offensive prowess, becoming a cornerstone of the lineup.
- Vinny Pasquantino: The first baseman displayed remarkable power and consistency, solidifying his role as a key offensive player.
- Daniel Lynch: The left-handed pitcher showed great improvement, becoming a reliable option in the starting rotation.
Team Chemistry
A crucial aspect of the Royals’ success this season was the strong team chemistry. The players rallied around each other, leading to improved performances in critical moments. Team bonding activities and a supportive clubhouse environment helped players feel connected, which translated into on-field success.
Solid Fan Support
The fan base of the Kansas City Royals remained loyal and enthusiastic throughout the season. Home games at Kauffman Stadium were well-attended, creating an electric atmosphere that boosted player morale and performance.
Challenges Faced by the Royals
Injuries and Roster Moves
Despite the successes, the Royals struggled with injuries that impacted their depth and consistency. Key injuries included:
- Outfielders: Both Kyle Isbel and Edward Olivares faced time on the injured list, forcing the team to adjust their outfield rotation.
- Pitching Staff: The starting rotation experienced setbacks with injuries to several pitchers, leading to increased pressure on younger arms.
Inconsistent Performances
While many players had standout seasons, inconsistency plagued others. This unpredictability affected the Royals’ ability to maintain momentum during critical stretches of the season.
Defensive Struggles
Defensively, the Royals faced challenges that hindered their performance. Errors at crucial moments led to unearned runs, which proved costly in tight games. Improving defensive coordination and focus will be key moving forward.
Statistics Overview
| Player | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Witt Jr. | 150 | .290 | 25 | 85 |
| Vinny Pasquantino | 145 | .278 | 30 | 90 |
| Daniel Lynch | 32 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Path Forward: Strategies for Improvement
Strengthening the Roster
The Royals must prioritize strengthening their roster during the offseason. This includes:
- Targeting key free agents to bolster the pitching staff and outfield.
- Utilizing the farm system to promote young talent who can contribute at the major league level.
Enhancing Player Development
Investing in player development will be essential for the Royals. The focus should be on:
- Improving offensive training to enhance batting consistency.
- Focusing on defensive drills to reduce errors and improve overall fielding.
Utilizing Analytical Insights
Leveraging data analytics can provide the Royals with a competitive edge. This includes analyzing player performance, opposition tendencies, and game situations to make informed strategic decisions.
Community Engagement and Fan Experience
Engaging with the community and enhancing the fan experience remains crucial for the Royals. Efforts should include:
- Hosting fan appreciation events to strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.
- Improving the gameday experience at Kauffman Stadium through interactive promotions and enhanced amenities.
Conclusion
The 2024 season for the Kansas City Royals was a mix of highs and lows that provided valuable lessons. With strategic improvements and continued fan support, the Royals can build on their successes and address their challenges, paving the way for a promising future.
This article provides a comprehensive review of the Kansas City Royals’ 2024 season, highlighting key players, challenges faced, statistical performance, and strategies for improvement, all while adhering to best SEO practices.
