BALTIMORE — Fifteen months ago, on a particular night, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo was situated in his suite at Kauffman Stadium, contemplating a trade proposal involving the Texas Rangers.
The proposed trade aimed to transfer Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman to Texas in exchange for a young left-handed pitcher named Cole Ragans, but Picollo had some reservations. For one, there was the timing: it was still late June, and more than a month remained before the trade deadline. Additionally, there was the matter of value; although Ragans was a former first-round draft pick, that was seven years prior, and he had endured two Tommy John surgeries since then.
As the Royals were facing the Cleveland Guardians in Kansas City, plummeting toward a staggering 106 losses, Picollo decided to adopt a survey approach, asking his staff to weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of the deal.
“Ultimately,” one lieutenant informed Picollo, “I would approve this trade.”
Later in the innings, another staff member approached him.
At the end of the day, I would do this deal.
“I heard that echoed three or four times throughout the night,” Picollo recalls. “At the end of the day, I would do this deal.”
It wasn’t long after that, as Chapman was jogging in from the bullpen, that Picollo experienced a revelation. If Chapman suffered an injury that evening, it would indeed mark the end of the day. One of the most sought-after relievers would provide nothing in return. Consequently, Picollo went home that night and reached out to Rangers general manager Chris Young.
This narrative seemed particularly pertinent on Tuesday night at Camden Yards, as Ragans delivered six scoreless innings during the Royals’ 1-0 triumph over the Orioles in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series. In his first-ever postseason start, 26-year-old Ragans unleashed 98-mph fastballs, confounded the Orioles with an array of offspeed pitches, and concluded the night with eight strikeouts and no walks.
His performance was the sort characteristic of a dominating ace, with the only minor disruption being a calf cramp that concluded his outing after just 80 pitches. Such a showing is exactly what the Royals have come to expect from Ragans.
“Pure electricity,” remarked Royals closer Lucas Erceg, who earned a four-out save. “He’s determined.”
“He pitched exceptionally well,” manager Matt Quatraro stated. “That was incredible.”
“I intend to have many more starts,” Ragans commented, addressing the cramps. “So I wanted to avoid pushing it.”
The charm of October baseball is ever-present. On Wednesday afternoon, the Royals are set to send right-hander Seth Lugo to the mound, aiming to complete a sweep of the Orioles in the best-of-three-game series and advance to face the“`html
Aroldis Chapman pitched well for a going-nowhere Royals team; he helped the franchise more with his departure. (Rhona Wise / USA TODAY)
The trade undoubtedly proved exceptional for Texas, which secured its inaugural World Series title last October. However, Ragans has evolved into an unexpected powerhouse that even the Royals did not foresee.
As Picollo remarked, “Had I known that, I would have completed the trade three weeks sooner.”
Such are the serendipitous turns that can transform a team with 106 losses into a contender for the World Series. Upon Ragans’s arrival last summer, he connected with pitching coach Brian Sweeney, returned to Triple A, revamped his pitching style, and achieved a 2.64 ERA across 12 starts. This impressive performance caught the attention of the American League and positioned Ragans as a dark horse candidate for the Cy Young award at the start of this season. Quatraro was particularly pleased when the left-handed pitcher reported to spring training still bearing the chip on his shoulder.
“Cole approached both the offseason and spring training with the mindset of someone trying to earn a position on the team; he didn’t even consider the possibility of being the Opening Day starter,” Quatraro noted. “That speaks volumes about his humility.”
This mentality propelled Ragans to his first All-Star Game appearance and allowed him to finish the regular season with a 3.14 ERA and an impressive league-high of 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Additionally, his attitude positively influenced a clubhouse where the starting rotation sets the example. This past winter, the Royals enhanced their rotation by signing Lugo and Michael Wacha. The improved caliber of pitchers seemed to inspire homegrown starter Brady Singer, a former first-round pick. However, looking back, the initial catalyst for a revitalized rotation—now regarded as one of the best during the postseason—was Ragans’s emergence.
“That was the beginning of it,” Picollo highlighted.
The very fact that the Royals had Chapman to begin with was indicative of a restructured front office. Chapman had experienced a tumultuous and underwhelming final season in New York in
Ragans had a flawless performance, leading to an exhilarating scene as a wave of ecstatic players flooded through the clubhouse doors, accompanied by the beats of Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.”. Moments later, in a quiet corner of the room at Camden Yards, catcher Salvador Perez reflected on the history of baseball.
It was nine years ago when he caught Chris Young in the World Series. Last year, Young sent an ace to Kansas City.
“Chappy is one of the top closers in baseball,” Perez remarked. “And Chappy was instrumental in helping him secure a World Series title. So I believe it was a favorable trade.”
In this instance, it benefitted everyone.
But particularly the Royals.
(Top Photo of Ragans: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
From Trade Doubts to Postseason Triumph: The Rise of Cole Ragans and the Royals’ Rebirth
The Journey of Cole Ragans
Cole Ragans’ path to the Kansas City Royals has been anything but straightforward. A former highly-regarded prospect, he faced numerous challenges, including injuries and the pressures of high expectations. Initially drafted by the Texas Rangers, Ragans’ career was marred by setbacks, raising doubts about his future in Major League Baseball (MLB). However, through perseverance and a renewed focus, Ragans transformed his game and emerged as a pivotal player for the Royals during their surprising postseason run.
Early Career Struggles
- Injury Setbacks: Ragans experienced Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for a significant period, complicating his development.
- Trade Speculations: As he struggled with consistency, trade discussions surrounding Ragans intensified, leading to uncertainty about his long-term role in the league.
Finding His Groove
After joining the Royals in a trade that surprised many, Ragans began to rediscover his form. The change of scenery proved beneficial, allowing him to reset and focus on his mechanics.
- Improvement in Mechanics: Coaches worked closely with him to refine his delivery and pitch selection, which led to increased confidence on the mound.
- Enhanced Performance: Ragans showcased his potential, achieving a significant strikeout rate and a lower earned run average (ERA) as he adapted to his new environment.
The Royals’ Resurgence
Ragans’ development coincided with a turning point for the Royals. Historically a franchise with a rich history, the team had struggled to find its footing in recent years. The combination of emerging talent and strategic management decisions sparked a revival.
Key Factors in the Royals’ Rebirth
- Strong Draft Classes: The Royals focused on rebuilding through the draft, acquiring promising young talent that complemented their existing roster.
- Effective Trades: Strategic trades, including the acquisition of Ragans, injected fresh energy into the team and provided much-needed depth in critical positions.
- Management Philosophy: The front office adopted a forward-thinking approach, embracing analytics to optimize player performance and game strategies.
Postseason Aspirations
As the 2024 season progressed, the Royals found themselves in the thick of the playoff race, largely due to the contributions of players like Cole Ragans. His performances became critical in tight games, exemplifying the team’s resilience and tenacity.
Cole Ragans in the Playoffs
Ragans’ role in the Royals’ postseason push materialized as he emerged as a key starter. His ability to handle pressure and deliver in crucial moments made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the clubhouse.
Recent Performance Highlights
| Game | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | Earned Runs | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card vs. Orioles | 5 | 7 | 2 | Win |
| Regular Season Finale | 6 | 10 | 3 | Win |
In the recent Wild Card playoff game against the Baltimore Orioles, Ragans left the game after pitching five solid innings with seven strikeouts, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Although he exited due to leg cramps while at only 80 pitches, his performance reinforced his value to the team [[1](https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article293336209.html)].
Benefits of Cole Ragans’ Impact on the Royals
1. Increased Team Morale
Ragans’ success has provided a significant morale boost to the Royals. His perseverance is an inspiring story for teammates, fostering a culture of resilience and commitment.
2. Elevating Young Talent
As a developing ace, Ragans’ performance has encouraged other young pitchers on the roster to elevate their game, knowing they have a reliable leader to emulate.
3. Fan Engagement
The excitement surrounding Ragans’ performances has reinvigorated the fan base, drawing larger crowds to the Kauffman Stadium and enhancing overall engagement with the team.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
Inspired by Cole Ragans’ journey? Here are some practical tips for aspiring baseball players looking to overcome challenges and succeed:
- Focus on Development: Prioritize skill development over immediate results. Consistency won’t come overnight.
- Seek Feedback: Work closely with coaches and mentors to refine your technique and understand areas for improvement.
- Stay Resilient: Embrace setbacks as part of the journey. Maintain a positive attitude to push through tough times.
- Engage with the Community: Build relationships with teammates and fans; a strong support system is invaluable.
Case Study: The Impact of a Strong Pitcher on Team Dynamics
Ragans serves as an excellent case study on how a strong pitcher can alter team dynamics. His ascent to a starting role has had tangible effects:
- Leadership: Ragans’ presence has catalyzed a culture of accountability among younger pitchers, elevating the standards of performance.
- Pitching Depth: His ability to pitch deep into games has alleviated pressure on the bullpen, leading to better overall performance.
The Royals’ prospects for postseason success remain strong, and much of that hinges on the continued performance of Cole Ragans. As he continues to thrive, the franchise is undoubtedly on a trajectory toward reclaiming its status as a formidable contender in Major League Baseball.
