The Kansas City Royals concluded their 2024 campaign with a notable yet bittersweet trek through the postseason, ending in a narrow 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS). For Royals fans, the season was a remarkable blend of resurgence and promise; a year that saw the team improve their win total by an impressive 30 games over their 2023 performance.
A Return to October
This season marked a significant milestone for the Royals, as it was their first playoff appearance since clinching the World Series title in 2015. Kansas City's journey back to October baseball was highlighted by a commanding sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series, affirming the team's rejuvenation on the national stage.
The Phenomenon of Bobby Witt Jr.
Central to the Royals' resurgence was the extraordinary performance of Bobby Witt Jr., who not only delivered a stellar season but also etched his name in the annals of baseball history. Witt achieved a jaw-dropping single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, becoming only the 11th player to reach such a feat before turning 25 in the Integrated Era. His performance has set him up to likely finish second in the American League MVP race, an impressive accolade for a player still under contract through at least the 2030 season.
Roster Changes on the Horizon
As the Royals look towards the future, several key players are poised to enter free agency, including Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and veteran closer Will Smith. Meanwhile, Michael Wacha will be weighing the decision of a $16 million player option for the 2025 season. The pitching staff, featuring Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer, remains secured under contract or team control through at least 2025, providing a solid foundation for the future.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the season's successes, the Royals have clear areas needing improvement. Offensively, while they ranked 13th in Major League Baseball for runs scored, their standing slipped to 20th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+), indicating room for the lineup's enhancement in efficiency. This was most evident in the production from third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter positions, which collectively posted a batting line of .226/.281/.356—underperforming compared to the major league average of .242/.311/.402 for those spots.
A Glimpse at the Offseason Market
As the offseason approaches, the Royals will be eyeing the free-agent market for opportunities to bolster their lineup. Options like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández present themselves as potential targets to address the offensive gaps and propel the team further in their pursuit of postseason success.
For the Royals, the 2024 season was a clear message to the rest of the league: Kansas City has broken free from recent strife and is on its way to reclaiming its position as a formidable opponent in baseball's competitive landscape. With a young, dynamic leader in Bobby Witt Jr. and the strategic reshuffling of their roster, the Royals are laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in their storied history.