As the 2024 Major League Baseball season draws to a close, the Kansas City Royals find themselves reflecting on a year of remarkable progress and unmet potential. While their journey was ultimately halted by a narrow 3-1 defeat to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), there is much to celebrate in a season marked by notable achievements and promising improvements.
A Season of Growth
The Royals demonstrated significant progress in 2024, improving their win total by an impressive 30 games compared to the previous year. This surge was enough to secure their first playoff berth since their triumphant 2015 championship run, rekindling the hopes of their dedicated fanbase. The journey included a decisive sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series, signaling the Royals’ resurgence on the postseason stage.
The Rising Star of Bobby Witt Jr.
Central to the Royals’ success was the outstanding performance of Bobby Witt Jr., whose blend of talent and youth has captured the attention of the entire league. Witt recorded a stunning single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, an achievement that places him among an elite group of only 11 players to have reached a single-season WAR of 9.0 or greater before turning 25 in the Integrated Era.
Witt’s extraordinary contributions have not gone unnoticed, and he is anticipated to finish second in the American League MVP race for 2024. With a contract secure with the Royals through at least the 2030 season, fans can look forward to many more seasons of his electrifying play.
Assessing Offseason Moves
As the offseason approaches, the Royals face critical decisions in shaping their roster for continued competitive success. Several key players, including Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith, are poised to enter free agency, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the team’s management.
Moreover, Michael Wacha has a $16 million player option for the 2025 season, a decision that could significantly impact the Royals' rotation moving forward. Additionally, pitchers Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer remain under contract or team control through at least 2025, providing some stability amidst potential free-agent departures.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the team’s encouraging progression, there remain areas of concern that need addressing. The Royals ranked 13th in Major League Baseball (MLB) for runs scored, but their position slipped to 20th when considering weighted runs created plus (wRC+), suggesting that offensive efficiency could be improved.
Specific positional batting averages reveal further struggles, with the trio of third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter spots collectively hitting just .226/.281/.356. This is notably below the major-league average of .242/.311/.402 for those positions. Such performance metrics highlight a need for enhancement in those key offensive areas if the Royals hope to sustain their upward trajectory.
The Free-Agent Market
Looking to bolster their lineup, the Royals will be keeping a close eye on the upcoming free-agent market. Notable options could include Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández, both known for their offensive capabilities and potential to invigorate the Royals' batting order.
The Royals' front office faces the complex task of navigating free agency while maintaining the core that drove their 2024 success. The balance between retaining key players and making strategic acquisitions will define their offseason strategy.
As the Kansas City Royals project forward from a season of considerable advancement, the aspirations of both the team and their supporters are undoubtedly high. The blend of promising young talent, like Bobby Witt Jr., and the strategic maneuvering in the offseason will determine if the Royals can sustain this positive momentum. With eyes set on another playoff run, replicating or even surpassing the triumphs of 2024 remains the ultimate goal.