As the Kansas City Royals concluded their 2024 campaign, the taste of a narrow ALDS defeat lingered, a 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 4 spelling the end of a promising playoff run. Despite the disappointment, this season has renewed hope for a franchise that hadn't seen the postseason since their storied 2015 championship run.
Royals' Remarkable Turnaround
The season was a testament to renewed vigor, with the Royals achieving an impressive turnaround, improving their win total by a staggering 30 games compared to 2023. This resurgence was enough to punch their ticket to the playoffs, marking a new era for the team faithful who had long endured a postseason drought.
Entering the playoffs, the Royals delivered a statement by sweeping the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series. This dominant performance displayed the potential brewing within the team, but the momentum was ultimately halted by the Yankees.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Star on the Rise
In the center of this newfound success was the emergence of Bobby Witt Jr., who delivered a standout season with a single-season WAR of 9.4, placing him among elite company. At just 24 years old, Witt Jr. became the 11th player to achieve a single-season WAR of 9.0 or greater before turning 25 in the Integrated Era, a remarkable feat indicating a bright future.
Despite the Royals’ exit, Witt Jr.'s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he is expected to finish second in the AL MVP race in 2024. With Witt Jr. under contract with the Royals through at least the 2030 season, the team has a cornerstone around which to build their future aspirations.
Offseason Questions and Prospects
As the Royals transition into offseason mode, critical questions loom over the roster. The pending free agency status of Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith leaves key slots open, requiring strategic decisions from the front office.
Michael Wacha's future also holds a question mark, albeit of a different kind. The right-hander possesses a $16 million player option for the 2025 season, and his decision could significantly impact the Royals' pitching corps.
Fortunately, the Royals have stability in their rotation with Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer, all under contract or team control through at least 2025. This offers a solid foundation to build upon as they explore the free-agent market.
Areas for Improvement
Despite their successes, the Royals have clear areas needing attention. In 2024, they ranked 13th in MLB for runs scored but languished at 20th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+). Particularly concerning were the performances at third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter, which combined for a batting line of .226/.281/.356—lagging behind the major-league average of .242/.311/.402 for these positions.
Addressing these gaps will be crucial, with plenty of opportunities presented in the upcoming free-agent market. Potential targets like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández offer avenues to bolster offensive output and align with the club’s pursuit of a balanced lineup.
The dust may have settled on the season, but the Royals' journey is far from over. With a strong core and strategic offseason maneuvers, Kansas City has the potential to build on the promising strides of 2024, edging closer to their next championship chapter.