The Kansas City Royals have surprised many this season by being competitive in the AL Central with a 26-19 record, only 1.5 games out of first place. After a dismal 2023 season where they tied a franchise record for losses, the team’s front office made significant moves in the offseason. This included signing eight free agents to major-league contracts, extending their young star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and making other key acquisitions to bolster the pitching staff.
The signing of Bobby Witt Jr. to an 11-year deal worth $288.8 million was a pivotal move for the Royals. Witt Jr. has been a standout player this season, leading the team with his strong performance both offensively and defensively. His 2.8 WAR is the best in the American League, positioning him as a strong MVP candidate if he maintains his impressive level of play throughout the season.
In addition to Witt Jr.’s standout performance, the Royals’ pitching staff has also been strengthened with the signings of Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Lugo has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, boasting a 1.66 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. While Wacha hasn’t been as spectacular, he has provided stability to the rotation. The addition of reliever John Schreiber through a trade has also bolstered the bullpen.
Kansas City’s coaching staff has played a significant role in the improvement of returning players such as Alec Marsh, Brady Singer, and Salvador Perez. These players have shown improvement in their performance, contributing to the team’s success this season. However, not all of the team’s offseason acquisitions have performed as expected, with some struggling at the plate or on the mound.
Despite some hits and misses, the 2024 Royals are markedly improved from the previous season. With a playoff odds of 64.6% based on their current standing, the team is looking to further invest in the roster to strengthen their lineup. With a relatively low payroll and room for improvement in offensive production, the Royals may need to be active at the trade deadline to address any shortcomings and continue their push for the playoffs.
Overall, the active offseason moves made by the Kansas City Royals have accelerated their rebuilding process and unexpectedly put them in contention this season. The team’s success so far illustrates the impact of strategic acquisitions and player development. As they continue to show improvement on the field, the Royals are looking to build on their early success and make a strong push for a playoff berth in the competitive AL Central division.
