As the 2024 season winds down, fans in Kansas City are left reflecting on a year that brought unexpected excitement and promise to a Royals team on the rise. Following a remarkable turnaround from their previous campaign, the Royals showed grit and determination, ultimately falling 3-1 to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS). Though the loss is fresh, the Royals have much to celebrate and plenty to look forward to.
A Season of Rejuvenation
The Royals made a significant leap in 2024, with a stunning 30-game improvement in their win total from the previous season. After years of languishing in MLB's lower echelons since their last playoff appearance and championship run in 2015, this year marked a much-anticipated return to postseason baseball for Kansas City. The 2024 season was a statement of intent that injected new life into the franchise.
The Royals' postseason journey began with a clean sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series, setting the stage for a showdown against the Yankees in the ALDS. Although the Royals fell short against the Bronx Bombers, ending their playoff run, their performance has set the franchise on an optimistic trajectory.
The Growth of Bobby Witt Jr.
No player embodied the Royals' resurgence in 2024 more than Bobby Witt Jr. The young phenom had a breakout season, boasting a single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, making him just the 11th player in MLB's Integrated Era to achieve a WAR of 9.0 or greater before turning 25. His stellar performance has placed him in line to finish second in the American League MVP race, an impressive accolade for a player so early in his career.
Witt Jr.'s development is more than just a dream come true for the Royals faithful; it provides the franchise with a crucial building block for future success. Secured under contract through at least 2030, the Royals will look to Witt Jr. as the cornerstone of their ongoing rebuild.
Free Agency and Team Dynamics
As they head into the offseason, the Royals face several pivotal decisions. Veterans Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith are among those poised to enter free agency. Their potential departures will test the Royals' ability to balance roster depth with budget constraints.
Meanwhile, pitcher Michael Wacha has a $16 million player option for the 2025 season. The decision he makes will have a significant impact on the team's financial and strategic planning. Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer provide some continuity, being under contract or team control through at least 2025. A strong core of pitchers remains vital to complement the offensive strides made this year.
Offensive and Strategic Analysis
While the Royals showed notable improvements, they know there's still work to be done. They ranked 13th in MLB for runs scored; however, their performance in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) placed them 20th. Some specific areas require a hard look during the offseason. The performances from third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter spots collectively hit .226/.281/.356 in 2024, falling short of the major league average of .242/.311/.402. Addressing these deficiencies will be vital if the Royals aim to carry momentum into 2025.
The impending free-agent market provides opportunity for improvement, featuring players like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández, who could bolster weak spots in Kansas City's lineup. Strategic acquisitions could provide the needed lift and inject further dynamism into the team’s offense.
As the dust settles on a season filled with achievement and potential, the Royals are in a prime position to build on 2024's unexpected successes. They have rekindled hope in Kansas City, and with shrewd decision-making in the coming months, they seem poised to turn this season's gains into enduring excellence, with an eye fixed firmly on the future.