The Kansas City Royals’ 2024 season came to a heart-breaking close as they fell 3-1 to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS). Despite the abrupt finish, the season marked a significant step forward for the Royals, who burst back into the postseason for the first time since their awe-inspiring 2015 championship run. With a notable 30-game improvement in their win total from the previous year, 2024 was a promising chapter in the franchise's history.
A Remarkable Turnaround
The Royals' return to postseason play was punctuated by an impressive sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series. This assertive display highlighted a team re-energized and ready to compete on baseball's biggest stage once more. Central to this resurgence was the performance of Bobby Witt Jr., whose campaign was nothing short of extraordinary.
In 2024, Witt Jr. made waves by achieving a single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, etching his name in the record books as only the 11th player to reach a WAR of 9.0 or greater before turning 25 in the Integrated Era. His standout performance is expected to earn him a second-place finish in the American League MVP race, underscoring his value and impact on the team. Secured under contract through the 2030 season, the Royals can build around Witt Jr., providing stability and star power to the franchise’s lineup for years to come.
Looking Ahead to Free Agency
As Kansas City shifts its focus to the offseason, several players such as Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith are poised to test the waters of free agency. Meanwhile, Michael Wacha holds a $16 million player option for the 2025 season, presenting another layer of decisions for the Royals' front office. The team's pitching foundation remains solid, with Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer all under contract or team control through at least 2025, providing a stable core from which to build their rotation.
Offensively, there are areas that clearly need enhancement. The Royals ranked 13th in Major League Baseball in runs scored for the season, but the contributions from key positions left much to be desired. Their production from third base, left field, center field, and the designated hitter was a collective .226/.281/.356, trailing the league average of .242/.311/.402. This discrepancy indicates the need for bolstering their lineup, with the free-agent market offering potential targets like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández.
Building for the Future
The challenge ahead for Kansas City lies not only in maintaining momentum but enhancing their roster to position themselves as perennial contenders in the American League. Strategic free-agent acquisitions coupled with the continued development of their young stars could see the Royals bridging the gap between potential and performance.
In a league that values both patience and shrewd decision-making, the Royals' resurgence is a reminder of baseball's ebbs and flows. The strides made during the 2024 season set the foundation for what could be a new era of competitive baseball in Kansas City. As they look to the future, the organization, players, and fans will hope the lessons learned lead to sustained success and perhaps another shot at championship glory.