As the Kansas City Royals wrap up their 2024 season, they are left to reflect on both their hard-fought battles and the glimmers of promise that shone brightly this year. Despite suffering a narrow 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), the Royals have plenty to celebrate and build upon.
A Season of Impressive Turnaround
The Royals' 2024 performance marked a significant turnaround from their previous campaign. They improved their win total by 30 games compared to 2023, a testament to the resilience and growth within the team's ranks. Notably, this season saw Kansas City returning to the postseason for the first time since their triumphant World Series run in 2015.
A sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series demonstrated the team's potential to compete at high levels. It was a thrilling showcase of their capabilities and a hopeful precursor for the franchise's future aspirations.
The Rising Star: Bobby Witt Jr.
Amidst the team's success, Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as a standout player. The talented young infielder posted a staggering single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, a feat that made him the 11th player in the Integrated Era to achieve a WAR of 9.0 or greater before the age of 25. This accomplishment underscores his tremendous impact on the team, both defensively and offensively.
Witt Jr.'s contributions haven't gone unnoticed. He is projected to finish second in the American League MVP race in 2024, a recognition that solidifies his status as one of the league's budding superstars. Fans in Kansas City can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Witt Jr. is under contract through at least the 2030 season, providing a cornerstone for the Royals to build around.
The Financials: Free Agency and Options
Looking ahead, the Royals are poised to make crucial decisions in the offseason with several players, including Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith, set to enter free agency. Their management will need to weigh the pros and cons of retaining these players or exploring new opportunities in the market.
Additionally, Michael Wacha holds a $16 million player option for the 2025 season. It's a decision that could significantly impact the team's pitching staff and overall budget. Meanwhile, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer remain under contract or team control through at least 2025, offering some stability on the pitching front.
Offensive Performance: Room for Improvement
While the Royals' improvements were commendable, there are areas that require attention. In 2024, Kansas City ranked 13th in Major League Baseball (MLB) for runs scored, a respectable position but one that leaves room for growth. Their weighted runs created plus (wRC+), however, was a less impressive 20th in the league, indicating potential needs for offensive boosts.
Particularly concerning were the performances from third base, left field, center field, and the designated hitter spots, which together hit a paltry .226/.281/.356. This fell below the MLB average for these positions, where the combined batting rates were .242/.311/.402. Addressing these areas could be key to elevating the Royals' offensive game in the coming seasons.
Exploring the Market
The impending free-agent market offers intriguing possibilities for Kansas City. With options like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández available, the Royals have the opportunity to bolster their lineup with seasoned talent that could fill existing gaps and bring additional firepower.
As the team looks to build on this year's successes and address its shortcomings, the offseason becomes a pivotal time to strategize and reinforce the roster. Balancing financial resources while pursuing strategic player acquisitions will be critical for the Royals' journey forward.
The 2024 season, although concluded with a postseason exit, lays the groundwork for a promising future. With a young superstar in Bobby Witt Jr. and a revitalized sense of competitiveness, Kansas City aims to continue its ascent in baseball's ranks as they prepare for what lies ahead. The lessons learned will pave the way for a new era of Royals baseball, filled with hope and ambition.