As the curtain falls on the Kansas City Royals' 2024 season, fans of the club can look back on a year that delivered both excitement and heartache. The Royals made a valiant return to the playoffs for the first time since their triumphant 2015 championship run, only to experience a narrow 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS). While the season didn't end with the ultimate prize, there's much for the franchise and its followers to celebrate.
Remarkable Turnaround
One of the standout achievements for the Royals in 2024 was their remarkable improvement over the previous year. The team's win total skyrocketed by a staggering 30 games compared to 2023, showing a competitive edge and tenacity that had been missing in recent campaigns. This resurgence propelled them through a thrilling Wild Card Series, where they swept the Baltimore Orioles, further igniting hopes of a postseason fairy tale.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Stellar Performance
A significant part of the Royals' success story this year can be attributed to the sensational play of Bobby Witt Jr. The young star boasted a single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4 in 2024, placing him among an elite group of players. Witt Jr. became the 11th individual to achieve a single-season WAR of 9.0 or greater before reaching the age of 25 in the Integrated Era, a feat that underscores his extraordinary talent and importance to the Royals' lineup.
Recognizing his impressive contributions, Witt Jr. is anticipated to finish as the runner-up in the American League MVP race. The Royals have seemingly secured their cornerstone player, with Witt Jr. expected to remain under contract with the team through at least the 2030 season.
Offseason Decisions Loom
As the Royals set their sights on the future, they face several key offseason decisions that could shape the team's trajectory. Four players—Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith—are poised to enter free agency, presenting management with important choices regarding which talents to retain.
Moreover, Michael Wacha holds a $16 million player option for the 2025 season, adding another layer of complexity to the Royals' decision-making process. While Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer remain under contract or team control through at least 2025, the potential changes to the roster may impact the team's chemistry and performance in the upcoming season.
Areas for Improvement
Despite their successes, the Royals have clear areas in need of enhancement. In 2024, they ranked 13th in Major League Baseball for runs scored, indicating decent offensive production. However, their performance dipped to 20th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+), a statistic that suggests room for improvement in overall offensive efficiency.
Particularly concerning is the collective output from the Royals' third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter positions, which only mustered a modest .226/.281/.356 slash line. This is notably below the major-league average for these positions, which stood at .242/.311/.402 in 2024. Addressing these gaps will be crucial if the Royals wish to build on their recent successes and deepen their playoff aspirations.
Surveying the Market
With free agency on the horizon, the Royals will need to strategize about potential acquisitions to bolster their lineup. Notable free agents such as Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández could present viable options for Kansas City, should they decide to explore external enhancements.
As the offseason begins, the Royals must balance maintaining the core of their resurgent team while making smart additions. While 2024 showed the team’s potential, the next steps will dictate whether Kansas City can sustain and elevate its performance to compete with baseball’s elite consistently.
This season proved to be a springboard for renewed hope in Kansas City, igniting a passion akin to their past glory. The challenge now is to carry forward the momentum and build a legacy that echoes the successes of years gone by.