As the bright lights of October baseball dim on the Kansas City Royals' promising 2024 season, the team and its fans are left to reflect on a transformative year. The Royals, who clinched their first playoff appearance since their storied 2015 World Series championship run, experienced a bittersweet conclusion, narrowly losing 3-1 to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS).
A Remarkable Turnaround
Kansas City showcased a remarkable turnaround in 2024, improving their win total by an impressive 30 games compared to the previous year. This leap forward brought renewed excitement to a franchise that had been absent from the postseason stage for nearly a decade. Their success was built on the foundation of young talent and strategic roster moves that paid off when it mattered most.
In the Wild Card Series, the Royals demonstrated their resilience and potential by sweeping the Baltimore Orioles, setting the stage for their clash against the Yankees. While their postseason journey was cut short, the Royals' ability to rise to the occasion and contend with some of the league's best has undoubtedly rekindled hopes in Kansas City.
Stars Shining Bright
Central to the Royals' resurgence was the outstanding performance of Bobby Witt Jr. The young star, who is under contract with Kansas City through at least the 2030 season, was a revelation in 2024. Witt Jr. posted a remarkable single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, becoming only the 11th player to achieve a WAR of 9.0 or greater before the age of 25 in the Integrated Era. This accomplishment places him amongst the ranks of baseball's elite young talents.
With such a stellar performance, Witt Jr. is anticipated to finish second in the American League MVP race, cementing his status as a linchpin in the Royals' roster for years to come.
Challenges and Opportunities
As the Royals prepare for the offseason, they face both challenges and opportunities in maintaining and building their momentum. Several key players, including Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith, are poised to enter free agency. Decisions will need to be made about retaining these contributors or exploring the market for fresh talent.
Meanwhile, Michael Wacha holds a $16 million player option for the 2025 season, a decision that could impact the team's financial flexibility. The Royals will also retain Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer, who are under contract or team control through at least 2025, ensuring some stability in their pitching rotation.
Areas for Improvement
Despite their advancements, the Royals' offensive production highlighted areas in need of improvement. In 2024, they ranked 13th in Major League Baseball for runs scored and 20th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+). Specific areas of their lineup underperformed, with the third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter positions collectively hitting .226/.281/.356. This was below the major-league average of .242/.311/.402 for those spots, underscoring the need for upgrades to push the Royals closer to contention.
As the Royals look to reinforce these areas, the upcoming free-agent market presents viable options like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández who could provide additional offensive firepower.
The conclusion of the 2024 season, though not as triumphant as their 2015 journey, signals a new era of potential and promise for the Kansas City Royals. As they navigate the complexities of the offseason, the team stands on the precipice of further success, fueled by emerging talent and strategic acumen. The lessons of 2024 will inevitably shape their pursuit of a return to the pinnacle of baseball success in the seasons to come.