The Kansas City Royals were one of the worst teams in baseball last season with 106 losses. The front office made great improvements in many ways but there is still a long way to go.

2023 SEASON IN-REVIEW

Record: 56-106, 5th in AL Central

Postseason: N/A

It was another year without a trip to the postseason for the Royals. Since their World Series victory in 2015, Kansas City has not returned to the playoffs. The 2023 season marked the team’s third year with 100 or more losses since 2015.

2024 SEASON PREVIEW

Key Losses: SP Zach Greinke, RP Brad Keller, 3B Matt Duffy, RP Josh Staumont, OF Edward Olivares

Key Additions: SP Seth Lugo, SP Michael Wacha, RP Will Smith, RP Chris Stratton, OF Hunter Renfroe, 2B Adam Frazier, 2B Garrett Hampson, RP Nick Anderson

It was a busy offseason for the Royals. Who would have thought? Maybe losing 100 games has become a tired tradition in Kansas City. It is time to rebuild and it begins with keeping a star player in the lineup for years to come.

Kansas City and Bobby Witt Jr. agreed on a huge 11-year, $288-million contract extension this offseason. This smashes the previous record in Kansas City set by Salvador Perez (four years, $82 million). Witt Jr. hit .276 last season with 30 home runs and 96 RBI. He also stole 49 bases and scored 97 runs. The Royals have their cornerstone player in the lineup for the next decade plus.

The major problem for the Royals has been their pitching. It became thinner with losses from last year’s team. This was clearly a point of emphasis as the team added Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha in the rotation. Kansas City also added Will Smith and Chris Stratton to the bullpen. The rotation might not blow anyone away on paper but there is depth across the board with innings eaters. Cole Ragans returns as the ace of the staff and one that the Royals hope can be at the top for quite some time. He tossed 96 innings last season and pitched to a 3.47 ERA.

Witt Jr. will remain in the lineup with veteran catcher Perez. MJ Melendez has a chance to be a productive leadoff hitter. He is just 25 years old and can improve upon his power numbers as well. The Royals continued a mini spending spree that included Hunter Renfroe. He will provide a big of pop in the middle of the lineup. Along with Vinnie Pasquantino, this duo can come close to 50 home runs if healthy. Adam Frazier will also compete for a starting spot as a free agent addition.

There are some improvements made both in the lineup and rotation for Kansas City. This is not a team that will compete for a championship and even a chance in the playoffs seems like a long shot. Regardless, there are areas where the Royals will be better and that should reflect in the standings. Witt Jr. provides the excitement for baseball fans and this is a great place to start a rebuild.

Potential Starting Lineup

1. MJ Melendez, OF
2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS
3. Salvador Perez, C
4. Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B
5. Hunter Renfroe, OF
6. Michael Massey, 2B
7. Nelson Velazquez, DH
8. Kyle Isbel, OF
9. Maikel Garcia, 3B

Potential Rotation

• Cole Ragans
• Michael Wacha
• Seth Lugo
• Brady Singer
• Jordan Lyles

Final Record Prediction: 66-96