As the Kansas City Royals conclude their 2024 season, fans and analysts alike are reflecting on what has been a momentous year for the team. Despite the season ending with a narrow 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), the Royals have much to celebrate after an impressive turnaround.
A Remarkable Improvement
The Royals' resurgence in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. Commanding the field with vigor, they improved their win total by 30 games compared to their 2023 performance. This significant leap ensured them their first playoff berth since their memorable 2015 championship victory. Their postseason journey began with a dominant sweep of the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series, befittingly echoing the team’s tenacity and skill throughout the year.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines Bright
Amidst the team’s successes, Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as a beacon of talent and potential. The young player posted a spectacular single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4, placing him among an elite group—he became only the 11th player to achieve a WAR of 9.0 or greater in a season before turning 25 during the Integrated Era. Witt is expected to finish the season as runner-up in the American League Most Valuable Player (AL MVP) voting, an accolade that speaks volumes about his contributions to the Royals’ success.
Secured under contract through at least the 2030 season, Witt stands as a pillar of the Royals' long-term strategy, providing both stability and star power as they look to build on their 2024 accomplishments.
Free Agency and Contractual Considerations
While Witt remains a cornerstone, the Royals face decisions with several key players. Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith are entering free agency, presenting both challenges and opportunities for roster adjustments in the offseason. Meanwhile, Michael Wacha has a $16 million player option for 2025, adding another layer to the team’s financial and strategic planning.
However, the Royals have a base of continuity with pitchers Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer, all of whom are under contract or team control through at least 2025. This offers some reassurance as the franchise navigates the offseason and beyond.
Offensive Insights and Challenges
Offensively, the Royals have shown both strengths and areas for improvement. The team ranked 13th in MLB for runs scored during the 2024 season, demonstrating offensive prowess. However, their placement at 20th for weighted runs created plus (wRC+) indicates there is room for enhanced efficiency and productivity at the plate.
Digging deeper into the statistics reveals that the Royals’ third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter positions posted a collective slash line of .226/.281/.356. This line trails the major-league averages for these positions, which were .242/.311/.402 in 2024, suggesting a clear area for improvement if the Royals are to bolster their lineup effectively.
The free-agent market offers potential reinforcements in the form of players like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández, who could provide the offensive spark needed in Kansas City’s lineup for future campaigns.
A Glimpse Into a Promising Future
The 2024 season has set a hopeful precedent for the Royals, igniting aspirations for continued success. With emerging stars like Bobby Witt Jr., a marked improvement in team performance, and critical decisions looming in free agency, the path forward for Kansas City is filled with both promise and potential pitfalls.
As the dust settles on this transformative season, the Royals and their fans can take confidence from what they have achieved while remaining keenly aware of the work that lies ahead. The journey from here promises to be as thrilling and enigmatic as the season that has just unfurled.