As the 2024 Major League Baseball season concluded for the Kansas City Royals, fans and analysts alike reflected on a year that revived the club's storied past and rekindled hope for the future. Despite ending their postseason journey with a tense 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), the Royals showcased a remarkable turnaround compared to the previous year.
A Season of Growth
The Royals' 2024 campaign was a testament to their significant development over a short period. Astonishingly, they improved their win total by 30 games compared to 2023, marking their first playoff appearance since the memorable 2015 championship run. The achievement was especially commendable considering the challenging competitive landscape of the league.
The journey to the postseason was highlighted by a dominant performance in the Wild Card Series, where Kansas City swept the Baltimore Orioles. This impressive feat set the stage for their clash against the Yankees in the ALDS, where they fell just short of progressing further.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Star Ascends
Among the key contributors to the Royals' success was the prodigious talent of Bobby Witt Jr. The young phenomenon posted a staggering single-season Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 9.4 in 2024, making him the 11th player to achieve a WAR of 9.0 or greater before the age of 25 since the advent of the Integrated Era. Such an accolade underscores Witt's star quality and potential for further brilliance in the years to come.
Experts project Witt Jr. to finish second in the American League MVP race for 2024, a testament to his significant impact and invaluable role in the Royals' resurgence. The Royals secured his talents through the 2030 season, ensuring that this pivotal figure remains central to their long-term ambitions.
Free Agency and Contract Scenarios
As the Royals transition into the offseason, they face crucial decisions regarding player contracts and free agency. Michael Lorenzen, Paul DeJong, Garrett Hampson, and Will Smith are set to explore free agency, and their potential departures could alter the team's composition significantly.
Pitcher Michael Wacha holds a $16 million player option for the 2025 season, and his decision will be closely watched. Alongside him, players like Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer remain under contract or team control through at least 2025, providing stability to the pitching staff.
Offensive Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite their overall success, the Royals' offense displayed areas in need of improvement. In 2024, the team ranked 13th in Major League Baseball for runs scored and 20th in weighted runs created plus (wRC+). While that reflects a decent offensive output, it highlights room for growth, especially when considering their specific struggles at third base, left field, center field, and designated hitter positions. These spots hit a combined .226/.281/.356, significantly below the major-league average of .242/.311/.402 for these positions.
The impending free-agent market offers the Royals potential avenues to bolster their offensive lineup, with players like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández available as attractive options. Adding such talent could enhance the team's offensive dynamics and ensure a more balanced attack moving forward.
The 2024 season for the Kansas City Royals was one of significant progress and demonstrated the team’s ability to compete at a high level. With a growing young core led by Bobby Witt Jr. and important decisions ahead in free agency and team strategy, the Royals are poised to continue their upward trajectory. While the narrow ALDS loss may sting, the road ahead holds promise and potential for continued success.