The Royals added 2 key starters this offseason. Will KC’s defense take another step?
Not much went right for the Kansas City Royals during the 2023 season. The Royals struggled to produce quality starts, finish games and score enough runs.
Royals general manager J.J. Picollo addressed those deficiencies this offseason. The Royals signed two veteran starters — Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo — while acquiring key high-leverage relievers.
Picollo also added power-hitting slugger Hunter Renfroe. The veteran outfielder recorded 20 home runs, 60 RBIs and 31 doubles in 140 games for the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds last season.
Wacha and Lugo add a new dimension to the Royals’ staff. They are contact pitchers that rely on their defense to be successful.
“I’m not the prototypical strikeout pitcher,” Wacha said. “I feel like I can go get a strikeout whenever I need to. But that’s not what I’m trying to do out there on the mound. (I’m) trying to get outs. I like filling up the zone. I like letting the defense work behind me.”
The Royals just so happen to have an emerging defensive unit.
Last season, the Royals reached new heights under infield coach José Alguacil. He brought a different fundamental approach, such as funneling and range exercises, to help players improve.
Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. saw a decrease in errors. He committed 12 errors and turned 69 double plays in 525 defensive chances. In his first MLB season, Witt had the ninth-most errors (16) at his position.
Meanwhile, Royals second baseman Michael Massey developed a quicker first-step that increased his fielding range. Maikel Garcia also settled into a full-time role at third base during his rookie season.
“Maikel coming up and doing what he did was phenomenal,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You know, you saw the big improvements in Massey’s range and Bobby’s consistency. So every rep they get is invaluable. But, you know, these guys will have the ball and play behind (the new pitchers). So they’re gonna get tested again.”
Wacha posted a 3.22 last season with the San Diego Padres. He walked just 43 batters in 134 1/3 innings and generated a 35.2% ground-ball percentage.
Lugo had similar numbers with the Padres. He recorded 140 strikeouts, 36 walks and 17 quality starts in 146 1/3 innings. He limited opponents to a .249 batting average and registered a 6.0% walk percentage.
“There’s no free passes here,” Wacha said. “We’re filling it up and letting the defense work behind you. I feel like that is the best way to keep the pace of the game going. It’s the best way to keep everybody on their toes. It’s the best way to get back in the dugout as quick as possible so the offense can get back to scoring some runs.”
Both pitchers will look to benefit from a spacious Kauffman Stadium. The outfield dimensions work to their advantage. It also gives outfielders, such as Renfroe, Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez, opportunities to make plays behind them.
“I feel like I cover more ground better when I’m in the outfield where it’s a little bit bigger,” Renfroe said. “You know ... I say it’s natural as far as the outfield dimensions. There’s no sharp edges, there’s no jet-outs.
“And that seems to help me as an outfielder because I can just use my athletic ability and just go run down balls, throw the ball, cut it off in the gap and in relay. So I feel like that’s where I succeed better, and (the) best is when the outfield is big and it’s vast.”
Renfroe has 65 outfield assists since his MLB debut. He also was named a Gold Glove finalist during the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
The Royals plan to play Renfroe in a corner outfield spot. Isbel, who had a .995 fielding percentage, is slated to resume his role in center field.
Melendez will get a chance to nail down the final outfield spot in spring training. However, he could have competition from teammates Garrett Hampson, Nelson Velázquez and others.
Quatraro has options to deploy his defensive alignment. The additions of Wacha and Lugo make it important to have the best defenders in the field behind them. It will play a key role in the Royals’ chances to win games.
“I think to have the guys that are taking the ball consistently throughout the year, knowing that they can win in the big leagues, is a big deal,” Quatraro said.
