New year, new Kansas City Royals? Here are 5 bold predictions for the 2024 MLB season
January has arrived and with it comes a fresh start. It’s a new year that’s already filled with a slew of resolutions.
For the Kansas City Royals, a hard reset couldn’t have come at a better time. Last season, the Royals posted a franchise-worst 56-106 record. It was their eighth consecutive year without a winning campaign.
KC is primed to contend this season. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo was aggressive this offseason in restoring various holes. The Royals signed two starters — Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha — and a host of relievers.
Pitching was the key objective. However, KC also added power-hitting slugger Hunter Renfroe and three-time World Series champion closer Will Smith.
The additions will support a developing young core. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as a future superstar by posting a 30-30 season. Witt, 23, hit .276 with 30 home runs, 96 RBIs and 49 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is set to return this season. Pasquantino missed 101 games after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He hit .247 with 17 doubles, nine home runs and 26 RBIs prior to the injury.
“I mean, technically speaking, I’m healthy for the first time in a year and a half,” Pasquantino said at the 2023 Winter Meetings. “So I don’t have to really do maintenance on (the shoulder) like I did last year. I just had to get it fixed and do PT and get it strong. And now we’re good to go.”
Spring training is a little over six weeks away. Here are five bold predictions for the Royals heading into the 2024 season.
Bobby Witt Jr. earns first All-Star nod
This one seems like a forgone conclusion. Witt put together a historic 2023 campaign that included his jersey being commemorated in Cooperstown.
Witt became the first Royals player to produce a 30-30 season. After a slow start, he took off following the All-Star break. Witt produced a .301 batting average and had a .906 OPS (on-base + slugging) in the second half.
There were several highlight moments. Witt hit an inside-the-park home run against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 14. He also drilled a walk-off grand slam to vanquish the Minnesota Twins on July 28.
Witt emerged as the Royals’ best player last season. He should continue his superstar ascension in 2024.
If he does, Witt should represent the Royals in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. It would be a special homecoming for the Texas native.
Royals win 81 games, compete in AL Central
A lot didn’t go right for the Royals last season. The offense sputtered for long stretches and the pitching staff was inconsistent. It resulted in 56 wins and a fifth-place finish in the American League Central.
The Royals hope for better results next season. Picollo made a point to add winning veterans. The additions of Lugo, Wacha, Smith, Renfroe, Chris Stratton and Garrett Hampson each have postseason experience.
Meanwhile the trade acquisitions of Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright will add value in both the short-term and future.
The Royals went 30-41 after the All-Star Break. They had the highest win percentage increase from the first half to the second half. KC also won 12 of its last 18 games.
The AL Central is in flux. The Minnesota Twins won the division with 87 victories last season. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians haven’t established themselves from the pack.
The Royals have a legitimate chance to join the mix. Health will remain a question mark throughout the 2024 season. However, KC playing .500 baseball and competing is not unfathomable.
Nelson Velázquez hits 30 home runs
The Royals made an underrated trade to acquire Nelson Velázquez last season. KC sent reliever Jose Cuas to the Chicago Cubs in the deal.
The trade worked out for both sides. Cuas filled a key role in the Cubs bullpen and Velázquez shined with consistent playing time. Velázquez blasted 17 home runs (14 with the Royals) in 53 games.
Velázquez hit one home run for every 9.53 at-bats last season. It was the highest rate (minimum 100 at-bats) in the majors. If he logged a full season, Velázquez was on pace for 51 home runs in 162 games.
Although it’s a small sample size, Velázquez offers a lot of value. He could operate as the Royals’ primary designated hitter to begin the season. Velázquez can also play the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup if he isn’t needed at DH for select games.
The Royals had one player reach 30 home runs last season. Velázquez could add his name to the list in 2024.
Cole Ragans leads American League in strikeouts
The Royals found a gem in Cole Ragans last season.
Ragans, who was acquired from the Texas Rangers for Aroldis Chapman, shined as the Royals’ best starting pitcher. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 12 starts following the trade. He also was named the AL Pitcher of the Month for August.
There is a lot to like about Ragans. The southpaw has an overpowering fastball and dynamic changeup. He also mixed in a cutter, curveball and slider to his pitching repertoire last season.
Ragans limited opponents to a .195 batting average with the Royals. He also produced a 28.8 strikeout percentage and led the AL with 86 strikeouts from Aug. 1 to the end of the season.
In that span, Ragans posted a 11.6 K/9 (strikeouts per nine innings). There is a chance Ragans can improve on those numbers with a full season. He is still developing as a pitcher and will have the veteran guidance of Lugo and Wacha in 2024.
Ragans had 113 strikeouts in 96 innings last season. By comparison, Toronto Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman led the AL with 237 strikeouts in 185 innings.
Ragans could make a push up the AL strikeout leaderboard. He just might finish atop the list with a strong year.
Tyler Gentry emerges as Royals’ next breakout prospect
The Royals have high hopes for outfield prospect Tyler Gentry. This offseason, KC made sure to protect him from entering the Rule 5 Draft. Gentry is now on the 40-man roster and he has earned his spot.
Gentry, 24, is the Royals’ No. 8 prospect. He thrived with Triple-A Omaha last season as he hit .253 with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, 28 doubles and 14 stolen bases. Additionally, Gentry also recorded 81 walks.
Gentry is a name to watch in spring training. He has shown vast improvement throughout the Royals’ minor-league system. If Gentry has a strong showing in Arizona, he could be a candidate to make his MLB debut later in the season.
