KC Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino boldly proclaims his team intends to win AL Central
It wasn’t quite like Babe Ruth calling his shot in the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs, but Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino effectively put the entire American League Central on notice.
“We want the AL Central,” Pasquantino said during Saturday’s Royals Rally at Kauffman Stadium. “We’re tired of looking at the (Minnesota) Twins and the (Cleveland) Guardians. We want it. It’s time to bring playoff baseball back to Kansas City and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Pasquantino, 26, is driven by hunger. It’s been several months since he stepped on a Major League field. Pasquantino missed 101 games last season due to shoulder surgery and has been biding his time with rest and rehab.
Now fully cleared, Pasquantino is ready to make a statement. The aptly nicknamed “Pasquatch” is ready to hunt again.
“I feel like an animal that’s been in a cage for nine months,” Pasquantino said. “That’s kind of the best way I would describe it as I’m ready to get out of the cage. And that last just opened a little bit, so I can taste it. One more week. I’ll be out there, ready to get it fired up.”
The good news: Pasquantino won’t be hunting alone.
The Royals added multiple MLB veterans this offseason. KC signed free-agent pitchers Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Will Smith and Chris Stratton. They also acquired reliever Nick Anderson and starter Kyle Wright from the Atlanta Braves.
Additionally, the Royals signed free-agent hitters Garrett Hampson, Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier. Each new signee will provide experience to a young Royals core.
“Just a building block of what’s to come,” Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said. “So, I think if you just keep stacking those bricks and keep taking it day by day. (You can) build a fortress.”
Witt is coming off a career season with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases. He became the first Royals player to reach the 30-30 plateau. The Royals made sure to surround him with more offense this season.
Pasquantino had nine home runs, 26 RBIs and 17 doubles prior to his injury. Meanwhile, Renfroe will provide additional power, and Frazier adds a consistent bat.
“Vinnie being back is like having a new player as well,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “Because that guy hits in the middle of our lineup, and he’s arguably, you know, our best hitter or one of our best hitters. So having him back is big.”
The Royals finished 56-106 last season. They got off to a slow start in April and dealt with multiple injuries to the pitching staff. It was clear the Royals needed additional depth.
Picollo revamped the starting rotation this offseason. Lugo and Wacha both arrive from the San Diego Padres. The Royals got a closer look at both players during a road series in San Diego last year.
Lugo allowed five runs against the Royals but finished the 2023 campaign with 17 quality starts. Meanwhile, Wacha pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out 11 batters against the Royals.
The Royals hope to get similar production this season. Lugo and Wacha are set to join the starting rotation alongside Cole Ragans, Brady Singer and Jordan Lyles.
“It’s always awesome,” Witt said. “I think Wacha threw 7 and 1/3 (innings of a) no-hitter against us. Yeah, definitely want those guys on our side.”
The Royals additions have also created a competitive environment. Several guys must earn their roster spot in spring training. There are opportunities to also study and learn from each new veteran.
“I think just, you know, they’ve stayed in this game for a long time,” Singer said. “They’ve played a lot of years. So that’s something that you know, I can learn how they have done it each and every year and to watch them have success. So I’m excited for that.”
It’s possible the Royals can make a jump in the AL Central. The Twins remain atop the division as the Guardians, Tigers and White Sox will be lurking. The Royals have a chance to join the conversation this season.
There is an old adage about being a hunter as opposed to the hunted. If the offseason is any indication, the Royals believe it’s their time to strike.
“The common thing in talking to all the free agents is they want to win,” Picollo said. “ ... They didn’t sign here to collect a paycheck. They signed here to compete and win the Central.”
This story was originally published February 3, 2024 at 7:10 PM.
