Kansas City Royals enter 2025 aiming to contend: ‘We think that we can really compete’
The Kansas City Royals got a taste of the MLB postseason in 2024. And it was a bittersweet sensation that drives their hunger for more.
“We’ve just got to do what we can do and that’s what’s so special about this,” Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said. “We kind of control our own destiny, I believe. And we’ve just got to take things one day at a time. I know that’s something we always talk about, but that’s a true thing.”
The Royals didn’t try to erase the sting of their American League Divisional Series exit against the New York Yankees. The club was eliminated in four games after a 3-1 loss at Kauffman Stadium last October.
Instead, the Royals have used it as motivation to return back to the playoffs and chase an AL Central crown.
“I think everybody knows how our season ended,” starter Cole Ragans said. “You know, we took that into the offseason and used it as a little bit of fuel. We know what it takes. We know how to get there. We know what it takes to get there. We’ve got to do a lot of the little things right.
“In a couple of weeks we’re getting rolling and back to that main goal of getting back to the postseason, making it even further and winning it.”
KC was active this offseason. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo retooled the roster with key free agent signings. The Royals retained starting pitchers Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen on lucrative deals.
The club also acquired Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds and signed former All-Star reliever Carlos Estévez on Friday. Both players were introduced to fans during Royals Rally on Saturday afternoon.
Estévez adds another high-leverage option to the Royals bullpen. He will get an opportunity to finish games alongside incumbent closer Lucas Erceg. Estévez, who signed a two-year deal, posted a 2.45 ERA and 26 saves with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies last season.
India will lead off for the Royals. His presence is expected to benefit Witt and the rest of the Royals lineup. Witt raved about India’s ability to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths.
“It’s a tone setter,” Witt said. “It’s just amazing to have him as part of this team just with talking to him the past few days and texting with him throughout the offseason. He is already a part of this team and he fits in perfectly. It’s going to be amazing to see what we have. ... It’s another little piece of the puzzle that is going to make us go to that next level.”
The Royals will compete for the AL Central alongside the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians. All four teams were in contention for a playoff spot last season with the Guardians winning the division and both the Royals and Tigers earning Wild Card spots.
The AL Central also features the Chicago White Sox, who are expected to be rebuilding this season.
The Royals look to improve after finishing 86-76 last season. It was a 30-win improvement from a disastrous 106-loss campaign in 2023. Picollo mentioned the team is in a good spot with a strengthened starting rotation and bullpen.
“We want to go to the playoffs every year, compete every year and win our division every year,” Picollo said. “That’s what the goals are. We’ve got the right makeup. A lot of the same faces are back and the guys we added have been there before.”
The Royals will report to spring training in Surprise, Arizona, in February. Pitchers and catchers are slated to report on Feb. 12 and the first full-squad workout is on Feb. 17.
As spring training is on the horizon, the Royals are content with their current roster. Picollo attempted to add a middle of the order bat but shifted to the relief market in recent weeks. The decision was made to pursue Estévez to round out the bullpen.
It was a choice that was signed off by Royals owner John Sherman.
“We tried hard on some marquee outfield bats and we are continuing to talk with some guys,” Sherman said. “But I think it’s about what makes our team better. Estévez was a big add to our team. It made our team a lot better.”
The Royals have pitching as their foundation. The offense will be buoyed by Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. There is hope a few players, such as MJ Melendez and Maikel Garcia, continue to develop and veteran outfielder Hunter Renfroe returns to form in 2025.
“The upside of our team is going to be reflective of those guys maybe making big strides,” Picollo said. “If they make big strides, then our lineup is going to be really good.”
Royals manager Matt Quatraro agrees. He is hopeful the club can take the necessary steps to improve and return to the postseason.
“We have a good team,” Quatraro said. “These guys play hard. They get after it and they take pride in playing for the city. And we think that we can really compete.”
This story was originally published February 1, 2025 at 5:19 PM.
